Claiming Her Due

Harper leaned in, shattering the heavy tension in the corridor with a light, derisive chuckle. He stood tall in the ornate hallway of the auction house, openly mocking Lila's fragile, trembling demeanor. His voice carried down the quiet corridor, loud and unapologetic. "Women like Ms. Mercer are rare gems in my uncle's circle, real premium catches!"

Given that his uncle was an infamous playboy in