Chapter 10
Expose Damien at his own game, humiliate him in front of the same elite crowd he so desperately wanted to impress. It would take precision, nerve, and a little luck.
Hadley and Eric spent days preparing. Every move, every conversation was rehearsed. They couldn’t afford a single mistake.
Finally, the night of the auction arrived.
Damien was hosting a secret “charity event,” one only whispered about among the most powerful circles. Behind closed doors, it was rumored, real deals were made — dirty money, shady alliances, reputations bought and sold.
Hadley dressed for war — a deep crimson gown that shimmered like blood under the lights, her hair twisted into an elegant knot. Eric, by her side, looked every inch the powerful Alpha he was born to be.
They walked into the grand ballroom as a pair no one could ignore.
Heads turned.
Whispers followed.
But Hadley only had eyes for Damien, who stood on a raised platform, smirking as he welcomed his guests.
“Eric! Hadley!” Damien called, the picture of casual arrogance. “What a pleasant surprise.”
Eric gave a cold smile. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Hadley clinked glasses with him, her smile sweet — and deadly.
The auction began with rare paintings, priceless jewelry, and secretive “business favors” going under the hammer. Money changed hands like water, each transaction thick with hidden agendas.
Then, the final item was announced.
“The Star of the Night,” Damien declared, flashing a shark-like grin. “An exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime performance contract with none other than our dazzling nightclub queen… Hadley Pearson.”
The crowd erupted into shocked murmurs.
Hadley’s blood turned to ice.
He was auctioning her off. Like a prize.
Publicly claiming her downfall.
Eric stood so still beside her that Hadley thought he might explode. His jaw clenched, his nostrils flared. But he didn’t move yet — not until it was time.
Bids started flying. Ridiculously high numbers thrown casually, each man eager to own a piece of scandal. It was humiliation disguised as entertainment.
Hadley felt bile rise in her throat — but she lifted her chin higher.
She wouldn’t break. Not here. Not now.
Just as the bids reached a fever pitch, Eric stepped forward.
“$50 million,” he said, his voice slicing through the chaos.
The room fell into stunned silence.
All heads turned.
Hadley’s heart pounded in her ears.
Damien laughed awkwardly. “Eric, surely you’re joking—”
“$50 million,” Eric repeated, his voice like iron. “And I’ll throw in a little bonus: public exposure of every illegal transaction you’ve made tonight.”
He lifted his phone, screen glowing, already recording.
A trap, laid bare.
Hadley watched Damien’s face twist from amusement to pure panic.
Security rushed forward, but Eric was ready.
Police swarmed the room from the back, badges flashing, guns drawn.
The crowd erupted in chaos, elites scrambling to disappear before they, too, were dragged down with Damien.
Damien was handcuffed, protesting loudly, his face red with rage and fear. “This isn’t over, Flynn! You hear me?! You’ll regret this!”
Eric simply smiled. “No. You will.”
Hadley stood beside him, calm and unbroken, as Damien was hauled away.
Later, as the cool night air brushed against them, Hadley turned to Eric.
“You bought me,” she teased lightly.
He smiled, pulling her close. “No, Hadley. I was just claiming what was always mine.”
Their lips met in a kiss, fierce and hungry, sealing their victory.
For the first time in a long time, Hadley felt truly free.
But deep inside, she knew this wasn’t the end.
Old enemies don’t disappear that easily.
They bide their time.
And Hadley Pearson had just painted a target on her back.