Chapter 45

Chapter 45:

Gracie’s voice cut into his silence. She was watching him closely, and he quickly masked his thoughts with an easy smile. “Nothing at all. I’m only worried you’re overworking yourself p>

“If you can keep Ellie from stirring up trouble for me, I’d consider that the greatest favor you could offer,” she said dryly, plucking a macaron from the tray and brushing the crumbs off her fingers. “Anyway, the auction’s about to start p>

With that, she strode toward Brayden.

The two of them exchanged light conversation with several guests before settling into their front-row seats.

From behind, Theo’s eyes followed them briefly before shifting toward the hall’s entrance—where Lia stood on her toes, peering in with a radiant smile. His lips curved faintly. There were no private suites tonight; every guest sat together in the grand hall.

Naturally, Gracie was seated beside Brayden, the position reserved for his wife. From there, she had a perfect view of the stage.

She leafed through the auction booklet lazily, found nothing appealing, and placed it back down.

“Nothing caught your eye?” Brayden’s voice, low and cool, came from beside her.

Gracie turned to him with a faint smile. “Why? Are you planning to surprise me with a gift p>

“You’ve been fulfilling your role as my wife admirably,” he said, his tone measured. “Lia acted impulsively today and offended you. I thought I should make up for it somehow p>

There was no hostility in his words—but neither was there affection. Lia still occupied the center of his world, and Gracie was fully aware of it.

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She understood perfectly what worried him. He was simply concerned she might retaliate against Lia out of spite. “No need to buy me anything,” she said with an easy shrug. “If you really want to compensate me, cash would be far more practical p>

Brayden’s brows drew together faintly, and he said nothing. Her unvarnished pragmatism irritated him; she was always so grounded, so uninspired by sentiment.

Unbothered, Gracie turned her gaze toward the stage as the lights dimmed.

Theo and Ellie had taken seats directly behind them.

A brilliant spotlight burst to life, casting a glow on the auctioneer—an elegant woman in a fiery red gown—who stepped forward and announced the beginning of the event.

As jewels, antiques, and rare art went under the hammer, Gracie’s mind drifted. Such luxuries never interested her.

Then Brayden’s composed voice sliced through her drowsiness. “Thirty million p>

Her eyes flicked toward the stage in surprise. The item was a full set of sapphire jewelry—glimmering, extravagant.

So this must be his way of making peace with Lia.

After all, his beloved had been embarrassed today, and if he didn’t make amends, she wouldn’t make his night easy.

Ellie leaned forward from behind, her tone sugary and mocking. “Oh? Brayden, are you buying that for Gracie? But she doesn’t seem like the jewelry type. It’d look wasted on her p>

Brayden didn’t spare her a glance. His voice, smooth and edged with frost, carried across the hall. “My wife’s elegance doesn’t need ornaments to stand out. Jewelry merely serves to echo her light p>

He paused just long enough for the sting to settle before adding, “Unlike you—no number of jewels could mask that vulgar stench you carry p>

Ellie’s face turned crimson, her mouth opening and closing without a word.

Gracie, trying not to show it, cast Brayden a brief, amused look of approval. She hadn’t expected him to deliver such a cutting retort—but she had to admit, it was deeply satisfying to watch.