Chapter 67

This was the first bid of the night from Bidder 888. Everyone knew Alyssa was sitting beside Howard, which meant the paddle was his. Megan looked over. She wasn't the only one. Almost every eye in the room was on Alyssa. The second floor was reserved for more private guests, with seats arranged so people had a choice to either sit in the open or retreat into the shadows. Alyssa had chosen to sit under the light, while Howard sat back in the dim light. His figure was barely visible to those below, and nobody could see his expression. Jimmy knew the tanzanite was Megan's, and he knew exactly why she had put it up for auction. Watching Alyssa smile as she placed a bid, he felt an urge to storm across the room and snatch the paddle from her hand. Megan narrowed her eyes at Alyssa. She had made up her mind to sell the stone tonight. But one thing was certain—the buyer could be anyone but Alyssa. Meanwhile, Howard glanced at Alyssa and asked, "Do you like it?" Alyssa nodded with a s