Chapter 5

A week later, a call came from an old friend, a gallery owner in the city.

"Ava," she said, her voice bright and cheerful, "there's a charity auction tonight at the museum. The guest of honor is Jorden Morrow. I know you've always admired his company's sustainable designs. This could be a huge opportunity for your firm."

A spark of hope ignited in my chest. Jorden Morrow. His firm was the one I dreamed of collaborating with. A way out. A new start.

"I'll be there," I said, my voice filled with a determination I hadn't felt in weeks.

I had to get out of the house without Elliott knowing. I told him I was going to visit a sick friend. He seemed distracted and agreed, but insisted one of his drivers take me. It was better than nothing.

The museum was buzzing with energy. I saw my friend, who gave me a quick hug and pointed out Jorden Morrow across the room. He was talking to a small group, looking even more impressive in person.

As I started to make my way toward him, I heard a familiar, cloying voice.

"Ava! What a surprise to see you here."

I turned. Elliott and Katarina were standing right behind me.

My blood ran cold.

"I didn't know you were coming," I said, trying to keep my voice even.

"I decided Katarina needed a night out," he said, not looking at me. He was looking past me, at Jorden Morrow. "And it seems we're not the only ones interested in the competition."

Katarina clung to Elliott's arm. "Oh, darling, look at that beautiful diamond necklace. The one they're auctioning for the children's hospital. I would just die to have it."

She was looking at me, a challenge in her eyes.

"It's lovely," I said coolly, turning away.

"Ava will bid on it for you," Elliott said.

I stopped. "What?"

"You heard me," he said, his voice low and threatening. "You will buy that necklace for Katarina. A gift. To show there are no hard feelings."

"I don't have that kind of money on me," I lied.

"Use my card," he said, pressing a black credit card into my hand. "Don't make a scene."

Katarina smiled her sickly sweet smile. "Oh, thank you, Ava. You're so generous."

I felt sick. Trapped. The entire room was watching us. I had no choice.

I took the card and walked toward the auction area, Katarina following close behind me, her hand possessively on my arm.

"You look miserable," she whispered in my ear. "It's a good look for you."

I ignored her, focusing on the stage.

"And don't even think about talking to Mr. Morrow," she added. "Elliott wouldn't like that. He knows you have a little crush."

The bidding for the necklace started. I raised my paddle, my movements stiff and robotic. Another bidder across the room challenged me. The price climbed higher and higher.

Finally, the other bidder dropped out.

"Sold!" the auctioneer cried, "to the lovely Miss Pratt!"

Katarina squeezed my arm. "I knew you'd do it for me."

She practically dragged me to the payment table. As I was signing the slip, she "accidentally" bumped into me, hard. I stumbled, and my elbow hit a large, ornate vase on a pedestal.

It teetered for a moment, then crashed to the floor, shattering into a thousand pieces.

The room went silent. Everyone stared.

I fell to my knees, my body hitting the hard marble floor with a sickening thud. A sharp pain shot through my leg. I looked down. A large shard of ceramic was embedded in my calf. Blood was already soaking through my dress.

I looked up, dazed, just in time to see Elliott rushing toward us. For a split second, his eyes were on me, wide with alarm.

Then Katarina let out a blood-curdling scream. "My arm! Oh, my arm! I think it's broken!"

She was clutching her arm, tears streaming down her face. There wasn't a scratch on her.

Elliott's expression changed. His concern for me vanished, replaced by pure fury directed at me.

He ran past me, not even glancing at my bleeding leg. He knelt by Katarina's side, gathering her into his arms.

"It's okay, my love," he soothed. "I'm here."

He lifted her up as if she weighed nothing and carried her toward the exit, shouting for someone to call an ambulance.

He left me there, bleeding on the floor, surrounded by the wreckage.

Alone. Again.