Chapter 193

Chapter 193:

Alexander raised his hand. “Thirty million.”

The room went utterly silent. Camille turned to him, eyes wide with shock. He met her gaze with a small smile, private despite their public setting.

“Thirty million dollars from Mr. Alexander Pierce,” the auctioneer repeated, barely containing his delight. “Do I hear thirty-one?”

The Saudi prince considered for a moment, then shook his head slightly, conceding defeat.

“Thirty million going once. Going twice…” The auctioneer paused dramatically. “Sold to Mr. Alexander Pierce!”

Applause erupted, this time with an undercurrent of excitement. Alexander stood, buttoning his jacket as he moved toward the stage to claim his purchase.

Camille watched him, her heart racing. This wasn’t planned. They had discussed their strategy for the evening in detail, and nowhere had it included Alexander bidding thirty million dollars for a necklace.

He accepted the velvet box, then turned to face the audience. “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 to Camille. She sat frozen, caught between self-consciousness and a fluttering excitement in her chest.

“Camille,” Alexander said formally, though his eyes held warmth only she could recognize. “Would you do me the honor?”

The room held its breath as Camille rose from her seat. Her legs felt unsteady as she walked toward him, aware of hundreds of eyes following her every move, of phones discreetly recording.

She reached Alexander’s side, turning so her back was to him. With careful movements, he removed the sapphire necklace from its velvet nest. The weight of it settled against Camille’s collarbone as he fastened the clasp, his fingers warm against her neck.

When she turned to face him again, something in his expression made her breath catch. This wasn’t just for show, not just another strategic move. This was real.

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Alexander cupped her face in his hands with unexpected tenderness. “Perfect,” he murmured, quiet enough that only she could hear. “It matches your eyes.” Then he kissed her, not a polite peck for their audience, but a real kiss, deep and unhurried. Camille felt herself responding without thought, her hands finding his shoulders, her body leaning into his as if they were alone instead of surrounded by New York’s elite.

The audience erupted in applause and cheers. Camera flashes surrounded them, capturing the moment for tomorrow’s society pages.

“You planned this,” Camille accused softly, her fingers touching the heavy sapphire at her throat.

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