<b>Chapter </b><b>37</b><b>: </b><b>The </b><b>Auction </b><b>and </b>the <b>Luna’s </b><b>Gift</b><b>–</b><b>1 </b>


    Chapter 37: The Auction and the Luna’s Gift


    (Ethan’s POV)


    The crisp October air carried the scent of fallen leaves as I adjusted my charcoal suit, ensuring every detail was perfect. The tailored fabric entuated my broad shoulders, projecting themanding presence expected of the Grey pack heir.


    “You look handsome today,” Cassandra purred, sliding her arm through mine.


    Her designer gown hugged her curves provocatively, drawing attention from several passing wolves. I barely acknowledged herpliment, my mind focused on the auction ahead.


    The Crescent Moon Auction House loomed before us, its elegant fa?ade illuminated against the darkening sky. Tonight’s prize: a rare pink moonstone pendant, formerly owned by British royalty. Though its true value was closer to $300,000, the starting bid was set at $800,000.


    “Remember why we’re here,” I reminded Cassandra. “That pendant is the perfect engagement gift for Alexander Winters‘ cousin.”


    Securing Sophia Winters‘ favor meant potential alliance with the Silverridge pack–a strategic move that could multiply my investment tenfold through future business connections.


    “Of course, darling,” Cassandra replied, her green–gold eyes gleaming with


    anticipation. “I’ll help you choose something she’ll adore.”


    As we approached the entrance, my entire body tensed. There, standing gracefully among the elite guests, was Olivia. Her honey–brown hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, framing her delicate features perfectly.


    But what truly unsettled me was the man at her side–Connor Rivers. The same Alpha who had beaten me senseless just days ago, now standing proudly beside my former girlfriend.


    Dark irritation clouded my vision as I strode toward them<b>, </b>barely aware of Cassandra


    struggling to keep <b>pace </b>in her stilettos.


    J


    Chapter 37 The Auction a


    ?


    “Olivia, what are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice carrying the authoritative tone I used with subordinates.


    (Olivia’s POV)


    I felt Connor’s arm tense slightly beneath my hand as Ethan approached. Keeping myposure, I responded coolly without even turning fully toward him.


    “What else? Of course, I’m here to attend the auction.”


    My amber eyes remained deliberately focused on the entrance rather than acknowledging Ethan’s presence. I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing any reaction from me.


    Cassandra appeared at his side, her expression twisting with contempt as she looked me up and down.


    “You? Attending an auction? What could you possibly afford here?” she sneered.


    Ethan shot her a sharp nce that silenced her, though she still snorted disdainfully. Her green–gold eyes then settled on Connor, and I watched as her expression transformed from contempt to stunned appreciation.


    Connor stood tall beside me, his refined features set in their usual stoic expression. His bespoke suit fit his powerful frame perfectly, and the luxury Timber Wolf Chronograph watch I’d given him gleamed on his wrist. Hismanding presence made even Ethan appear diminished inparison.


    The realization seemed to dawn on Cassandra’s face–she was no longer the most impressive wolf in this gathering.


    Connor remainedpletely indifferent to both Ethan and Cassandra, his attention solely on me. His ice–blue eyes softened as they met mine, a tenderness reserved


    only for me.


    “Let’s go, Livvy,” he said, his voice as gentle as a spring breezepletely at odds


    with his typically cold demeanor,


    I nodded, allowing him to guide me toward the entrance. From the corner of my eye, I caught Cassandra’s dumbstruck expression. She had clearly <b>recognized </b><b>the </b>intimate bond forming between Connor and me, a stark contrast to her earlier derision.


    O


    < Chapter 37 The Auction a.


    Ethan quickly followed after us, leaving Cassandra momentarily abandoned and fuming with jealousy and confusion.


    (Ethan’s POV)


    +3 Points


    The auction hall exuded elegance, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over


    the assembled elite. Victoria ckwell, the auctioneer, stood at the podium in her


    tailored navy blue suit, her poised demeanormanding respect.


    I deliberately chose seats where I could observe Olivia and Connor without being


    obvious. The earlier lots held little interest for me–antique furniture, rare books,


    historical artifacts–all passing in a blur as I waited for the main event.


    Finally, Victoria announced with practiced enthusiasm, “Next, we have lot number 47, a rare pink moonstone pendant, formerly part of the British royal collection.”


    An assistant disyed the pendant on a velvet cushion, its delicate tinum setting


    catching the light as it was carried around the room for closer inspection.


    “We’ll start the bidding at four million dors,” Victoria announced.


    immediately raised my paddle, determined to secure this prize. The bidding climbed


    briskly amid sparsepetition, soon reaching 6.2 million dors.


    “6.2 million, going once…” Victoria began.


    “6.5 million.”


    The calm, authoritative voice came from several rows ahead. Connor Rivers had


    entered the bidding war, his paddle raised with casual confidence.


    I red at him sharply. Was he deliberately trying to thwart me? Or did he genuinely want the pendant?


    “6.8 million,” I countered immediately.


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