Sophia's POV
The moment I'd been dreading all week had finally arrived.
After dinner, the lights dimmed and the auction area was illuminated with soft spotlights. The guests moved from their dinner tables toward the rows of chairs facing the small stage where I would soon be standing.
This is it. No more preparation time. No more excuses.
I watched from my seat as the foundation director took the stage to introduce the evening's program. Her voice seemed to come from very far away as she talked about the important work of helping young people recover from addiction.
"Tonight's auction features some truly exceptional pieces, and we're honored to have Mrs. Isabella Romano provide expert commentary on these works of art."
Expert commentary. If only they knew.
The applause was polite bu
