Chapter 4

CLARA POV

The annual Texas Thoroughbred Auction was the social event of the season, and the perfect stage for my first public counterattack. When the black Beaumont Ranch truck pulled up to the main house, Sterling at the wheel, I was already waiting on the porch. But I walked right past it.

A moment later, a sleek silver convertible pulled up behind it. Preston Hayes leaned over, flashing me a brilliant smile. "Your chariot awaits, Miss Beaumont."

I slid into the plush leather seat beside him, pointedly ignoring the stunned silence of the seven men watching from the truck bed.

"Feeling better?" Preston asked, his voice full of genuine concern. He'd heard about my "accident."

"Much," I said, a real smile touching my lips for the first time in days. "But I think a little retail therapy might be in order."

"Say no more." He grinned, pulling a platinum credit card from his wallet. "My treat."

I gently pushed his hand away. "Thank you, Preston, but I'm a Beaumont. I have my own money." My words were for him, but they were aimed at the men in the truck behind us. It was a declaration of independence.

At the auction, the air buzzed with money and ambition. The main event was the sale of a magnificent black stallion named Midnight Sun. He was a creature of myth, all power and grace.

"Oh, he's beautiful," a voice breathed from nearby. I turned to see Savannah, clinging to Sterling's arm, her eyes wide with manufactured desire. "I've never seen a horse like him."

I saw the game immediately. She wanted the stallion. And she wanted Sterling to get it for her.

When I caught her eye, she immediately put on a pitiful face, whispering something to Sterling. He glanced at me, his expression hardening. The message was clear: stay away.

The bidding began. Sterling's hand shot up, his bid confident and strong. A few others competed, but soon it was just him.

"One hundred thousand," the auctioneer called.

"One hundred and fifty," I said, my voice clear and steady.

A ripple went through the crowd. Heads turned. Sterling's gaze snapped to mine, his eyes narrowed with disbelief and fury. Savannah looked like she was about to burst into tears.

"Two hundred thousand," Sterling bit out, his voice a low growl.

"Two hundred and fifty," I countered, giving Preston a small, reassuring smile. He winked back, a silent promise of support.

The crowd was buzzing now, the whispers growing louder. "That's Harrison Beaumont's girl... bidding against her own ranch?" "Look at Sterling Cole's face, he could kill her."

Savannah began to sob quietly into Sterling's shoulder, a masterful performance of a heartbroken victim. "It's okay, Sterling," she whispered, loud enough for those around them to hear. "I know I can't compete with her. She has everything."

The sympathy of the crowd shifted to her. I was the villain, the cruel heiress tormenting the poor orphan.

"Three hundred thousand," Sterling declared, his eyes locked on mine, a silent threat passing between us.

Preston leaned in. "You sure about this, Clara?"

"Positive," I whispered back.

"Five hundred thousand," Sterling shot back, trying to end it.

I took a deep breath, feeling the eyes of the entire Texas elite on me. This wasn't about a horse anymore. This was about power. It was about showing him, and everyone else, that I would not be pushed aside.

I stood up, my voice ringing through the silent arena.

"One million dollars."