Alexander's fingers tightened around his champagne glass when Isabella mentioned Evelyn's past with Ethan.

No husband could stomach seeing his wife entangled with another man. Witnessing Evelyn seated beside Ethan moments ago had ignited an unfamiliar fire in his chest.

His stormy gaze cut through the crowd, locking onto the front row where she sat.

Evelyn wasn't looking at him anymore.

Under the scrutiny of high society, she lifted her paddle with effortless grace. "Ninety million!"

The emerald bracelet's appraisal value was fifty million. Claire had prepared eighty, but Evelyn was ready to cover the excess herself.

She wasn't one for public displays of rivalry. This uncharacteristic aggression intrigued him.

Does she truly want it that badly?

Isabella's voice sliced through his thoughts. "Ninety-one million."

Gasps rippled through the gilded hall. The bidding war had escalated beyond reason, and every eye was riveted to the two women.

Evelyn's spine straightened. Alexander recognized that stubborn tilt of her chin—the one that always preceded storms.

His lips curved.

Let the games begin.

The tension in the auction hall was palpable.

Bids flew back and forth, escalating rapidly.

Whispers spread through the crowd as spectators sensed the brewing rivalry.

All eyes were locked on the two determined bidders, wondering who would ultimately claim the coveted bracelet.

A heavy silence fell over the room for several tense seconds.

Alexander's voice cut through the quiet, sharp with irritation.

"She's mine. Who gave you the right to discipline her? If she needs punishing, that’s my responsibility—not yours."

Evelyn stiffened, caught off guard by his words.

He was defending her.

Isabella couldn’t comprehend why he would shield a wife who had betrayed him.

He must be under some kind of spell.

Alexander’s fingers twitched toward his pocket, instinctively reaching for his cigarettes.

Then he remembered—no smoking allowed.

Leaning back in his seat, his patience wore thin.

"Isabella, you’ve crossed a line."

She lifted her chin defiantly. "I simply want the bracelet. Is that a crime?"

The auctioneer raised his gavel, ready to call the next bid.

Alexander’s tone was icy. "By all means, try."

"However," Alexander's piercing gaze shifted away from her.

His voice held an icy finality, leaving no room for debate. "I'll fund your education, but I won't finance your extravagant tastes—not even as a loan."

The message was unmistakable. He refused to pay for the necklace.

Evelyn felt heat rush to her cheeks, her pride stinging.

This was beyond humiliating.

She pressed, "But I already won the bid! Everyone's watching—if I can't pay, what will they think? Are you trying to shame me?"

Just imagining the whispers made her stomach twist.

Surely Alexander wouldn’t do this to her. Their bond was deeper than this.

The auctioneer raised his gavel, poised for the final call.

Alexander’s eyes narrowed, lingering on the display case.

The emerald bracelet shimmered under the lights—elegant, delicate, undeniably feminine.

He leaned back, arms crossed, his tone deliberately indifferent. "My salary goes to my wife. If you want money, ask her."

Evelyn froze, her gaze snapping toward Isabella.

She found herself locked in a fierce bidding battle with Evelyn over an exquisite diamond bracelet. The irony wasn't lost on her - she might end up borrowing funds from the very woman she was competing against.

Isabella clenched her fists, frustration bubbling in her chest.

Alexander had claimed all his earnings went directly to Evelyn's accounts.

Since when did Evelyn have the authority to manage his finances?

The injustice burned like acid in Isabella's throat.

As the auctioneer raised his gavel for the final call, Alexander suddenly lifted his paddle with effortless grace.

"One hundred million."

The entire ballroom erupted into shocked whispers and gasps.

###Secret Longing: A Second Chance at Love (Evelyn) novel

The air crackled with tension as all eyes turned toward their private booth. Isabella's nails dug into her palms, her pulse roaring in her ears. Across the room, Evelyn's crimson lips curved into a knowing smile that made Isabella's stomach twist.

Alexander's deep voice cut through the murmurs. "For my wife."

The declaration hung in the air like a challenge. Isabella felt the weight of hundreds of curious stares burning into her skin. Her cheeks flamed as she realized the entire elite society now witnessed her humiliation.

The auctioneer's gavel came down with finality. "Sold to Mr. Whitmore for one hundred million!"

Applause broke out, but Isabella only heard the blood rushing in her ears. She needed to escape before the tears welling in her eyes betrayed her. Pushing back her chair abruptly, she fled toward the marble pillars lining the grand hall.

Behind her, she heard Alexander's sharp intake of breath. "Rachel—"

But she was already gone, heels clicking a frantic rhythm against the polished floors. The scent of gardenias from the centerpieces turned cloying as she fought for air.

Tonight had revealed painful truths.

She was merely a spectator in Alexander and Evelyn's carefully choreographed marriage. A pawn in their games. A fool who'd believed she still held some claim to his heart.

The night breeze stung her cheeks as she burst through the terrace doors. Somewhere in the glittering city below, a church bell tolled midnight.

Perfect timing for reality's cruel awakening.