The morning sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Vanguard Auctions executive penthouse, casting a warm, golden glow over the sleek mahogany furniture and modern art installations. It was a stark contrast to the cold, clinical precision currently taking place inside the room.

Elen

The Croft Gallery smelled of expensive lilies, artisanal champagne, and desperate ambition.

Julian Croft stood near the entrance of the sprawling, ultra-modern space, a glass of vintage Dom Pérignon in his hand, projecting the image of a conqueror. The gallery walls were pristine, stark white, des

For five agonizing seconds, the Croft Gallery was as silent as a tomb.

The city's most elite art collectors, critics, and socialites stared in stunned fascination at the tableau unfolding before them. Julian stood frozen in the spotlight, the velvet ring box still extended toward Chloe, his mouth