About an hour later, Richard's sleek black Rolls Royce pulled to a smooth stop in front of the glass-canopied entrance of the Aurum Grand Auction House.
The red carpet was already unfurled beneath a constellation of camera flashes and murmuring elites.
Chauffeurs lined the curb, and valets darted in formal wear, opening doors and guiding VIPs inside.
When Richard stepped out of the car, the cameras flicked toward him immediately.
Richard Domango was always worth a glance—but tonight, everyone wanted to know if the rumors were indeed true and if he'll show up with Shantel Hale to such a grand event.
If he did, they'd all believe what the rumors had been saying.
They watched in dead silence as he crossed over to the other side of the car. He gently opened the door, then extended a hand.
