Chapter 192
Chapter 192:
“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 human.
“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. Alexander discussed clean energy initiatives with the mayor. Yet they remained aware of each other across the room, exchanging glances that didn’t go unnoticed.
“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 the stage, eager for the evening’s proceedings to begin.
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-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by fifteen carats of diamonds, set in platinum. Truly extraordinary.” The auctioneer’s eyes twinkled as his gaze passed over Camille. “Bidding will start at ten million dollars.”
Beside her, Camille felt Alexander shift slightly, his shoulders straightening. “Ten million,” called a voice from the back.
“Fifteen million,” countered another bidder.
Alexander remained 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 hedge fund manager.
“Twenty-five million,” the prince offered, his voice bored, as if the sum meant nothing.
The hedge fund manager shook his head, withdrawing from the contest. The auctioneer beamed. “Twenty-five million for the ‘Ocean’s Heart.’ Do I hear twenty-six?”
.
.
.