Chapter 72

Even though Lorenzo had gone into great detail, trying to outline tonight’s plan, I was still feeling a bit hesitant about a few things. For instance, what if someone did manage to outbid Lorenzo on whatever item he was meant to be bidding on? What if Cruz’s brother didn’t give the exact reaction everyone was solely anticipating?

Most of all, what if all of this trouble wasn’t truly worth it in the end?

I’d meant to ask Lorenzo about this back at the restaurant. Had Cruz mentioned anything about the kind of evidence that he was willing to share with us when the two of them were discussing all of these plans? What sort of information was the guy really willing to part with in order to enable Lorenzo to work with him?

Either way, it felt like he was putting a tremendous amount of trust and reliance on Cruz to follow through on his end of the bargain.

As we approached the auction house, I forced myself to push back any potential doubts and tried to put on my best stoic expression. If we were here to play a role in this plan, then I wasn't going to be one to mess any of it up.

The moment Lorenzo and I entered the main hall, we were overcome by numerous journalists, reporters, and at least over a dozen photographers. I felt like a true celebrity, walking the red carpet for some sort of premiere. I honestly thought that I was going to be somehow overdressed for the occasion, but it turned out that there were various other women who were dressed up in a similar fashion.

As soon as one journalist turned their head in our direction, the rest followed suit and within seconds, Lorenzo and I were swarmed with attention and flashing lights from the cameras.

“Miss Wright! Have you come any closer to solving the missing children’s case?”

“Have there been any bodies received since the last one?”

“Have either you or Alpha Sinclair uncovered any new evidence that could turn the case?”

Each question felt a clear punch to the stomach. I practically stumbled back on my heels had it not been for Lorenzo’s firm stance by my side. His strong arm around my waist was what kept me from falling.

I should have known that this event would have drawn out anyone who was desperate to know the building truth behind this case. I should have thought of this possibly sooner and found the time to mentally prepare myself for facing such heavy questions.

But nothing could have prepared me for the next question that flew through the hair and slapped me clear across the face.

“Have you anything to say to the families whose children are now dead?”

Oh, God.

I stopped dead in my tracks while an awful sensation of guilt and shame filled my chest. It brought me right back to the time I was staring down at both Agatha Wilde and Lucy Grants’ lifeless bodies.

I struggled to take in even breaths as I gasped.

Lorenzo must have sensed my distress and came quickly to my aid. I heard a low growl tear from his chest. He tightened his hold on me and kept me turned away from the nosy reporters and cameras.

“There isn’t enough we could possibly say to the families who’ve lost their children. But note this, we know who is behind this. It’s only a matter of time before the truth is exposed,” he stated sternly. “No more questions.”

Not a single one of them tried to press luck by speaking again. From that point on, just a few camera flashes went on while Lorenzo escorted us to our private booth a few floors up.

A voice came over the loudspeakers, instructing everyone to find their seat as the opening of the auction was about to begin. The lights in the house dimmed and suddenly a bright spotlight was shown over the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack.

My stomach lurched at the sight of the sleazy older man who stood haughtily on the stage. The crows clapped with boisterous enthusiasm.

“As Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, I’m glad to have you all come out to our highly exclusive and luxurious Auction house tonight,” he boasted. “We have a series of near-priceless items that are looking for new homes. So, without further delay with your generosity, let the bidding commence!”

The first few items that were wheeled out were stunning, hand-painting portraits of a few country landscapes held in mahogany frames. They went almost immediately. The next items that came out were large matching Greek-style vases that went for over a hundred thousand dollars.

“Oh my God,” I whispered.

Lorenzo turned his head to glance at me and smiled. “Oh, yeah. You’re going to be amazed what some of these people are willing to spend on these items.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “Now, what item are you supposed to be bidding on?” I asked curiously.

His smile deepened. “You’ll see.”

As the night went on, a slew of items were out and sold within sparing moments of each other. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something overly shiny and bright being carried out onto the stage. My heart slammed wildly inside my rib cage as I gaped at the very necklace that I had only ever seen in photos.

“Lorenzo,” I gasped. “Is that—no, it couldn’t be.”

He leaned in close to speak into my ear. “It is, love. That’s ‘The Ballet Diamond Necklace’.”

It’s only ever been worn by the best ballet dancers within the royal ballet troupe.

“Oh my God,” I said. “Lorenzo, that’s the very same necklace that my mother once wore when she was still a dancer.”

Lorenzo grinned. “I know.”

My heart swelled with emotion. It felt as though I was looking at a single piece of my mother as I stared openly at the stunning piece of jewelry.

For the first time all evening, Lorenzo began raising his bidding sign. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped in disbelief.