Chapter 22

• The night proceeded, and soon the host took the stage, commanding the room's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for your generous donations tonight. The funds raised from this charity auction total an incredible one hundred and fifty million dollars." A hush of admiration rippled through the crowd before the host continued, "And now, we'd like to invite our highest bidder, who pledged a staggering forty-eight million, to join me on stage."
• The host's gaze swept over the tables until landing squarely on Valerie. Her eyes widened momentarily before flicking to Michael, silently seeking his approval. He offered the faintest of nods, rising from his seat and extending a hand to her.
• As they ascended the steps arm-in-arm, Bianca watched through narrowed eyes, a vicious envy clawing at her insides. How was it that Valerie, and not her beloved David, had emerged the highest bidder? And just where had Valerie's new husband procured such obscene wealth from? The thought that her wretched stepsister may have been born into riches all along, merely keeping a low profile, burned like acid in Bianca's throat.