No Longer Yours to Break novel Chapter 2

Zoe was done with Southport, but she had one last thing to cross off her list.

In her past life, she hadn't even known about her mom's keepsake until right before she died—found out it had shown up at some auction.

She tossed her last few things into a bag and walked into the auction, looking drop-dead stunning.

The moment that familiar gemstone bangle popped up, she raised her paddle.

"Three hundred thousand."

It wasn't in the best shape, but she threw out a high bid fast—hoping to lock it down without any fuss.

Right as the gavel started to drop, a voice cut through the room.

"Five hundred."

Zoe whipped around and locked eyes with Vicky, who stared her down like it was a game.

Zoe clenched her jaw. "Seven."

The crowd started buzzing. That bangle wasn't worth nearly that much.

Just as Vicky lowered her paddle, a man’s voice cut through the silence.

Connor.

"One million,"

"Zoe, don't be difficult. Your dad spoiled you rotten. You've had more jewelry than you can count."

"Vicky got sent away as a kid. She's your sister too, and she had to figure everything out on her own. And now you're really going to fight her over some bangle?"

Connor's eyes narrowed. "What's hers isn't yours."

Smack!

The slap echoed like a gunshot. Zoe's head snapped to the side.

She stared at Connor, stunned, caught in the chill of his disgusted glare.

"You've got no manners, Zoe. Talking like that about your own sister—did your mom teach you anything before she died?"

The jab landed hard. Her eyes stung. She glanced at the bangle, vision blurring.

She wanted to speak, to tell him it was the only thing her mom left her—

But before a word could leave her mouth, Connor was already waving security over.

"Get her out. There are rules here. Don't let her crash the party again."