Chapter 14

The night of the auction was as grand as the runway itself, if not more so.

Gie had never attended one of these events before, despite designing for some of the wealthiest collectors in the world. Usually, her pieces were handled through private representatives, sent discreetly to the highest bidders without her ever having to witness the process.

But tonight, she was here.

And so was he.

The Auction House of the Elite

The ballroom had been transformed into an auction house fit for royalty.

Golden chandeliers cast warm light over sleek, black tables arranged in tiers, each one assigned to the most powerful bidders in attendance.

There was no shouting, no chaotic gestures—this was not a public auction.

Here, exclusivity reigned.

Each bidder had a discreet electronic panel at their seat, where they could input their bids silently, their numbers appearing on the master screen for all to see.

No one needed to flash their wealth—they simply pressed a button, and the price skyrocketed.

Laurent was in his element, seated near the front, dressed in his signature navy and gold, looking every bit the fashion royalty he was.

Gie, however, was seated a row behind him—partially by choice, partially because Laurent had commanded her presence but didn't trust her not to bolt halfway through the night.

She was fine.

Or at least, she had been fine—until she saw him.

Alexander Millers in the Flesh.

Her breath caught the moment her eyes landed on him.

She wasn't expecting him to be here. Their last meeting in the stone bidding has been faded in her memory on how hectic her week has been.

This night, adrenaline is rushing through her veins.

Most billionaires sent representatives for these things—advisors, art collectors, financial agents who handled the messy business of spending obscene amounts of money.

But Alexander Millers was not a man who followed the rules.

He was seated in the exclusive VIP row, near the private, invitation-only tier, where only the most powerful buyers sat.

And God—he looked dangerous tonight.

Dressed in a black velvet tuxedo, the jacket open just enough to reveal a hint of his chest, sharp lapels accentuating his broad shoulders.

Her earring was still on him.

The black diamond caught the light, nestled against his ear like it belonged there, like it had always belonged there.

But it wasn't just the way he looked that stole her breath—it was the way he carried himself.

Relaxed.

Unbothered.

Like he wasn't sitting in a room full of the wealthiest, most powerful people on the planet—like he owned the room without ever needing to declare it.

She didn't even realize she was staring until Alina nudged her.

"You're drooling."

"I—I am not!" Gie whispered back harshly, dragging her eyes away.

Alina smirked. "Oh, babe, you absolutely are."

Gie ignored her, focusing on the stage where the bidding had begun.

The Bidding War Begins

Laurent's garments went first.

One by one, the pieces were paraded on elegant models, each step calculated, each display designed to ignite the hunger of the elite.

The first dress—a sheer, hand-embroidered gown that looked like it had been woven from gold threads—sold for $1.2 million.

The second—a crimson silk masterpiece, the very one that had closed the runway, went for $2.8 million.

By the time the final dress was auctioned, the numbers had climbed to ridiculous amounts, and Laurent sat back in his seat, smug as hell, sipping on champagne.

Then—

It was time for the jewelry.

Gie's heart pounded.

The Battle for Her Art

The first piece up for bidding was the sapphire collar necklace—the one designed to mimic the night sky.

"$500,000," the auctioneer started.

Instantly, the numbers rose.

$600,000.

$800,000.

$1.1 million.

Gie sat frozen, watching in stunned silence as the price soared higher and higher, each bid submitted with the click of a button.

Laurent leaned over, whispering in her ear. "See? I told you—they crave you."

The final bid for the necklace landed at $2.3 million.

Gie barely had time to process it before the next piece—the black pearl choker—opened at $750,000.

$900,000.

$1.5 million.

$2 million.

It sold for $2.6 million.

Gie's mind was spinning.

The numbers kept climbing, each piece breaking the million-dollar mark, the demand for her work escalating to levels she had never imagined.

And then—

The final piece.

The ruby and onyx statement ring.

The one she had designed to look like a blooming flower edged in danger.

The auctioneer began.

"$1 million."

"$1.5 million."

"$2.5 million."

And then—

A single bid appeared on the screen.

$5 million.

The room fell silent.

Gie's breath hitched.

Laurent stiffened beside her.

Alina grabbed her wrist.

And then—slowly, she turned her gaze back to the VIP row.

Back to him.

Alexander Millers had placed the bid.

His expression was calm, unreadable, effortless, as if he had just bid $5 million on a piece of jewelry like it was pocket change.

Her ring.

He had bought her ring.

Laurent let out a slow, knowing laugh, clapping his hands once. "Oh, ma chérie… he is playing a game, and I love it."

Gie couldn't breathe.

She didn't know what this meant.

Did it mean anything at all?

All she knew was that her heart wouldn't stop racing.

And for the first time in her life, she wondered—

Was she the one being collected now?