Caius’ POV
My phone is already in my hand before anything else matters, it always is. The auction stream is open, muted, running in the background like it usually does.
It’s routine, I don’t even know when it started. Watching it, keeping track, knowing who shows up, and who doesn’t. Who matters, and who thinks they matter.
It’s noise most nights, faces, deals, bets. Nothing worth my attention. Tonight isn’t supposed to be different. I’m half-listening to someone beside me, something about investments, something about timing. I nod where I’m supposed to, respond when necessary.
But my focus? Is on the screen.
Scrolling, watching. Then, my phone buzzes. A message. Sonya. I almost ignored it, then I opened it.
Sonya:
You always watch this thing, right?
My brows pull together slightl
