Daniel lifted his wine. “People will pay millions for anything if someone whispers they can’t have it.”

Lauren smiled. “And your wife’s paintings?”

Daniel laughed. “I couldn’t give those away.”

Chapter 5 — Forty-Eight Million

The bidding began at $500,000. Within thirty seconds, it passed $3 million.

Evelyn watched from a private room upstairs with Rebecca, Miriam, and Celeste. A live feed showed the auction hall below, where collectors sat beneath crystal lights with paddles resting against their knees.

At $8 million, Evelyn stopped watching the number. At $12 million, Rebecca took her hand. At $19 million, reporters began pushing toward the doors. At $27 million, Celeste whispered, “This is no longer a sale.