Chapter 19
The word “we” left both Cole and Eileen frozen in place, caught off guard.
So, what he meant was that not only was he involved in the bidding, but Jaycie was, too?
Looking around, they realized none of the information they read about the other bidders seemed to match Jaycie, and the only
person left in the running was… Ms. Stanton, the only daughter of Housleton’s wealthiest family.
The realization hit both Cole and Eileen like a ton of bricks, and their faces drained of color. They glanced around at the crowd,
who seemed to be watching the scene unfold with great amusement. In that moment, it became painfully clear to them–they
were the butt of the joke.
Cole’s face shifted from pale to red, his temper flaring. He couldn’t care less about the bidding war anymore and, in embarrassment, quickly made his way out of the banquet hall.
After he left, Eileen shot Jaycie a venomous look, her hatred burning, and hurried after him, eager to escape the situation.
Jaycie saw the hate in Eileen’s eyes but didn’t let it bother her. After all, Eileen had been harboring a grudge against her for a long
time.
Eileen’s power only came from the Wises and her tenuous connection to Cole through a possible marriage. Since Cole agreed to
the engagement when he still had feelings for Jaycie, Jaycie knew that as soon as the benefits Eileen could offer him became
scarce, Cole would easily turn his back on her.
As for the Wises, Jaycie didn’t even have to lift a finger. The moment they found out Eileen had offended the Stantons, they would
drop her like a hot potato.
But right now, Jaycie had more important things to focus on–the bidding event.
