Ana's POV
My knuckles went white as I clutched the bidding paddle.
Aileen's harsh words burrowed into my thoughts like poison.
I didn't believe I owed her anything, yet scenes of Isabelle being criticized by the Watson family for showing me favoritism kept cycling through my head.
For an instant, my thoughts scattered completely.
Everything faded—memories of the Watson household, Isabelle, even Isabelle's artwork.
The auctioneer announced, "Three hundred thousand going once, three hundred thousand going twice, three hundred thousand—"
Right before the gavel dropped, Morris lifted his paddle. "Six hundred thousand."
Morris adjusted his hold, displaying two fingers to the room.
"Does anyone else wish to increase their offer?" he questioned.
The classic outbid-everyone move—something only those in the know would understand—drew everyone's focus. People who'd ignored the artwork suddenly became intrigued by Morris.
