Page 24 of Lavish

If I failed, the ripple effects would crush more than just my pride.

No.No.I couldn’t take this loss. I’d worked too damn hard for too many years to just have him slide in and take what was rightfully mine.

I couldn’t be soft today. When I got soft, I gave him my virginity. When I got soft, I gave him power.

They wanted a cold-hearted bitch?

Well. They came to the right auction.

I saw some familiar faces—enemies, old friends, and sharks in fancy suits—but I ignored them. I was already scanning the space for one person.

He stood near the far end of the room, his suit tailored to perfection, and he had the nerve to look well rested and moisturized.

Why did you sleep with him all those years ago?

Desperation. That’s why.

To be someone. To be wanted. To matter, even if it was just for a moment.

Because sometimes attention—even the wrong kind—felt like the closest thing to love.

I would never be desperate again.

His eyes met mine, and the air crackled with a strange energy, making the already cramped room feel claustrophobic. My pulse fluttered. His gaze was challenging, daring me to acknowledge him with a glint of steel in his eyes.

He wants to play, let’s play.

“Miles,” I said, my voice slicing through whatever bullshit the men around him were saying.

“Serena.”

“Gentlemen.” The group’s curiosity turned to surprise. “Is this a bad time?”

“No problem,” Miles said, but his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Just talking business.”

“You know, Miles,” I said, letting my tone slip just enough to carry a hint of mockery, “a little birdie told me your company’s been having…some challenges lately.” I inched closer. “Did your employee get hurt?”

There it was.

A brief moment where the mask slipped, and the panic couldn’t be hidden fast enough. Jenese used to say timing was everything—wait until they think they’re untouchable, then strike. I learned where to look from her. Never start with the target—start with who they’re trying to impress.

I wasn’t spying on his business, despite his belief. Not recently. I guess I should have paid attention because things were going to shit for him, and I honestly had no hand in it this time. It was pretty amazing that his employee’s injury hadn’t come out. I knew how to play this game, and I’d play dirty if needed. But despite his accusations, the thought of harming an innocent person was repulsive to me.

He looked like he wanted to strangle me, and I smiled.

“Go get ’em!” I said, and took off for the main bidding area.

The room filled up as people took their seats. The air crackled with anticipation. I stayed glued to my notes, my gaze flicking between the listings, forcing myself to concentrate.

The auctioneer stepped up to the podium, and the crowd settled.

The first property came up, but I couldn’t make myself care. My focus was on Miles, across the aisle. His eyes were on me, with an evil expression. I laughed.

A little part of me wanted to remind him who I was. Another part told me to turn away.

I just pretended to pay attention to the other bids.The auction dragged on for what felt like hours.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. Another blocked number. I didn’t even look at it this time. The calls had been constant, but I couldn’t afford to be distracted.