Chapter 2

When Dominic looked up, Ariana caught a glimpse of unfathomable darkness in his eyes. Perhaps it was his natural authority, born of power, but being caught in such a compromising position didn't faze him in the slightest. With casual deliberation, he slipped the photograph under his pillow, his long fingers methodically adjusting the alarming bulge in his tailored pants. In mere seconds, he’d reverted to his usual detached, ascetic demeanor, as if the man losing control moments before had been a figment of her imagination. “Anything, Miss Reeves?” he asked coolly, leaning back slightly to create distance between them.

He was always like this. The mere photograph of Mia could drive him to desperation, yet in Ariana’s presence, he acted like a Catholic priest with a vow of celibacy. Ariana’s nails dug into her palm as she pictured Mia’s bland, unremarkable face. Her sister’s body was as curvy as hers, her features not as striking, yet somehow everyone fell for that manufactured innocence act. Whatever. She had beauty, money, and curves in all the right places. From today forward, she was washing her hands of anyone who didn’t appreciate what she offered.

“There’s an auction tomorrow night. You’ll accompany me,” she instructed flatly before turning to leave.

Dominic frowned. “I believe I requested two days off…”

“I heard Mia will be there,” she said without looking back.

After a moment of silence, his deep voice replied, “Understood, Miss Reeves.”

Ariana felt a sting in her heart, like a needle prick. Of course; mention Mia’s name, and he’d break any rule, abandon any principle. That’s fine. Soon enough, she would personally deliver him to Mia’s side.

The next morning, Ariana had barely stepped outside the villa when she spotted Dominic already waiting by the car. His black suit accentuated his perfect physique—broad shoulders and narrow waist—while the morning light cast a golden edge along his stern profile. In the past, she would have deliberately tried to provoke a reaction—pretending to twist her ankle and falling into his arms, or whispering in his ear with her lips close enough to feel his heart. Today, she simply got into the car without expression, not even sparing him a single glance. Dominic seemed surprised, studying her for a beat longer than usual before silently sliding into the passenger seat.

As the car headed toward the auction house, Ariana stared out the window. Unlike her usual self, she didn’t fabricate excuses to make conversation. The silence between them was so complete that their breathing was the only sound. The auction was being held at the city’s most prestigious hotel. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand hall like daylight, while the air was perfumed with the expensive fragrances worn by the social elite.

Ariana halted abruptly when she spotted Mia standing with a group of society girls. Her half-sister wore a white sundress, her straight black hair falling over her shoulders—the picture of sweet innocence. Though he still positioned himself near Ariana, fulfilling his bodyguard duties, she could feel his attention completely captivated by Mia.

A whispered conversation between two elegantly dressed women nearby reached Ariana’s ears: “What a winter romance! Yet here is the auction now? Was she sadly walled with suitors, and she hadn’t expressed a choice?” One of the women added, “Perhaps she’s not trying to be so particular…”

Chapter 2 (continued)

Dominic’s brow furrowed slightly, his gaze toward Ariana reflecting barely concealed disgust. Mia seized the opportunity, tugging at Dominic’s sleeve. “Dom, I heard that when I had a fever and was craving those raspberry macarons, you braved that terrible storm at midnight to bring them to me? I’m so sorry I couldn’t thank you properly—I was quite delirious with fever and then on bed rest for days.”

Dominic’s severe features instantly softened. “It was nothing, Miss Mia. I was in the area anyway.”

“In the area?” Ariana almost laughed aloud. That night he’d disappeared for five hours and returned soaking wet. So that was his version of “being in the area”?

“I still need to thank you properly!” Mia said sweetly. “Let me take you to dinner.” This time Dominic didn’t refuse. “At your convenience, Miss Mia.”

“We should invite Ari too!” Mia turned to Ariana, suddenly feigning concern. “Oh my, Ari, you look so exhausted! And I’m the one who’s been sick…”

Ariana cut her off coldly: “Are we suddenly close? Homewrecker’s daughter, mind your own business.”

Mia’s expression changed dramatically, and Dominic’s frown deepened further. At that moment, the auctioneer announced the beginning of the event, mercifully interrupting the uncomfortable exchange. Ariana ignored them both and took her seat.

She was about to marry into the Sinclair family, and expecting a decent dowry from her father was unrealistic. This was the real reason she’d come to this auction; she needed to prepare her own.

After taking her seat, the first item was presented: a pigeon-blood ruby necklace, with an opening bid of one million dollars. She raised her paddle without hesitation.

“Two million.” To her surprise, Mia also raised her paddle. “Three million.”

Ariana looked at her half-sister, who smiled sweetly. “You don’t mind letting me have this one, do you, Ari? After all, Daddy gives me a much bigger allowance than yours.”

Ariana smiled coldly. “Bigger” was an understatement. Since childhood, Mia had received a monthly allowance of five million dollars, while Ariana got a mere five hundred. If not for the inheritance her mother had left her, she might have starved to death long ago. But things were different now. She had one hundred million coming.

“Four million,” Ariana countered, raising her paddle again. Mia clearly hadn’t expected this but gritted her teeth. “Four point five million.”

“Five million.” “Five point five million.” After several rounds of bidding, Mia’s expression grew increasingly strained. “Ari, where are you getting all this money? Aren’t you afraid you won’t be able to pay?”

“Ten million!” Ariana doubled the bid, then gave her a mocking smile. “Funny, I’m starting to think you’re the one who can’t afford to continue.” Mia’s face alternated between red and white as whispers spread through the audience. The auctioneer politely asked, “Miss Mia, would you like to increase your bid?”

Uneasily, Mia hurriedly pulled out her phone to message her father. Moments later, her expression darkened further, obviously having been denied. Seeing this, Ariana merely curled her lips into a slight, satisfied smile.

Chapter 2 (continued)

Of course, he would refuse. After promising her one hundred million, he wouldn’t have much left to help his precious daughter save face. Just as the situation grew unbearably awkward, a well-dressed man suddenly appeared in the center of the auction floor and announced loudly: “Sky’s the limit!”