Angela's POV
I could feel the air tightening as their rivalry escalated.
Aaron raised his paddle again.
“One point three.”
Ian smirked. “He’s so damn stubborn.”
The auctioneer’s voice climbed with excitement.
“We have one point three million. Do I hear one point four?”
Ian lifted his paddle without hesitation. “One point four.”
Soft gasps rippled across a few tables. A woman across from us covered her mouth. This was beyond reason. Insane.
I turned toward Aaron.
This time, he looked back.
Our eyes met.
Just for a split second, I caught the anger flashing in his gaze before he lifted his paddle again. “One point five.”
The room fell almost silent, then applause erupted. The auctioneer grinned broadly, clearly enjoying the showdown.
Ian chuckled under his breath. “You're the re
