Armed with this new information, I returned to the auction house, determined to confront Claire. The building was nearly empty, save for a few staff members cleaning up from the last event. I spotted her in the back office, talking on her phone. Her expression shifted when she saw me, the cool composure cracking just slightly.
“We need to talk,” I said, stepping into the office. She hung up, folding her arms defensively. “I know what you’re doing,” I continued, “and it stops here.”
For a moment, she said nothing, her eyes calculating. Then, with a resigned sigh, she spoke. “I was only doing my job,” she said, though the admission was hollow.
“And part of your job is deceiving people?” I challenged.
She didn’t answer, but the silence said enough. I left the office, determined to see this through, knowing that the fight wasn’t over yet. But I had allies now, and together, we’d uncover the truth behind these deals.
Note: This story is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Names, characters, and details have been altered.
