“Before the bidding begins, there’s something important I must mention,” the host announces, visibly excited, drawing the attention of every guest in the room. “This perfume is the first in the history of this event to receive a perfect score…” He lets the suspense hang in the air for a beat. “Which is why the bidding will start at one hundred thousand euros.”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. I throw my arms around Nathan’s neck, and he catches me in his embrace, smiling ...