Chapter 65

Evelyn's almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly before she rolled them in exasperation.

Nathan's chiseled features darkened as he watched Julian flirt shamelessly with his ex-wife.

"Bro, how was my performance just now?" Julian grinned as he returned to his seat beside Nathan, nudging him playfully with his elbow.

"Impressive," Nathan replied through gritted teeth. His knuckles turned white as he added, "Do that again and I'll feed you to the sharks."

Julian pouted dramatically. "What did I do this time? You're more high-maintenance than all my ex-girlfriends combined!"

The first auction item was unveiled - a Renaissance landscape painting with intricate details. Though beautifully executed, the unknown artist meant the starting bid was only $1 million.

Nathan normally had little interest in historical artifacts, but years of exposure to Reginald's collection had given him an expert eye. He recognized this piece immediately - an exact replica of the original hanging in his grandfather's studio.

There was an important distinction between replicas and forgeries. High-quality reproductions could command respectable prices, but no collector would choose one over an authentic masterpiece.

"$1.5 million!"

"$2 million!"

"$3 million!"

Just as the auctioneer raised his gavel, a melodious voice cut through the murmurs.

"$5 million." Evelyn lifted her paddle with effortless grace.

The crowd turned as one to stare at this enigmatic beauty. Nathan studied Evelyn's profile, suspicion gnawing at him.

First, the painting wasn't worth half that amount. Second, having spent years assisting Reginald with his collection, Evelyn would know this was a reproduction. Why bid so extravagantly?

"$6 million!"

All heads swiveled toward the back where Victoria waved her paddle aggressively, determined to steal Evelyn's spotlight.

"$7 million." Evelyn countered calmly.

"$8 million!" Victoria practically shouted, drawing disapproving glances.

Penelope grew nervous. This was escalating beyond reason for an opening lot. "Should we bid too?" Cassandra whispered, jealous of Victoria's attention.

"Let them have their little battle," Penelope advised, knowing the truly valuable items would come later.

"$9 million." Evelyn raised her paddle with finality.

Penelope's stomach clenched. This far exceeded their gift budget for Reginald.

"$10 million!" Victoria crowed triumphantly.

The room erupted in murmurs.

Julian chuckled. "For a reproduction? I should send your ex-wife flowers - or maybe your fiancée deserves the bouquet?"

Nathan's jaw tightened, his interlaced fingers turning white at the knuckles.

"Victoria, stop!" Penelope hissed. "This is madness!"

Evelyn's eyes sparkled with mischief as she pretended to consider another bid before lowering her paddle.

"Sold to Ms. Sterling for $10 million!"

Victoria preened victoriously while Penelope looked ready to faint.

Outside, Theodore watched the proceedings through his phone with admiration. "Brilliant play, Evelyn. You made that viper pay ten times the value for a copy." He shook his head in awe. "You know exactly how to manipulate that woman's ego."