The laughter started small, just a few scattered chuckles from nearby tables. But as Noah and Felicity's words spread through the crowd, the mockery grew louder.
"Three million for a dead stick," someone whispered behind me.
"More money than brains," another voice added.
I felt Chloe stiffen beside me, her elegant composure cracking under the weight of public ridicule. Her cheeks flushed pink as dozens of eyes turned our way, some pitying, others openly amused.
"Maybe we should go," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the growing whispers.
Noah caught the shift in atmosphere and decided to twist the knife deeper. He stopped his exit and turned back toward our table, his voice carrying across the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I think we've all learned something valuable tonight," he announced with theatrical flair. "Sometimes the most expensive purchases are the most worthless ones."
