MIRELA

I exhaled, shook my head, and walked away. I had a lot more to say, but it was futile. The best response was silence—and the internal reminder that I wouldn’t let her or anyone else ruin this day for me. Especially because it had barely begun.

Once outside, I took deep, steady breaths and reminded myself why I was here: to win this auction with the amazing pieces Louis had created, and to enjoy the benefits that came with that win.

“Nothing will ruin this for me. Not Arlene, Yasmin, or whatever name she goes by now—and especially not the child I care for who’s too daft to see...