Chapter 18
Adriana had been listening while Claudine walked the guests through the pieces, covering craftsmanship, history, ev- erything. It was clear she hadn’t let her studies go to waste.
Claudine knew Adriana well enough to understand that the comment was recognition.
A quiet relief washed over her. It had been five years since she’d worked in front of Adriana.
Back in school, the stress from exams and papers had left a mark.
But she didn’t let Adriana down.
There were still details to go over, including specifics about the auction items and Keith’s expected price ranges.
After a quick word with Adriana, Claudine followed Keith to his study.
Adriana watched her go, feeling more glad for her than proud.
Claudine was far more sure of herself than the last time they had met.
Everyone made mistakes. The important thing was seeing it and doing something about it.
It wasn’t too late for Claudine.
By the time Audrey and Damian arrived, the place was already buzzing.
Most of the guests were well–known names in Bronzevale, but even so, they made a point of greeting Damian.
He and Audrey seemed close, so some assumed they were a couple and treated her with extra warmth.
Standing side by side, they looked perfect for each other.
There had been talk for years that Damian got married five years ago and had a daughter.
So people started wondering if Audrey was his wife.
Going over the auction details took a while. The more they talked, the more Keith warmed to Claudine. By the end, he was fully convinced.
“Ms. Hogan, I’m trusting you with these treasures.”
“You can count on me, Mr. Legare. I’ll do everything I can to make sure they go for what they’re really worth.”
With that, the discussion wrapped up, and Claudine headed straight back to the hall.
Strangely, only a few guests were still inside. Most had gathered near the entrance, chatting.
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Chapter 18
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“Take care, Mr. Barrette!”
“Let’s grab dinner sometime!”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Damian turned to Audrey. “Take a look around, see if anything catches your eye. We’ll bid on it together later, alright?”
Audrey nodded, a little shy. “Okay. You can go now.”
“I’ll come find you when it’s over.”
As Damian walked away, the crowd drifted back into the hall.
Everyone had heard him, and now they were even more convinced Audrey was his wife.
A few guests, eager to get close to the Barrette family, saw their chance to cozy up to her.
“Mrs. Barrette, you and Mr. Barrette are so sweet together!”
“That’s right! We’ve always heard you’re beautiful and gracious. Now that we’ve met you, well, the rumors didn’t do you justice.”
More compliments followed, each one more flattering than the last.
Audrey didn’t say anything about her relationship with Damian. She smiled, shy but composed.
“Out here, it’s better if you call me Ms. Lavigne.”
They took it as modesty and didn’t think twice.
Claudine walked up and recognized Audrey as the neighbor from the night before.
She wasn’t one for small talk, but as an auctioneer, remembering faces was part of the job.
Then she stepped forward. “Hello, Ms. Lavigne.”
Audrey turned, surprised to see her.
Her eyes landed on Claudine’s name badge, and she smiled. “You’re the auctioneer? I’ve never seen one this gorgeous in the country.”
“You’re too kind, Ms. Lavigne,” Claudine replied.
From the way everyone had been fawning over her, Claudine could tell Audrey wasn’t just anybody.
She hadn’t paid attention to new collectors since she got married, so Audrey was likely one with real influence.
After all, anyone who drew this kind of attention wasn’t ordinary.
And that emerald pendant Audrey was wearing told Claudine even more. It had sold for 40 million dollars at the Ev- erton Auction in Harbourne two years ago to a mystery buyer.
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So Claudine saw her as a potential client.
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