hat someone had offered such

when no one answered, he eventually announced th

e box at the auction must be a

s kept their secrets well, but behind the velvet curtain, s

c about that presence, a fo

she wondered who the mysteri

x, she saw the deep crescent mar

had lost and a new wave of anxiety abou

g it back, and she was willing to go

e mysterious bidder herself, when the manager arriv

people murmure

loser to Helena, dipping his h

ald sculpture in person. He also wanted me to tell you this-kee

gle of whispers, jealous glances, and st

' wife? Why is that m

s trying to get on Mr. Davie

this piece? I'm starting to think there's more going on between

ched Bryson's

Helena. "Helena, what is really going on bet

h calm indifference. "I

et in anger, grabbed her wrist, and s

ee. "What are you doing? Haven't yo

ion. "Tell me the truth. Who is that man to you? For all the years we've been married, I've given

turning the blame, pretending to

ou acting up like this? Do you feel guilty of s

lee, who lingered at the edge of

ruck, surprise and something close

It was a mistake on my part." Emotion cracked Bryson's voice, and he looked away, struggling to steady himself. "There

quick look to

trembling through quiet sobs. "I really tried to keep my dista

na had already yanked her hand free,

hatever is going on between the two

he emerald sculpture

y private box, then turned her back on

s, but after everything was settled, she would make

ll, the gusts of cold win

Helena hugged her arms to hers

a ride, but before she could do that, some

atch his breath, Charlee trailing just a st

ent, these two refuse

ce take on a pleading edge. "Helena, you know how much Charlee want

aze sharp and gloating, every bit

d to add, "I'll buy you anything else

felt a cold pain tw

th her like this, yet conveniently forget how he had once

ed her hand and struck him, the s

gasps from th

thick with feigned concern. "How could you tre

is face, his ex

ht Helena-always patient and gentle-woul

ed something he

is hand unconsciously ti

n spreading through her arm. She scow

u think you

mmanding voice rang out, c

ff guard by that, his bloodsho

and black, his posture composed, almost regal. Cool detachment

grip loosen. The rage twisting his features

hen did yo