Chapter 4
“I thought this was just about antiques,” I said softly. “I don’t drink.”
Brandon’s grip on his glass tightened, knuckles turning white. He was trying–barely–to hide his temper.
“Suit yourself? Stay home too long and suddenly you can’t take a joke, won’t handle a drink–Jesus, why’d you even bother coming tonight?”
I took a slow step back, eyes locked on his.
“That’s what I should be asking you. What are you even, Bran-”
I never finished the sentence.
A sudden sting jabbed into my lower back.
A needle.
A hiss-
JAlmost instantly, my limbs went heavy, my vision blurred, and every sound turned to sludge.
“No need fro chatter,” someone said coldly. “One does is enough. She’s the main act tonight–can’t keep the big spenders waiting.”
“Good call prepping ahead, man. Valerie’s always been careful. If this didn’t land, half the room would’ve walked.”
Clarissa curled against Brandon’s shoulder like a cat, her tone syrupy with smugness.
“Valerie’s so lucky. All these powerful men desperate for her first night… tonight’s going to be unforgettable for her.”
I stumbled, barely staying upright. My eyes found Brandon’s–pleading, desperate..
“Please… don’t do this. I don’t anyone else…”
Don’t let them humiliate me. Don’t let me be used like this.
But he only pulled Clarissa closer, a cruel smirk tugging at his mouth.
“You’re always begging to be touched. Since I clearly can’t stomach it, might as well let someone else do the honors. Win–win, right?”
He ran his hands over Clarissa deliberately, every caress aimed to humiliate me.
I shut my eyes tight.
Even fear couldn’t keep me awake anymore.
Moments later, I was stripped bare–completely exposed–and sealed inside a crystal–clear display case behind the stage.
“Let me out…”
No one listened.
Everyone out there either worked for Brandon or was in his pocket. My voice meant nothing.
“Those old pervs are fighting over who gets the first look,” someone laughed. “Didn’t expect her to be this popular. Guess we won’t know the winner till the very end.”
Brandon’s face must’ve faltered, because another voice chimed in with a backslap.
“Chill. She won’t remember a damn thing. Just split the cut later and we’re golden.”
Their laughter faded.
I dug my nails into my thigh, struggling to stay awake. Stay conscious. Stay myself.
Chapter 4
44 44
Then, suddenly-
The glass lid opened.
Standing over me was Grandma Westwood, her gaze blazing with rage.
She barked an order, and her bodyguard wrapped me in a coat, lifting me out.
never thought Brandon would sink this low,” she muttered, voice shaking with rage.
She handed me a pen and pointed to the annulment papers.
“Sign.”
I didn’t hesitate.
Then she turned to her guard. “Get her to the airport.”
The moment I got in the car, everything went dark.
Back at the auction, the crowd crackled with excitement
“The final piece of the night–Maiden’s Dream–has reached a pre–bid of six hundred grand!”
“And someone’s just lit the sky lantern!”
Cheers exploded as the auctioneer pointed toward the balcony.
Brandon turned his head to look.
And froze.
There stood Grandma Westwood, holding up the marriage contract.
She walked straight up to him–and slapped the document across his face.
“If you don’t want Valerie as your wife,” she said coldly, “then as of this moment–she isn’t.“.
