CHAPTER 7

Samantha subtly rolled her shoulders, getting rid of the stiffness from sitting straight throughout the event. She felt Darren’s hand on her left shoulder, kneading it gently and she gave him a grateful smile.

“Thanks,” she whispered, finally feeling some relief from the tension she has all night. “Funny thing is, I should be used to this already. All the scorn and hatred. But why does it still feel like the first time?”

Darren gave him an assured smile.

“Because they’re jerks, Sam,” he answered, casually moving his hand to her right. From the observers’ standpoint, the two of them looked to be in a public display of affection that drew some frown and whispers. “And what can we say? We’re good actors.”

Vanessa Wright, their good friend chuckle at that statement.

“Those idiots just want something new to talk about, Sam,” she added as she lightly adjusted the necklace Sam is wearing until she is satisfied of its position. She gave her an encouraging smile. “It’s been more than a year since you kept to yourself. They’re hungry to know what you’ve been up to or are you planning something evil with dear Darren.”

“Just look at Rose Spencer,” she continued and then rolled her eyes. “She has been throwing envious looks at you ever since you arrived. Perhaps she’s jealous because of ol’ Darren here?”

Sam and Darren chuckled at that statement as they heard the auctioneer’s voice again.

“And now, the most items we’ve all been waiting for!” The auctioneer announced after a few minutes of recess. “These are the last five items for tonight and were appraised as the rarest and highest value. Once again, thank you very much to everyone for attending as the money will be donated to several charities.”

The three of them watched as the first three items were presented, where one is the acclaimed Chopard 201-Carat Watch with an opening bid of fifteen million dollars. Darren snorted quietly when that common person they don’t like placed a bid on it while her husband only remained silent beside her. Her brother occupied the seat on her other side, going through his drink.

“Ambitious woman,” Vanessa sneered but smiled in glee when a higher bid was placed. “The watch would look gaudy on her wrist.”

Sam only remained silent as she watched Rose Spencer, one of the women who is very vocal over her hatred at Sam, bid for a higher price.

Shivers went up her back as she looked at her brother, who previously has been vocal of his admiration for her. When Maxwell had died, he became bold and had pursued her relentlessly despite turning him down several times. She had to involve the law just to get him to stop.

Memories of the scandal that Rose did creep back into her mind when she found out what was done to her brother. It was one of the main reasons why she decided to stay at the beach house to live peacefully.

“She hates you because she thought that she’s going to be the next Mrs. Cameron,” Darren mentioned to her once. “But your husband managed to see through her façade that all she wants is money. You don’t go through three marriages for nothing.”

“Serves her right,” Vanessa muttered when the bidding was finally over and it went to a different person. She reached for her glass of wine, looking smug over the loss of that woman. “Be alert, Sam. She’s going to make your time up there difficult.”

“She can have the spotlight for all I care,” Sam answered as she tidied herself up, knowing that the necklace she’s wearing is going to be next. “If only I didn’t let this person talked me into wearing this.”

“You know how Senator Whitehall dotes over you,” Darren said with a grin as he stood up, offering his elbow to her and escorted her to the stage. He put on a big smile for all attendees to see and kissed her on the cheek before letting her hand go. “Make them die with envy.”

Sam raised her chin up and smiled warmly at the auctioneer, who greeted her in return.

“Now, we have here a Victoria-Transvaal Diamond Necklace donated by Mrs. Deborah Whitehall, the senator’s loving mother,” the auctioneer started describing the item. “This 240-carat crystal and suspended from a chain of 108 diamonds that totals to 45 carats was discovered years ago in a small town in Europe. Opening bid for this lovely piece is at twenty million dollars. Do I have a taker?”

There was silence for a long while that the auctioneer is doing his best in describing the item.

“We have a taker at the gentleman at the back!” The auctioneer happily announced.

“I’m sure she’ll take that for a night!” A dry comment then came and along came some malicious laughs.

Sam’s face never changed when she heard the comment and she saw the auctioneer glanced at her in concern. She gave him a smile, telling him that she’s okay before staring at Darren, who is already on his feet upon hearing that comment with Vanessa holding on to him.

“May we have a closer look?!” Rose Spencer called out viciously. She was on her feet along with her brother, standing behind her.

“I’ll escort you, Madam,” the auctioneer immediately said away from the mic. He took her hand and gently helped her down the platform and escorted her to the table. He looked at her in concern since her grip became tight and suddenly understand. “I’m not going to leave you.”

Rose sauntered towards her with a sinister smile and before Sam could notice and guard herself, Bruce Spencer, Rose’s brother stepped forward and reached for the largest crystal of the jewelry, his fingers brushing intentionally at her slightly exposed cleavage.

Sam took a step back in fear while hearing some snickers around them immediately putting back her façade. She reached for the clasped behind and presented the necklace to Bruce with both hands.

“Twenty-two million,” Bruce then said, his eyes boring into Sam dangerously.

“Thirty-two!”