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-
Ceylon sapphire surrounded by fifteen carats of diamonds, set in
eyes
over Camille. "Bidding will
her, Camille felt Alexander shift slightly, his shoulders
a voice from
million," countered another
became the center of a bidding war between a Saudi prince and a hedge fund manager.
fund manager shook his head, withdrawing
The auctioneer beamed. "Twenty-five
the 'Ocean's Heart.' Do I hear
his hand. "Thirty
silent. Camille turned to him, eyes wide with shock. He met
repeated, barely containing his delight. "Do I hear
Successfully unlocked!
Saudi prince considered for a moment, then hook his head
going twice..." The auctioneer paused dramatically. "Sold
stood, buttoning his jacket as he moved toward the stage to claim
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Chapter 122
discussed their strategy for the evening in detail, and nowhere had it included Alexander bidding thirty million dollars for a necklace. He accepted
"I believe jewelry this beautiful deserves to be worn, not kept in a box. With your permission, I'd like to present this necklace to the woman who has brought unexpected joy to my life." All eyes turned frozen,
fluttering
his eyes
me
seat. Her legs felt unsteady as she walked toward him, aware of hundreds
move,
Alexander's side, turning so
movements, he removed
The weight of it settled against Camille's collarbone as he fastened the clasp, his fingers
to face him again, something in his expression made her breath catch. This wasn't just for
cupped her face in his hands with unexpected tenderness. "Perfect, he murmured, quiet enough that only
1
deep and unhurried. Carnille felt herself responding without
them, capturing the moment for tomorrow's society
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