Page 133 of near

Oliver plasters on his media look and steers us toward a cluster of older women in designer gowns, their necks laden with diamonds. “Ladies, you all look ravishing this evening. Have you met my wife, Gemma?”

The women coo over me, admiring my dress and asking superficial questions about our relationship. Oliver spins a tale of our whirlwind romance and fairytale wedding. If they only knew the truth.

As Oliver rambles on, my gaze drifts back to Elijah. He and Bash stand in the same spot, watching and drinking.

Then my brother breaks away, striding over to us. “Hello, beautiful ladies. It is such a pleasure to see you all here.”

The women ogle my brother.

“Sebastian, how wonderful you could join us!” Mrs. Wellington holds up her hand, and Bash kisses it.

“The pleasure is all mine.” His eyes lift to mine. “And Gem, my lovely sister, you look beautiful as always.” He kisses my cheek.

What is going on? This is not subtle.

“Sebastian. Long time no see,” Oliver says.

“Oh, Oliver, sorry. Didn’t see you there. Nice to have you here,” Bash says.

What is happening?

Oliver claps Bash on the back. “Likewise, my friend.”

“Think nothing of it. What is family for?” Oliver says.

“Right.” Bash raises his glass in a toast. “To family.”

The ladies join in the toast, as do Oliver and me. Something’s wrong.

“Well, if you lovely ladies will excuse me, I believe the auction is about to begin. May I escort you to your seats?” Bash offers Mrs. Wellington his arm and guides all of them to the auction after sending a mischievous wink in my direction.

Oh no. What is going on?

“Let’s go, Gem.” Oliver grabs my hand and drags me after him, his fingers tightly gripping mine.

We take our seats at the rear of the jam-packed hall where the auction occurs. I take my seat beside Oliver and bring my legs together, hyperaware of Oliver’s possessive grip on my hand.

Leaning over, Oliver brushes his lips against my ear. “You look absolutely ravishing tonight, my darling.” His voice drips with mocking sweetness.

I recoil. “Let’s get through this evening, shall we?”

Oliver chuckles. “As you wish, my pet. But remember who’s in control here.” His fingernails dig into the back of my hand in warning.

I clench my teeth, my eyes watering as I meet Elijah’s, watching us. Oliver is trying to provoke him.

Luckily, the lights dim, and the auctioneer steps up to the podium to begin. As lots come up for bid, Oliver raises his paddle, purchasing expensive item after item. It’s all for show, a way for him to flaunt his wealth and get him noticed.

At last, the final item is presented. A rare ring on a velvet pillow.

“This exquisite piece is from the fifteenth century and was once owned by a royal family. It’s decorated with one of the rarest gemstones. Alexandrite, also known as Emerald by day and ruby by night. The bidding starts at ten thousand,” the auctioneer says.

Elijah raises his paddle for the first time, and immediately Oliver raises his with a challenging arch of his brow.

As the auctioneer calls out higher numbers, I watch Elijah with rapt attention. His face is an emotionless mask as he raises his paddle, matching every bid.

Beside me, Oliver is becoming more and more desperate. His knuckles are white on his paddle, and there’s a slight tremble as he raises it again.

“One hundred thousand.” His voice is strained as he calls out the number.

---