Chapter 4

The Sotheby's auction house buzzed with New York's elite, all gathered to witness the sale of my mother's legacy. I slipped in alone, wearing a simple black dress that helped me blend into the shadows of the back row. My heart pounded against my ribs as I took my seat, clutching the auction catalog with white knuckles.

I'd chosen this seat carefully—close enough to see everything, but far enough to remain anonymous. The last thing I needed was for Jude or Blair to spot me before the action began.

"Lot number forty-seven, the Victoria Campbell emerald necklace," the auctioneer announced,…