Andrew walked up onto the small stage near the windows. He picked up the microphone, smiling the way rich men smile when they already know how the night will end.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice clear and easy. "We've raised a lot of money tonight, but we're not finished. One last item. A private week on the family's island. Quiet. Far away. Full staff. And my son will be there as your host for the entire time."
Low voices rippled through the crowd. Some laughed. A few looked at Julian with interest. His fingers pressed harder against my back for a second, then loosened. His eyes stayed forward.
Andrew kept speaking. "We'll start the bidding at fifty thousand dollars. All proceeds go to the foundation."
A paddle shot up right away. Then another. The number climbed — eighty t
