Chapter 161

The moment the lights dimmed, a wave of startled gasps rippled through the crowd. Most people assumed it was just a dramatic opening for the auction. But as seconds ticked by and the stage stayed dark, unease began to spread. Murmurs broke out, and people shifted anxiously in their seats. Evelyn immediately reached into her purse to grab her phone. She was just about to unlock it and turn on the flashlight when— A sudden tug in the dark caught her off guard. With a sharp "snap," her phone fell to the ground. Before she could grasp what was happening, someone yanked her backward. Out of pure instinct, Evelyn elbowed hard behind her. "Don't move." A furious voice snarled from the shadows right by her ear. Cold panic shot through her as she felt a hand tighten around her throat. Her body stiffened, fear wrapping around her like ice. Next thing she knew, something cold and sharp pressed against her neck. She held her breath. The room, still plunged in darkness, had devolved into chaos. The