Chapter 252: Burning pests

As Elena settled into the oversize armchair, Dan snapped his fingers and two men in suits entered, placing a small table beside her chair. One poured a glass of deep red wine and set out a plate of fresh fruits and cheeses, as if they were in a 5-star restaurant rather than a viewing room. "There's a menu listing all the items to be auctioned today," Dan told her, handing her a leather bound folder. She scanned the listings half-heartedly, checking off a Ming vase and an antique revolver in the hopes of appearing convincingly engaged. She had already gotten a list for things to bid for in the car, but she was pretending to be interested. "I have people who will handle the room's bidding. Just let me know what it is you want and don't worry about the technicalities.." Unable to contain her discomfort, Elena closed the leather folder and looked away from the windows, sipping her wine. Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out gratefully, relieved at any distraction. She