Chapter 1

The charity gala was loud, too many people in one room.

I smoothed down my dress, a simple one, not like the others here.

Mark, my husband, was across the room, schmoozing. He was good at that.

He built his tech company from our garage, with my help, my money, my ideas.

Now, he was Mark Vance, Silicon Valley star. I was just Sarah Miller, his wife.

Tonight, I wanted to buy him an anniversary gift.

A special NFT, digital art with real-world perks. He collected these things.

It was item number seven on the auction list.

I clutched my bidding paddle, number 23.

My heart beat a little faster when the auctioneer announced it.

"Lot number seven, a unique commissioned digital piece, 'Silicon Soul,' with exclusive access to the artist's future private showings."

The opening bid was high, but I was ready.

I raised my paddle.

Then another paddle shot up. Number 68.

A woman I didn't know, flashy, blonde, dripping in diamonds. Tiffany Hayes.

I vaguely remembered her name from Mark' s college stories. His old flame.

She called out a number, so high the room went quiet for a second.

Then a buzz started.

The auctioneer grinned, "An aggressive bid from paddle sixty-eight! Do I hear any advance?"

I looked at the price. It was insane. Way over market value.

My hand lowered. I couldn't match that, not without dipping into funds Mark didn't know I had.

Our joint high-limit credit card was for big, planned expenses, things we discussed.

He always said, "You manage the big card, Sarah, you're better with the details."

The NFT went to Tiffany. She blew a kiss towards the stage.

Then my phone buzzed in my purse.

A notification.

Our joint credit card.

A massive charge. From this auction house. For that exact NFT amount.

My blood went cold.

Mark wouldn't. He couldn't.

He knew I wanted that piece for him.

He knew I managed that card.

He used our money, our money, to buy his old girlfriend an extravagant gift.

Right in front of me.