Anne stood nearby, her eyes glued to the bracelet on stage, not blinking once.
The bidding started at $100,000 and quickly rose to $500,000.
“One million,” Brad’s voice rang out.
No one dared to outbid him.
Brad calmly walked up to the stage and accepted the jade bracelet.
Anne’s eyes lit up, her body trembling with excitement.
Being the kind soul I am, I couldn’t let her get too worked up.
I went over and tapped her shoulder.
Anne turned, looking like she’d seen a ghost.
Her face fell. “Miss Harper, what are you doing here?!”
“I… I didn’t find your brother. I ran into a thug who…” I trailed off, my face a picture of despair. I looked up at Brad
+25 BONUS
in stage, my eyes filled with regret and shame as tears streamed down my face.
A flash of malice crossed Anne’s eyes as she looked me up and down, then relaxed with a sense of relief.
Reading her expression, I grabbed her arm desperately. “Please, don’t tell Brad,” I begged.
Anne yanked her arm away like I was contagious. “Miss Harper,” she said icily, “I never lie.”
Her words hit me like a thunderbolt. I trembled all over.
On stage, Brad was bathed in spotlight. His black suit showed off his tall frame, and his perfectly styled hair made him look like he’d stepped out of a magazine.
If I had to describe him in one word?
Charisma Pure, intoxicating charisma.
Brad held the bracelet, his eyes scanning the room before seemingly landing on Anne.
Suddenly, a second spotlight hit her.
Anne was practically vibrating with excitement.
Brad stepped off the stage, the light following him.
“This is it! Mr. Halter’s about to announce his fiancée!”
Is it that girl?
“Marrying Brad Halter talk about winning the lottery! I’m so jealous!”
The crowd buzzed with whispers.
Anne was eating up the attention, standing tall and proud.
Brad was almost right in front of us.
Anne stepped forward, beaming, ready to greet him.
But to everyone’s shock, Brad walked right past her without so much as a glance.
