As the afternoon bidding session was about to begin, Meredith and Claire returned from lunch and took their seats.
Claire had drunk too much soda and excused herself to the restroom.
Just as Meredith was about to rest, Mark appeared behind her and called her out.
They stepped into the hallway where Mark spoke first, his tone commanding. "Meredith, withdraw from this bid."
Meredith found him utterly unreasonable. "What?"
Mark pressed on. "Even Joanna, who's outstanding, got nitpicked by Charles. What chance do you have when he clearly doesn't like you? We're husband and wife. Our families' reputations are tied together. If you disgrace yourself, you disgrace me too."
Meredith laughed. "Did Joanna bomb her presentation? Is that why you're afraid I might win?"
Mark's face twisted as he
