Ethan's POV
The pink diamond earrings disappeared into the VIP section, and with them went my last shred of patience.
I'd barely put up a fight—three rounds of bidding before I folded like a cheap card table. If the buyer really was from V&A Group, there was no point bankrupting myself in a pissing contest I'd already lost.
But my mind wasn't on the auction anymore. It was fixated entirely on that private box, on whoever was hidden behind those screens.
The Smith heiress. Had to be.
Everything hinged on making a good impression with her next week. This investor could save Silver Creek, could pull us back from the brink of financial ruin.
And I'd just watched her outbid me without breaking a sweat.
"That's too bad." Clara's voice was thick with disappointment. She let
