Chapter 3 - The Stranger's Advance
Spencer approached me with the confident swagger of a man who believed he owned the entire world.
He completely ignored the furious glare Cassandra was shooting at his back from across the room.
I stood perfectly still, holding a crystal flute of champagne, waiting to see exactly how far his delusion would go.
"I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting," Spencer said, flashing his signature arrogant smile.
I looked directly into the eyes of the man I had slept next to for six years.
There was absolutely no recognition in his gaze, only raw, unadulterated greed and lust.
"I assure you, Mr. Albright, you have absolutely no idea who I am," I replied in a smooth, cold tone.
He chuckled softly, stepping entirely too close to my personal space.
"A beautiful woman like you shouldn't be standing alone at an event like this," he purred smoothly.
"I am the CEO of Albright Enterprises, perhaps you have heard of my highly successful company?"
I took a slow sip of my champagne to hide the disgusted smirk forming on my lips.
"I have heard many interesting rumors about your company's current financial situation," I noted casually.
Spencer's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before he recovered his false bravado.
"Rumors are just jealousy from lesser men," he boasted loudly.
"I am actually planning to buy the star item at the charity auction tonight to prove my massive wealth."
Cassandra finally marched over to us, her face flushed red with intense jealousy.
She aggressively wrapped her arm around Spencer's waist and glared at me with pure venom.
"Spencer, darling, you promised to introduce me to the mayor," she whined, trying to pull him away.
She looked me up and down, her eyes stopping on my priceless diamond necklace.
"Some women will rent cheap jewelry just to pretend they belong in our circle," Cassandra insulted loudly.
I smiled warmly at her, remembering the brutal sound of her hand striking my daughter's face.
"And some women will wear stolen dresses just to pretend they are the lady of the house," I replied smoothly.
Cassandra gasped, recognizing the subtle hint about her sneaking into my closet earlier that morning.
Before she could process the insult, the grand ballroom lights dimmed significantly.
The auctioneer stepped up to the main podium and tapped his microphone to quiet the wealthy crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the bidding for tonight's grand prize," the auctioneer announced brightly.
Two security guards wheeled out a glass case containing a stunning, rare sapphire necklace.
"We will start the bidding at a modest five hundred thousand dollars," he declared.
Spencer immediately raised his numbered paddle high in the air.
"One million dollars!" Spencer shouted, wanting to show off for his mistress and the entire room.
The crowd murmured in impressed approval at his bold opening move.
May you like
I calmly raised my own paddle, catching the auctioneer's direct attention.
"Five million dollars," I said, my voice echoing clearly across the silent ballroom.
