HE GAVE HIS MISTRESS MY PADDLE. HE FORGOT THE AUCTION HOUSE BELONGED TO ME

to the Aurelius Heritage Trust, whose sole controlling beneficiary is Mrs. Vivian Mercer Cross.”

The room went still.

I rose from my chair.

The silk of my black gown whispered across the floor.

Julian stared at me.

Sloane’s fingers tightened around my paddle.

I looked at the auctioneer.

“As controlling beneficiary,” I said, “I am withdrawing the coin from continue reading …