Chapter 19
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“Has anything caught your eye, Ms. Lavigne?”
Audrey walked over to a display case and paused in front of a sculpture. “I didn’t expect to see something this stun- ning here.”
“You’ve got a good eye,” Claudine said, stepping up beside her.
“That’s the Ethereal Seraphim Sculpture, crafted three hundred years ago by a royal sculptor. It’s considered a master- piece, known for its elegance and precision. It marks the peak of Korvossan sculpture and reflects the royal family’s aesthetic at the time. Look at this work here…”
She pointed out the finer details as she spoke.
“In 2010, someone from Kilbourne bought it for 92 million dollars, setting a national record at the time.
“Mr. Legare’s putting it out now, which wasn’t easy for him. Honestly, without his generosity, none of us would’ve gotten to see it.
“Looks like it’s been waiting for you, Ms. Lavigne,” she added with a smile.
Audrey didn’t answer. Her gaze lingered on Claudine, her expression hard to read.
The look was a mix of arrogance, surprise, and quiet hostility that Claudine couldn’t pin down. It unsettled her.
Still, she brushed it off and stayed professional.
Audrey might be a client, but that didn’t make her superior to Claudine.
Claudine’s job was to present the pieces, run the auction, and earn her commission.
Audrey turned to the next piece–Ivory Figure of the Dawn Herald.
“You seem to know your way around sculpture, Ms. Hogan. Mind telling me more about this one?”
Claudine nodded and got started.
By the end of the day, Audrey had gone through every item on display. For each one, she’d asked Claudine to explain
it in detail.
At previews like this, most guests were seasoned collectors. They knew what they were looking at. If they asked for more insight, it was usually about one or two pieces they were seriously considering.
Audrey was the first to ask about everything.
Claudine was drained but kept going.
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Chapter 19
Audrey stayed cool throughout, never showing much interest in any piece.
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“Thanks for all your help today,” she said eventually. “I’ll come to the auction with my man, show some support.”
“You’re very kind, Ms. Lavigne. I hope you win something you truly love.”
Audrey’s smile faded. After a moment, she turned and walked away.
Claudine watched her go, a strange feeling settling in her chest.
Maybe she was imagining it, but Audrey seemed down after that last explanation.
Had Claudine said something wrong?
The thought stuck with her as she packed up for the day. She gathered the auction materials and headed home, plan- ning to go over everything again, just to be sure.
Back at Willow Creek Villas, Claudine unlocked the door and stepped into the dark.
It had been a long time since she’d worked this hard. Her fever hadn’t fully broken, and now her body felt weak, un- steady.
She dropped the materials on her desk, sank into the chair, and dozed off.
Her dreams were strange and chaotic, full of noise and shadow.
She tried to wake but couldn’t.
Then the doorbell rang.
She jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat, gasping for breath. It took a moment to steady herself.
Her phone was ringing on the desk. She reached for it.
The call was from Belmont Estates.
Damian hadn’t contacted her since she moved out.
A call this late made her think he was finally ready to talk about the divorce.
Claudine swiped to answer the call.
The voice on the other end was panicked. “Mrs. Barrette, Darlene’s broken out in a rash. She’s crying nonstop, says it itches everywhere. We can’t reach Mr. Barrette. What should we do?”
Claudine’s head was spinning, and her body felt feverish again.
She got up to find the thermometer, speaking calmly into the phone.
“It’s probably an allergic reaction. Did she eat anything weird or touch any pets?
“There are antihistamines and anti–itch cream in the cabinet. Try those first, then call Dr. Arnold over.”
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