But as someone who already had.
The morning after the auction, Harmonfield buzzed with gossip. Social media lit up like a downed power grid. Clips of Emily’s dramatic win and the backstage fallout leaked within hours. Headlines flared:
“Jack Parker Donates $3M Artifact, Pays for Rival’s Mistake.”
“Emily Wilson’s $4M Flop—Who Covered the Cost?”
But Jack wasn’t scrolling.
He was already standing in a glass-walled boardroom on the 62nd floor of the Thompson Group tower, dressed in slate slacks and a black tailored jacket. He leaned against the far wall, quiet as a storm on the horizon.
William Thompson—Sarah’s father, Harmonfield’s corporate lion—was halfway through presenting to the board when it happened.
His voice caught.
Then stopped.
His eyes rolled. His hand slapped the table.
