Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale 7 Summary
In Chapter 7 of “Winds Carry Lost Promises,” Marina experiences a whirlwind of emotions during an intense auction. After completing her payment for an item, she is drawn to the stage where a stunning gemstone necklace—an heirloom belonging to her mother, Kathy—is being auctioned. Without hesitation, she bids on it, but Lavern, her determined rival, escalates the price to an astonishing 10 million dollars, far exceeding its true value of 700 thousand. The atmosphere in the auction hall becomes electric, filled with disbelief and speculation as Marina ultimately concedes defeat, feeling the weight of the moment heavily upon her.
As she grapples with her emotions, Marina attempts to reach out for support but finds herself isolated, leading to a moment of humiliation when she encounters Daron Zamora, a man from her past. Their brief interaction is charged with unspoken history and regret, highlighting what could have been had circumstances been different. The presence of Lavern, who is now with another woman, exacerbates her feelings of embarrassment and discomfort. The tension escalates when Lavern’s assistant approaches Daron with the necklace, intending to curry favor, but Daron’s disdainful response cuts deep, leaving Marina feeling even more exposed.
The dynamics shift dramatically as Daron dismisses the necklace, refusing to accept it and making a pointed comment about Lavern’s character. This moment reveals Lavern’s vulnerability, as he realizes he has been outmaneuvered in a game of social power. The auction, initially a venue for bidding, transforms into a battleground of pride and ego, with Lavern’s plans unraveling before his eyes. Meanwhile, Marina watches silently, her composed exterior masking the turmoil within, as she recognizes Lavern’s blunders and the precariousness of her own situation.
As the chapter concludes, Lavern’s frustration mounts, and he attempts to salvage his reputation by offering to return the items he won. However, Marina’s sharp retort underscores the complexities of their relationship and the social dynamics at play. The tension between them is palpable, with Shawna, Lavern’s companion, caught in the crossfire of Marina’s scathing remarks. This confrontation not only highlights the stakes involved but also sets the stage for future conflicts as personal and social ambitions collide in a world where promises are easily lost in the winds of competition.
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**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
**Chapter 7**
The stall was efficient, swiftly bringing over a sleek card reader so Marina could complete her payment, and they promptly delivered the item right there.
She had just finished signing her name when her gaze snapped back to the stage, drawn by the excitement of the next lot.
What the auctioneer was presenting—a stunning gemstone necklace—turned out to be none other than Kathy’s cherished heirloom.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Marina lifted her paddle high, ready to stake her claim.
This time, Lavern was relentless. After a fierce volley of bids, he pushed the price to an astonishingly high figure that left everyone in the room buzzing with disbelief.
Soft whispers danced around the auction hall, a low hum of speculation and surprise.
Marina, feeling the weight of the moment, dropped her hand in defeat, conceding the battle. She stood up and rapped on the dividing panel that separated her suite from the neighboring one, hoping for a response.
But no one slid it open.
Just moments later, a new bidder entered the fray, and the tension in the room thickened. Round after round, the price soared well beyond the actual worth of the piece.
Lavern had made up his mind to outbid everyone, no matter the cost, determined to remain the highest bidder and refusing to bow out.
The energy in the auction hall surged, electrifying the atmosphere to a fever pitch.
In the end, Lavern secured the necklace for an eye-watering 10 million dollars, while its true value was a mere 700 thousand.
Kara scoffed, disbelief etched across her features. “Is he out of his damn mind?”
Marina rubbed her temples, feeling any enthusiasm she had for the remaining lots evaporate into thin air. “That’s my mom’s keepsake. I have to go over there.”
Kara immediately rose from her seat. “I’m coming with you.”
Marina shook her head firmly. “No, I’ve got this.”
As she stepped out of her suite, the timing was uncanny; the doors to the adjacent suites swung open simultaneously.
From her left, an entourage emerged, led by a man clad in a deep black shirt. The soft amber lights of the hall danced over him, illuminating his broad shoulders and trim waist, casting an almost regal aura around him.
A cluster of sharply dressed executives trailed behind him like planets orbiting a sun. He moved forward with a subtle, confident smile, each step radiating an effortless charm that captivated those around him.
Marina recognized him instantly—the same man whose car she had accidentally bumped into not long ago.
“Mr. Zamora…” she called out, her voice breaking the silence of the moment.
Daron Zamora acknowledged her with a slight nod as he passed by. “Hello.” His tone was crisp and neutral, revealing nothing of his thoughts or feelings.
A strange mix of emotions welled up inside Marina, a swirling storm of embarrassment, discomfort, and a sense of lost potential.
If fate had played out differently, her life might have taken a different turn. Seven years ago, had she not crossed paths with Lavern, the arrangement between the Finley and Zamora families would have likely led to a wedding between her and Daron.
Yet here was Lavern, the man she had chosen without a second thought, strutting through the auction with another woman on his arm, stirring up drama just moments ago. Daron had been in the suite right next to hers; there was no way he had missed the spectacle.
The humiliation washed over Marina like a wave, relentless and suffocating.
Lavern’s crew quickly dispersed after the bidding war, having received word that Daron was his rival for the necklace.
In a discreet gesture from Lavern, his assistant, clutching the newly acquired prize, approached Daron. “Mr. Zamora, Mr. Ross heard you were interested in this piece and wanted me to pass it along as a gesture of goodwill.”
Spending 10 million dollars just to get in good with Daron? For Ross Group, it was a no-brainer investment.
Lavern had always been astute when it came to weighing risks and rewards.
Daron gave the necklace a quick glance before his gaze dropped to Marina. “Just this kind of trash?”
His words, laced with disdain, flew over the heads of the others in the room but struck Marina like a lightning bolt. Heat flooded her cheeks, mortification washing over her.
His intense stare bore into her, making it nearly impossible for her to maintain eye contact.
Lavern’s assistant shifted uncomfortably, the ornate box in his grip now feeling like an awkward burden—too hot to pass off, yet too late to retract.
Daron didn’t reach for the necklace; instead, he turned his attention to Lavern, who stood a short distance away. “A gentleman doesn’t snatch away someone’s prized possession. Thanks for the thought, Mr. Ross, but you should keep this piece for your own collection.”
Lavern flashed a cool smile, maintaining his composure as he strolled over, exuding an air of confidence. “I’m no expert on this item, so passing it to someone who truly appreciates it seems like the right thing to do.”
A subtle smile played on Daron’s lips, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. “With you framing it like that, Mr. Ross, turning it down would make me look like the villain.”
Lavern’s gaze sparkled with triumph, ambition simmering just beneath the surface. Partnering with Daron? That could elevate Ross Group to unprecedented heights.
Marina’s eyes remained fixated on the necklace, a flicker of regret shadowing her expression.
If the necklace ended up with Lavern, perhaps she could concoct a plan to reclaim it. But if it fell into Daron’s hands? She would rather die than ask him for it.
Lavern retrieved the ornate box from his assistant and handed it to Daron.
Daron accepted it casually, then immediately passed it back to his own aide, as if it were nothing more than a trinket.
With the gift delivered, Lavern’s mind raced, contemplating his next move—perhaps an invitation to solidify their connection.
Before he could voice his thoughts, Daron’s assistant, Garret Lopez, chimed in with a grin. “Mr. Ross, you’re a man of your word, alright. Does this cover our suite tab too?”
Daron chuckled, amusement dancing in his eyes. “What kind of suite racks up a bill like that?”
Garret replied, “Oh, it factors in the mental anguish from all that racket earlier.”
Daron responded, “Can’t argue with that.”
It dawned on Lavern that the complaint about his suite being too loud had originated from Daron.
The carefully rehearsed pitch he had prepared lodged in his throat, becoming impossible to voice.
He opened his mouth to explain, but Daron and his entourage breezed right past him, leaving Lavern feeling utterly dismissed.
Garret, the ever-chatty one, kept the banter flowing with Daron as they walked away. “If I’d known he’d just gift it to us, I would’ve ramped up the bids a few more rounds to really jack the price.”
Daron tossed back a witty retort. “No need to kick a man when he’s down.”
Garret shot back, “Didn’t seem like you were cutting him any slack when you took the win.”
He thought to himself, *We’re talking about a straight-up 7 million dollar loss here.*
Daron’s smile remained light and airy, unfazed by the implications.
Garret was left bewildered, trying to piece together the unfolding drama.
Lavern froze, his smug confidence evaporating into pure frustration.
He had been completely played, oblivious to the entire scheme, and now he had handed 7 million dollars to Daron, who had toyed with him all along.
Marina stood off to the side, watching in silence, her composed demeanor serving as a subtle reminder of his blunders. She had warned him countless times to steer clear of that crowd, after all.
Taking a steadying breath, his temper frayed yet still intact, he extended an olive branch. “I’ll have my assistant drop off everything I won earlier.”
Marina didn’t flinch. “Hand it all over to me, and what, leave Ms. Thornton twiddling her thumbs after warming the bench all night?”
Right on cue, Shawna stepped forward, her expression toward Marina tinged with a hint of fear. “Marina, those lots were always intended for you by Mr. Ross. I don’t need a thing; it’s no big deal.”
Marina let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “Ah, so Ms. Thornton is the picture of selflessness. No surprise these guys are lining up to sing your praises as ‘above all that material stuff.’ Ladies like you, who get played for free and still act thrilled about it, are one in a million. If every side chick followed your lead, the legitimate wives could breathe easier about their fortunes staying put.”
Shawna’s face drained of color, turning ghostly white.
Lavern’s features hardened, his gaze becoming glacial, edged with a biting frost.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of the auction, the weight of lost promises hung heavily in the air, intertwining with the emotions swirling within Marina. The stunning necklace, once a cherished heirloom, had slipped through her fingers, symbolizing not only her mother’s legacy but also the life she had envisioned for herself. As she watched Lavern’s triumphant demeanor, a mix of resentment and regret surged within her. The encounter with Daron Zamora had stirred up a tempest of what-ifs, reminding her of paths not taken and the choices that had shaped her present. The laughter and banter between Daron and his entourage felt like a cruel mockery of her own turmoil, leaving her feeling isolated amidst the crowd.
Yet, as the dust settled on the chaotic auction, a flicker of resolve ignited within Marina. She recognized that the necklace, though a tangible representation of her past, did not define her future. The confrontation with Lavern and the realization of his superficial pursuits illuminated the stark contrast between their values. While Lavern reveled in material conquests, Marina’s true strength lay in her ability to rise above the fray. With a newfound clarity, she understood that reclaiming her narrative was far more valuable than any gemstone. As she steeled herself to confront the unfolding drama, she felt a sense of empowerment brewing within her. No longer would she be a passive observer in her own life; it was time to take charge and forge a new path, one that honored her past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the upcoming chapter of *Winds Carry Lost Promises*, readers can expect to see the tension between Marina and Lavern escalate as the fallout from the auction reverberates through their lives. With the necklace now in Daron Zamora’s possession, Marina is faced with the daunting task of reclaiming her mother’s heirloom while navigating the complex dynamics of her past with Daron. As she grapples with her feelings of humiliation and regret, the stakes grow higher, and her determination to regain what is rightfully hers transforms into a fierce resolve. Will she find a way to confront Lavern and Daron, or will she succumb to the weight of her emotions?
Moreover, the chapter promises to delve deeper into the intricate web of relationships that bind these characters together. Lavern’s frustration over his blunder will likely lead him to devise a strategy to win Marina back, all while trying to maintain his standing with Daron. Meanwhile, Daron’s aloof demeanor may begin to crack, revealing hidden motivations and feelings that could change the course of their interactions. As the drama unfolds, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Marina will navigate this treacherous landscape filled with lost promises and unspoken desires. With each turn of the page, the anticipation builds—who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes game of love, loyalty, and ambition?
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
