A loud gasp rippled through the room, followed by a collective murmur as everyone froze in stunned silence. The slap echoed like a gunshot, cutting through the elegant atmosphere of the auction hall. Shock painted the faces of the elite crowd—hands flew to mouths, fans fluttered in nervous gestures, and the rich aroma of wine and polished wood now mingled with the tension.

Raina stood motionless, her hand instinctively pressed against her cheek. A sharp stinging sensation radiated from the ...