The Auction

FOUR WEEKS LATER

Zara swallowed hard, her grip tightening around Zavier's arm. Her stomach twisted, a mix of nerves and anticipation churning inside her.

"Zavier… maybe I shouldn't have joined this," she murmured as they stepped into the grand auction hall.

Her hot red mermaid gown, adorned with delicate pearls, swept elegantly across the polished marble floor. Around them, clusters of business moguls and real estate executives engaged in hushed conversations, their words were filled with excitement, anticipation and silent competition.

Zavier exhaled, squeezing her arm gently to reassure her. "Zara, if they don't choose your design, that's their loss. It's the best I've ever seen."

Zara wanted to believe that, but doubt still gnawed at her.

 "And don't worry about the shareholders," Zavier added, lowering his voice. "I have a trump card if they start pressing you."