Chapter 1
My mom’s bracelet ended up at an auction house.
I showed up at the auction house, only to run into my husband,
Jackson Stainbrook, who was supposed to be away on a business trip, bidding alongside his secretary.
“Don’t embarrass the girl. I’ll make it up to you later, alright?”
Left with no other choice, I raised my hand to offer unlimited bidding.
His secretary, Jessie Krueger, utterly humiliated, fled the room as laughter erupted around her.
Jackson gently pulled me into his arms. He didn’t go after her.
Six months later, I attended another auction–only to find a full collection of my mother’s nude photos and old pictures of my father’s gangster past turned into a photo book called “The Life of a Famous Designer,” sold page by page.
There were 582 pages in total.
Jessie curled up in Jackson’s arms, her eyes gleaming with smug delight.
“Nicole, didn’t you love making a big show of unlimited bidding at auctions? Well, here’s your chance–this collection should give you more than enough to indulge yourself.”
***
Chapter 1
警察
On the big screen overhead were the very images I wished most to erase from memory.
The most powerful figures in Los Angeles had gathered, casually passing judgment as the photos flickered by.
“I heard her mom used to be the top draw at the Pleasure Palace. Her father was the one collecting the money downstairs.”
“Who would’ve thought? The most promising designer in Los Angeles came from a family like that?”
“Looks like the talent runs in the family. Mr. Stainbrook kept this side of him hidden well–no wonder he lives so comfortably.”
Business partners cast meaningful glances at Jackson.
I stood there frozen, my body cold, fists clenched so tightly my nails dug into my palms. I turned to look at Jackson, my husband, the man who had shared my bed.
And there he was, lounging back in his chair, Jessie nestled against his chest, batting her eyes at me with a triumphant smile.
Jackson smirked lazily.
“Each page is sold individually. The highest bidder gets exclusive access to a private drive–with full videos featuring your mother and the hundreds of clients she entertained over her lifetime.”
The room erupted in excited applause and cheers.
Jackson held Jessie close as they left their seats, then strolled over to me, looking down with mocking amusement.
“Baby, isn’t this the perfect chance for you to get your fill of raising
Chapter 1
200
your paddle? Don’t worry–Jessie won’t steal the spotlight this time.”
The crowd, sensing the drama, closed in to watch.
“Oh come on, Mr. Stainbrook,” someone teased. “After the last auction, you told us to suppress your wife’s studio. We did exactly that. She can’t even afford to raise her hand once, let alone 500 times.”
“Ah, my memory’s terrible,” Jackson replied lightly. “I only said that out of frustration, didn’t expect you’d all go along with it. What a shame.
“Oh well, guess my mother–in–law’s photos will just have to live on in someone else’s art collection.”
I stared at him, stunned, then shot to my feet.
“You told people to sabotage my studio behind my back? Do you have any idea—I’ve burned through all my cash just to keep the lights on! I even re–mortgaged Mom’s bracelet to pay my staff!
“Jackson, why? Is it just because I raised my hand that day and
outshone Jessie?”
Jackson looked at me with icy detachment, utterly unmoved.
“What are you so upset about, Nicole? Jessie was humiliated, too, but she got through it. Why can’t you?”
Then he turned away, still holding Jessie, and walked off without another glance.
As she passed me, Jessie let out a soft, mocking laugh.
“Ms. Sullivan, hope you enjoy the rest of your night.”
