Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 119

hapter 119 Punching Above His Weight

Finished

Someone in the crowd squinted. “Wait, isn’t that Queena Hart from the Harts of Everglade?”

The Harts were the real powerhouses of Everglade. And Queena, their new–generation leader, had proven herself more than capable. Under her, the Hart family’s strength rivaled the top- tier families of Liberty City.

“What beef could they possibly have? And why is Ms. Hart being so blunt?”

While speculation buzzed through the crowd, a voice cut in–concern painted on the surface but clearly insincere.

“Blaine, what did you do to upset that pretty lady? If you’ve been wronged, just say the word. I will back you up–fair and square.”

The private room, which had been closed off in cold dismissal, suddenly had its window thrown open again.

There stood Claudia, smiling as if she’d been watching the whole thing for a while now. Behind her loomed Sterling, tall and severe, his frame practically casting her in shadow.

Could it be–the Harts and the Romeros are about to clash?

Everyone’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

But Blaine’s face twisted dark. He grabbed Queena’s wrist and barked at Claudia, “Shut up. Our family’s business isn’t yours to speak on.”

Claudia glanced back helplessly at the man behind her, who stood silent, expression carved in

stone.

Sterling simply reached out and patted her head.

“Whatever she says goes for me, too.”

That casual statement–handing her full authority without a second thought–was like another stinging slap across Blaine’s face.

Blaine drew in a harsh breath, then lowered his voice to Queena. “Let’s talk about this later, in private.”

But Queena yanked her hand free, arms folding across her chest, her tone biting cold. “Since Ms. Lancaster and Mr. Romero have made their stance clear, perfect–let them be the judges.”

She shot Blaine a mocking look. “Tell me, Blaine–how exactly did my family’s heirloom end

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Chapter 119 Punching Above His Weight

up at an auction, being gifted around?”

Blaine’s head buzzed as if struck by a live wire. “Wasn’t that something you gave me?”

He faltered. “And when did you ever say it was an heirloom?”

Finished

Queena’s fury burned through her voice. “How dare you? When did I ever say I gave it to you? I lent it to you to examine. You’re telling me, as a Hart, I wouldn’t know my own heirloom?

“Even if I had gifted it, you’d still have no right to toss it out as some social favor.”

“That’s not what I meant, Queena. This is a misunderstanding.”

“I don’t care what misunderstanding it is. Return the heirloom–or we’re done.”

“No!” Blaine shot back instantly.

Queena was the best catch he’d landed in years–a woman with a pedigree and no losses attached. No way in hell he’d let her slip.

Queena, though, was done playing. She turned to the auction staff who had just delivered the item. “That’s my family’s heirloom. Blaine has no right to auction it.”

The staff froze, blindsided. The manager scrambled to report it to the higher–ups.

Meanwhile, the crowd, now buzzing with excitement, couldn’t stop whispering.

“Wait–so the painting Blaine bid on was one he donated himself? No wonder the host never explained its origins.”

“And it isn’t even his? The actual owner’s right here–this is humiliating.”

“Why bother with this scheme anyway? Donating, then buying it back?”

“Think about it. He gets it free, donates it to build charity clout, then buys it back cheap. Double payoff–fame and favors. As long as no one digs into the details, he’s golden.”

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