She laughed at something Tristan said, leaning her head against his shoulder.

I felt a familiar, cold knot form in my stomach.

Only a few months ago, I had been the one standing by his side, believing every lie he told me.

He had ruined my career and stolen my savings, and now he was parading around with a wealthy heiress.

I forced myself to look away.

I walked over to the administrative alcove behind the press area.

A long table was set up with laptops, printers, and folders containing the financial records for the auction.

Because my firm was managing the public relations, I had access to the digital database where the donor receipts were uploaded.

I sat down at one of the laptops and opened the secure portal.

I wanted to see the official valuation certificates for the art pieces.

I clicked on the first painting, a modern piece titled *The Blue Horizon*.

The artist was relatively unknown, yet the estimated value was listed as three million dollars.

The donor was listed as a charity foundation called Vanguard Asset Management.