"That would be all," I said calmly, and my bodyguards immediately stepped forward, pushing the reporters aside as Lena and I walked toward the entrance of the auction hall.
Flashing cameras followed our every step, but I didn't slow down. Lena's fingers were laced with mine, and I made no effort to hide it.
We had barely stepped inside when Cynthia approached, as though she had been waiting for me all along. Her eyes immediately dropped to our joined hands. I saw it—the strain, the fury, the disbelief burning in her gaze as she looked between us.
"Raymond, what is this?" she demanded.
"What is what?" I feigned ignorance, my expression unreadable.
"We were supposed to come to the auction together. You promised Grandpa you would come with me."
"I don't believe I ever made such a promise," I replied evenly.
"Even if you did not, don't you think bringing another woman to an auction where your fiancée would be present is too much? We are engaged, Raymond."
