Chapter 122

The Metropolitan Museum sparkled under crystal chandeliers as New York's wealthiest gathered for the annual Children's Hospital Benefit Auction. Camille stood just outside the entrance, her heart

pounding against her ribs. Tonight marked their first public appearance as an acknowledged couple since the press conference three days ago.

"Nervous?" Alexander asked beside her, his hand warm against the small of her back

She smoothed her midnight blue gown. "A little. Everyone will be watching us."

"Let them watch," he replied. "We have nothing to hide anymore."

The double doors opened. A hundred heads turned as they entered together. Conversations paused. For one breathless moment, the entire room seemed frozen, assessing, judging.

Then applause broke out, scattered at first, then spreading until it filled the hall. People were actually clapping for them, smiling in approval. Camille felt Alexander's hand tighten slightly on her back, a silent signal of shared surprise.

"Well," she murmured, maintaining her smile as they moved forward, "that wasn't what I expected."

As they mingled through the crowd, Camille noticed the changed atmosphere. These

same people had viewed her primarily as Victoria Kane's protégée before. Now they approached with newfound interest, as if her relationship with Alexander had somehow made her more accessible, more hur "Everyone's staring," she whispered as they accepted champagne.

"Not staring," Alexander corrected. "Admiring."

They separated for a while, a deliberate choice to show their independence despite their connection. Camille spoke with hospital board members about the new pediatric wing Kane Industries had funded. Alexa "He can't take his eyes off you," remarked Eleanor Westfield, chairwoman of the hospital board. "It's refreshing to see genuine feeling in this room for once."

The auction began at nine. Guests moved toward the arrangement of chairs facing a small stage. Camille felt Alexander beside her again, his hand finding hers as they took their seats.

After several items were auctioned, the auctioneer lifted a black velvet box. "Our next

item, ladies and gentlemen, is truly exceptional. From the private collection of the Whitmore family, the 'Ocean's Heart' necklace."

An assistant opened the box, revealing a stunning creation that drew audible gasps. A massive sapphire, deep blue and flawless, hung suspended from

a cascade of diamonds that caught the light like captured stars.

"This historic piece features a twenty-

fifteen carats of diamonds, set in platinum. Truly extraordinary." The

eyes

as his gaze passed over Camille. "Bidding will

Camille felt Alexander

million," called a

countered

silent as the figures climbed. The room hummed with excitement as the necklace became the center of a bidding war between a Saudi prince and a

fund manager shook his

The auctioneer beamed. "Twenty-five

the 'Ocean's Heart.' Do I

his

Camille turned to him, eyes wide with shock. He met her

repeated, barely containing his delight. "Do I hear

Successfully unlocked!

a moment, then hook his

The auctioneer paused dramatically.

undercurrent of excitement. Alexander stood, buttoning his jacket as he moved toward

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Chapter 122

their strategy for the evening in detail, and nowhere had it included Alexander bidding thirty million

in a box. With your permission, I'd like to present this necklace to the woman who

and a fluttering

eyes

do me

as Camille rose from her seat. Her legs

her every move, of phones discreetly

Alexander's side, turning so her

movements, he

The weight of it settled against Camille's collarbone as he fastened the clasp, his fingers warm

expression made her breath catch. This wasn't just

unexpected tenderness. "Perfect, he murmured, quiet enough that only she could hear. "It

1

without thought, her hands finding his shoulders, her body leaning into his as if they w The audience erupted in applause and

the moment for tomorrow's society

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