Chapter 66

It wasn't the signal. Megan simply hadn't texted Howard back. He pursed his lips. "Howard? What's wrong?" Alyssa noticed the change in his expression and leaned closer. He closed his eyes and slipped the phone away. By the time he opened them again, his gaze was calm and steady. He shook his head slightly, though his hand curled into a fist under the table. … Time moved slowly as item after item appeared on stage and was carried away by eager buyers. Each donor was free to choose the percentage of their proceeds that would go to charity, but according to Ferrell Group's rules, all donations were set at 70% unless stated otherwise. Only the first piece, a 17th-century antique used to break the ice in the room, had been offered at 50%. Everything that made it to Ferrell Group's auction was valuable. Alyssa watched as the pieces were presented one after another. She never raised her paddle. Each lot was far too expensive, and while she wanted Howard to see her as independent