***The Bidding War**

Emma stared at her painting on the stage.

The dark colors. The twisted figure. The raw ugliness she'd poured onto canvas two days ago.

Daniel's smirk never left his face. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching. Waiting for her humiliation.

Across the room, Natalie had returned from the bathroom. She stood near her table, that same triumphant smile splitting her face. Looking at Emma. Looking at the painting. Looking like she'd already ...