Chapter 17 : The Billionaire’s Captive

Celeste felt frozen in place.

She couldn't believe what she had just heard.

Her name had been announced on stage, as if she were an object up for bidding. As if she were nothing more than a trophy in Alistair's twisted game of dominance.

The eyes of the guests roamed over her—some with blatant interest, others with curiosity. But there was only one person who remained completely unsurprised.

Alistair.

He sat calmly beside her, his fingers still wrapped around her waist, gripping her with an undeniable sense of ownership.

Celeste tried to take a breath, but her chest felt impossibly tight. She wanted to speak, to refuse, to scream that this was all a mistake.

But before she could utter a single word, the host's voice echoed through the hall once more.

"We will begin the bidding at ten million dollars."

Ten million?

Celeste felt sick. This was insanity. This wasn't an auction for antiques or diamonds—this was her life!

Someone in the crowd raised a paddle. "Fifteen million."

Celeste's eyes widened in horror.

No. This couldn't be happening.

"Twenty million," another voice followed.

Her hands trembled. She turned to Alistair, desperate to see any sign that this was some kind of twisted joke, something that would end any second now.

But Alistair only smirked, drinking in every ounce of fear radiating from her.

Then, just as another bidder was about to speak—

"One hundred million."

Alistair's voice rang through the room.

Silence fell instantly.

Celeste couldn't breathe.

One hundred million.

No one could compete with that. No one was reckless enough to challenge him.

And that was exactly his intent.

"The highest bid has been placed," the host announced, his voice almost shaking in disbelief. "Mr. Alistair Montgomery, you have won."

Applause erupted around them.

Celeste felt her strength drain away.

There was no escape.

Alistair turned to her, a victorious smile curving his lips. He leaned in, his whisper sending chills down her spine.

"You belong to me, Celeste. And no one will ever take you away from me."

Her heart pounded wildly.

She knew—tonight was only the beginning of something far, far worse.

Celeste couldn't think clearly.

Everything was happening too fast. Too terrifying.

Alistair had won the auction with such an absurd amount, as if money meant nothing to him. And maybe it didn't. But what was more horrifying was… this wasn't about money.

This was about power.

About how he was making it clear that Celeste belonged to him.

The hall was still filled with applause, as if this were nothing more than entertainment. As if her dignity hadn't just been shattered in front of everyone.

She wanted to run. She wanted to fight.

But Alistair was faster. He pulled her up to her feet, his fingers wrapping around her wrist in an iron grip, giving her no room for resistance.

"Time to go," he whispered into her ear, his voice calm yet carrying a command that could not be defied.

Celeste held her breath. If she refused, what would happen?

But before she could even try to find a way out, Alistair was already leading her out of the hall. The guests merely smiled and whispered among themselves, letting them leave without much question.

As if this had been destined from the start.

By the time they reached outside, the door of Alistair's luxury car was already open, his driver waiting.

Celeste hesitated for a moment, but before she could think any further, Alistair pulled her inside.

The door shut. The sound of the lock clicking echoed in the small space.

They were alone.

Silence filled the confined interior, broken only by the sound of the engine coming to life.

Celeste tensed.

She could feel Alistair's gaze on her, even though she didn't dare look at him.

"Why so quiet?" His voice was relaxed, but there was something hidden beneath that calmness. "You should be thanking me, Celeste. I just saved you from the hands of people you don't even know."

Celeste clenched her fists. Saved her? This wasn't a rescue. This was a trap—one far worse.

Alistair let out a soft chuckle before reaching out, his fingers brushing against her chin as he tilted her face toward him.

"Look at me," he murmured.

Reluctantly, Celeste met his gaze.

And the moment she did, she regretted it.

His eyes burned with a dangerous intensity.

"I paid a high price for you, Celeste. And I'll make sure you understand exactly what that means."

Her heart pounded violently.

She was trapped.

And no one could save her now.