Page 298

Her expression is calm.

I smile.

Not mockingly. Not enough to provoke, or play power games. Just enough to let her know I believe the triptych already belongs to me.

She looks back at the paintings and raises her paddle.

One point one five, she counters.

My pulse jumps. Adrenaline surging like a tsunami. And I’m back at the poker table, at one of my first big wins.

I’ve got this.

Her adviser leans closer, speaking firmly.

Helena raises a hand. Not the paddle. Her empty hand. Silencing him without looking away from the screen.

There.

That is the tell.

She’s stopped considering the triptych as a purchase.

It’s already hers.

Her adviser is no longer helping her decide whether to buy it or not. He’s threatening to take away something she owns. He’s now the enemy.

How far will she go to keep it?

Further.

I know it in my bones.

“One million two hundred thousand pounds,” I say.

Bryce’s face loses all colour.

Alice turns fully in her seat.

Christopher’s grip tightens around her hand.

Bill looks back at me at last.

No anger now. Alarm.

Good.

The auctioneer turns to Helena.

“At one million two hundred thousand pounds with the gentleman at the back.”

Silence.

The longest silence of my whole fucking life.

Helena looks at the screen.

Her adviser whispers.