Her friend fumed, ready to counter, but Molly stopped her, eyes rimmed with red.
In Harbor City, who could outspend the third son of the Vance family?
She had grown accustomed to his coldness, his neglect. But still—her heart felt like it was being torn apart.
After the auction ended, Molly found Miles.
She kept her voice low, her pride swallowed. "Can I have the brooch? I'll pay double what you bid."
Miles was tall, and he looked down at her with detached indifference.
Molly was beautiful—dark hair falling loose around her shoulders, skin pale as porcelain. The way she tilted her chin up, eyes bright with quiet desperation, could easily stir pity in anyone watching.
It was the same look she'd worn three years ago when she'd turned to his parents and said, "I want Miles Vance. Is that possible?"
The chill in his eyes deepened. "Once was enough."
The color drained from Molly's face. Once was enough...
Did he think today was the same as three years ago? That she was trying to steal something from this woman, just like she'd supposedly stolen him?
"That's not—"
Miles cut her off, uninterested in explanations. He accepted the jewelry case from the auction staff and turned to leave.