Chapter 43

Stella's POV

The evening air buzzed with the gentle purr of luxury engines as a parade of high-end vehicles pulled up to the mansion.

Women draped in designer gowns and men in impeccable suits flowed through the grand entrance like a river of wealth and prestige. I sat beside Adam in his wheelchair, feeling the weight of countless stares as we made our way inside.

"Nervous, Mrs. Lancaster?" Adam's voice held that hint of amusement that always made my pulse quicken.

"Hardly," I replied, keeping my voice low. "Though I'm curious why you suddenly wanted me at this auction."

"Perhaps I enjoy watching you make others uncomfortable."His thumb traced small circles on my wrist where his hand rested."You have quite a talent for it."

The whispers followed us like persistent shadows:

"Did you hear? That's Adam Lancaster..."

"And that woman with him..."

"Isn't she Brian Lancaster's ex-fiancée?"

I kept my expression neutral, channeling years of social

training into maintaining a facade of elegant indifference.

"Their words bother you?" Adam asked, his voice carrying that dangerous edge I was starting to recognize.

"Not at all," I smiled sweetly.′′Istopped caring about others'opinions when I learned how easily they could be bought."

His low chuckle sent warmth spreading through my chest. "My clever wife."

The auction hall was a masterpiece of modern luxury. We were seated in the front row - prime position for both viewing and being viewed.

"Well, if it isn't my *dear* adopted sister."

Lucy's voice cut through the general murmur, dripping with fake sweetness. She stood before us in a designer gown, Brian hovering at her shoulder like an expensive accessory.

"I trust Grandmother is doing better?" Her smile was razor-sharp. "Though I suppose you wouldn't know, being so *busy*with your new... husband."

I felt my fingers curl into fists, but Adam's hand found my knee under the table, his touch both warning and reassuring. "Getting angry?" he whispered, his breath warm against my ear."Don't let her have that satisfaction." "Lucy," I matched her saccharine tone, "how thoughtful of you to ask about Grandmother. I'm sure she'd be touched to know you even remember her."

Brian stepped forward, his practiced charm failing to mask the predatory gleam in his eyes. "Stella, if you need any help with the bidding tonight. I'd be happy to-"

"My wife doesn't need your help," Adam's voice cut through the air like ice.

"Here." He handed me a bidding paddle, hisfingers lingering against mine. "Use it as you see fit. "

I raised an eyebrow. "And if I bankrupt your company?"

His smile was pure sin. "Then I'll have to think of creative ways for you to repay the debt."

The heat in his gaze made me catch my breath, but Lucy's shrill voice interrupted before I could respond.

The first item was a limited edition bag-one of only five in existence. I noticed Lucy's eyes light up as the bidding began.

"One million dollars," Lucy called out immediately, her voice carrying that entitled confidence I knew so well. "Waiting to strike?" Adam murmured as I remained still. I smiled slightly. "Every predator knows timing is everything." I wnited until the bidding reached three million before raising my paddle. Lucy's head snapped toward me, her expression darkening.

"Three point five million." she countered.

"Four million." I replied smoothly.

"Four point five!"

"Five million."

Lucy's face was flushed with determination. "Five point six million!"

I lowered my paddle, catching the flash of satisfaction in her eyes. She thought she'd won. not realizing I'd never wanted the bag in the first place.

"Well played." Adam's voice held genuine appreciation."Though I'm curious - why stop there?"

"Because," I leaned closer, lowering my voice, "sometimes the sweetest victory is watching someone else pay for their own defeat." His laugh was barely audible. "Remind me never to get on your bad side, Mrs. Lancaster."The pattern continued through the next several lots. Every time Lucy showed interest in an item, I would drive up the price before gracefully bowing out. By the time she won a diamond necklace for five million over its estimated value, Brian's face had turned an interesting shade of gray.

"You're enjoying this," Adam observed during a brief pause between lots.

"Shouldn't I?" I challenged. "You allowed."

His smile was dangerous. "But you haven't bought a single item."

"And now, ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer's voice carried across the hall, "the third-to-last item - the historic vineyard in Bordeaux."

The starting bid was one billion. A respectable sum for such a prestigious property, though still well below its true value to the right buyer.

"Ten billion."

Adam's voice cut through the shocked silence like a blade.I turned to stare at him, unable to hide my disbelief."Mr. Lancaster," I whispered urgently, grabbing his arm, "that vineyard isn't worth more than five billion at most! Have you lost your mind?" His hand covered mine, his touch sending electricity through my skin. "Tell me, Mrs. Lancaster, do you think I'm the type of man who doesn't know exactly what he's buying?"

"But-"

"Or perhaps," his voice dropped lower, eyes dancing with that dangerous amusement I was starting to recognize, "you're worried about my financial situation?"

I flushed. "Of course not, I just-"

"Then trust that your husband knows what he's doing." His thumb traced my bottom lip, making my breath catch.

Across the room, Lucy's face had lost all color. Brian's expression was a study in barely contained fury. The auctioneer.recovering from his shock, began the countdown.

"One hundred billion going once... going twice... sold to Mr.Lancaster!"

As applause filled the hall, Adam leaned closer to me. "You see.Mrs. Lancaster, there are times when the price of something isn't about its market value." "Now then," his voice dropped to that dangerous register that always made my pulse jump, "shall we discuss how you managed to cost Lucy over ten million dollars tonight without spending a cent?"

I couldn't quite hide my smile."I have no idea what you mean,

Mr. Lancaster. I simply participated in the auction as any good wife would."

"Is that so?" His laugh rumbled through me where our shoulders touched. "My troublesome wife. Always finding new ways to surprise me."

"Speaking of surprises," I ventured, "are you going to tell me the real reason you bought that vineyard?"

His eyes held secrets I couldn't begin to decipher. "Perhaps.Over a glass of wine from our new vineyard?"

"Our vineyard?" I echoed, startled by his choice of words.

His smile turned wicked, "I thought you would like it."

I suddenly remembered that Brian had a penchant for collecting wine, and sure enough, when I turned my head,I saw him gnashing his teeth, clearly reluctant to let go of the vineyard.

I instantly felt the same joy as Adam.