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
eyes
as his gaze passed over Camille. "Bidding will start at
felt Alexander
a voice
million," countered
figures climbed. The room hummed with excitement as the necklace became the center of a bidding war between a Saudi prince and a hedge fund manager. "Twenty-five million," the prince
manager shook his head, withdrawing from
The auctioneer beamed. "Twenty-five
the 'Ocean's Heart.' Do I
his
wide with shock. He met her gaze with a small smile, private despite
million dollars from Mr. Alexander Pierce," the auctioneer repeated, barely containing his delight. "Do I hear thirty-
Successfully unlocked!
for a moment, then hook
once... going twice..." The auctioneer paused
of excitement. Alexander stood, buttoning his jacket
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Chapter 122
had discussed their strategy for the evening in detail, and nowhere had it included Alexander bidding thirty million dollars
jewelry this beautiful deserves to be worn, not kept in a box. With your permission, I'd like to present this necklace to
and a fluttering excitement
his eyes held warmth only she could
me the
from her seat. Her legs felt unsteady as she walked toward him,
move, of phones discreetly
reached Alexander's side, turning
careful movements, he removed
it settled against Camille's collarbone as he fastened the clasp,
expression made her breath catch. This wasn't just for show, not just another strategic
with unexpected tenderness. "Perfect, he murmured,
1
polite peck for their audience, but a real kiss, deep and unhurried. Carnille felt herself responding without thought, her hands finding his
the moment for tomorrow's
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