The private suites at the auction were separated by movable partitions.Everyone attending was either wealthy or powerful, and a few ambitious social climbers had paid for access, hoping to make connections. The organizers encouraged it, even allowing guests to slide open the partitions if both sides agreed.After a long silence, someone on the other side knocked on the panel.Chloe didn’t respond.Vanessa, however, rose to her feet, unlocked the latch, and slid the divider open just a few inches.Through the narrow gap, Chloe met Brian’s eyes. His expression was dark, his gaze sharp with irritation.Chloe lifted an eyebrow, her face calm, as if she were looking at a stranger. She turned to Vanessa instead.“Sit down. The auction’s about to start.”Vanessa smirked. “I was just curious to see what kind of garbage some people are so eager to eat.”She and Chloe had grown up together. Years ago, after Chloe chose to stay in Riverton for Brian, Vanessa had been furious and cut con
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