Chapter 14. The Auction

Travis drummed his fingers on the polished mahogany desk, the soft glow of his laptop screen illuminating the intensity in his piercing blue eyes. The email from Camila blinked at him, concise but loaded—a meticulous collection of documents, analyses, and figures. Each file was critical intelligence that could tip the scales of the upcoming auction decisively in his favor. His mind raced, mentally organizing strategies, calculating risk, and anticipating Blake’s every move.

“Travis, any thoughts?” His assistant leaned over the screen, eyes tentative, as if afraid to break the spell of focus that had settled over him.

“Camila’s information is solid,” Travis replied, his voice calm but carrying an edge of satisfaction. A slight upturn appeared at the corner of his mouth—rare, almost imperceptible. “She’s done her homework. Every angle covered, every loophole anticipated. She’s thorough… brilli