The ballroom went still, as if someone had pressed pause.
Then it exploded.
"The Cross family is buying everything tonight?"
"When was the last time we saw such a grand gesture?"
"Mr. Cross is clearly backing his wife's new movie. He organized this entire gala for Homeward."
Derek stood frozen, looking from Julian to the little boy clinging to me.
"Mrs. Cross? Mommy?"
The boy was almost 2 years old and had both arms wrapped around my leg as he called me Mommy.
Derek looked as if he had seen a ghost.
"This can't be real..."
Everyone's attention returned to Julian's announcement.
"Tonight's auction was organized for my wife's film."
Derek and Vanessa stared at Julian for a long moment.
They looked as if lightning had struck them.
Vanessa pointed a shaking finger at him.
"Y-You
