The smile on Vance's face vanished, replaced by the subtle pressure of a man in charge. "Is Guest Number Fourteen questioning the integrity of our auction house?"
Timothy Donovan's heart jolted. He was about to say something more but was mercilessly shut down by his father.
"He's just a kid spouting nonsense. Please, Vance, don't mind him. He didn't mean it."
"You'd better hope not." Vance couldn't be bothered to waste any more time on them and cut straight to the chase. "If our guests don't trust the auction house, they are free to leave at any time. Business is built on honesty and trust. Without trust, there's no business to be done."
This was a blatant threat. If Timothy Donovan continued to make a scene, the auction house would have him thrown out—or even throw all three of them, the father and his sons, out on the street!
Victor Donovan understood the implication. His expression faltered, but he had no choice but to force a smile and sit back down.
