Chapter 18 Adriana had been listening while Claudine walked the guests through the pieces , covering craftsmanship , history , ev- erything . It was clear she hadn't let her studies go to waste . Claudine knew Adriana well enough to understand that the comment was recognition . A quiet relief washed over her . It had been five years since she'd worked in front of Adriana . Back in school , the stress from exams and papers had left a mark . But she didn't let Adriana down . There were still details to go over , including specifics about the auction items and Keith's expected price ranges . After a quick word with Adriana , Claudine followed Keith to his study . Adriana watched her go , feeling more glad for her than proud . Claudine was far more sure of herself than the last time they had met . Everyone made mistakes . The important thing was seeing it and doing something about it . It wasn't too late for Claudine . By the time Audrey and Damian arrived , the place was already buzzing . Most of the guests were well - known names in Bronzevale , but even so , they made a point of greeting Damian . He and Audrey seemed close , so some assumed they were a couple and treated her with extra warmth . Standing side by side , they looked perfect for each other . There had been talk for years that Damian got married five years ago and had a daughter . So people started wondering if Audrey was his wife . Going over the auction details took a while . The more they talked , the more Keith warmed to Claudine . By the end , he was fully convinced . " Ms. Hogan , I'm trusting you with these treasures . " " You can count on me , Mr. Legare . I'll do everything I can to make sure they go for what they're really worth . " With that , the discussion wrapped up , and Claudine headed straight back to the hall . Strangely , only a few guests were still inside . Most had gathered near the entrance , chatting . 0.0 % 03:51 Chapter 18 288 Vouchers " Take care , Mr. Barrette ! " " Let's grab dinner sometime ! " After exchanging a few pleasantries , Damian turned to Audrey . " Take a look around , see if anything catches your eye . We'll bid on it together later , alright ? " Audrey nodded , a little shy . " Okay . You can go now . " " I'll come find you when it's over . " As Damian walked away , the crowd drifted back into the hall . Everyone had heard him , and now they were even more convinced Audrey was his wife . A few guests , eager to get close to the Barrette family , saw their chance to cozy up to her . " Mrs. Barrette , you and Mr. Barrette are so sweet together ! " " That's right ! We've always heard you're beautiful and gracious . Now that we've met you , well , the rumors didn't do you justice . " More compliments followed , each one more flattering than the last . Audrey didn't say anything about her relationship with Damian . She smiled , shy but composed . " Out here , it's better if you call me Ms. Lavigne . " They took it as modesty and didn't think twice . Claudine walked up and recognized Audrey as the neighbor from the night before . She wasn't one for small talk , but as an auctioneer , remembering faces was part of the job . Then she stepped forward . " Hello , Ms. Lavigne . " Audrey turned , surprised to see her . Her eyes landed on Claudine's name badge , and she smiled . " You're the auctioneer ? I've never seen one this gorgeous in the country . " " You're too kind , Ms. Lavigne , " Claudine replied . From the way everyone had been fawning over her , Claudine could tell Audrey wasn't just anybody . She hadn't paid attention to new collectors since she got married , so Audrey was likely one with real influence . After all , anyone who drew this kind of attention wasn't ordinary . And that emerald pendant Audrey was wearing told Claudine even more . It had sold for 40 million dollars at the Ev- erton Auction in Harbourne two years ago to a mystery buyer . 49.1 % 03:51 Chapter 18 So Claudine saw her as a potential client . 288 Vouchers 98.9 %