“I have no idea what you mean, Max,” Addison said, taking a sip of her scotch. “I’m just here for the free booze.”

Maxwell let out a snort as he raised his chin. “Sure you are, and that’s why you spent the last hour monopolizing Bradley’s time.”

“He didn’t seem to complain,” Addison said, looking at the man. “So why are you? Worried?”

“Hardly,” Maxwell said with an over-exaggerated laugh. “I upped the ante earlier today. We’re no longer neck and neck with the price, and since I know you don’t do bidding wars, I win.”

“Is that so?”

“It’s time to fold your hand, Addison. You can’t win them all.”

She wasn’t about to fold her hand, but Addison wasn’t prepared to show it either. Deciding not to play the verbal chess match, she turned her attention to the room, hoping Firth would get the message. He didn’t.

“Although, I’d have to say you did win when it came to her. Didn’t you?”

Addison dropped her chin to her chest. She hated riddles, and she hated Firth, but combining the two pushed her over the top, and she shot the man a look that could kill. “What the hell are you going on about now?”

Maxwell shook his head as he leaned in close. “You and I both know your marriage is a sham, but at least you picked a looker. I’ll give you that.” When Addison’s expression didn’t waver, Maxwell decided to try again. “But it seems to me she’s drawing a crowd, and lo and behold, they’re all blokes. Maybe you don’t have what it takes, Kane,” he said, quickly giving Addison the once over before focusing on something else. “But I’m sure they do.”

Following Maxwell’s filthy leer, Addison spotted Joanna across the room surrounded by men. She shouldn’t have cared. After all, Joanna wasn’t making a spectacle of herself. She was just sipping champagne and chatting with a few blokes, none of whom impressed Addison in the least. The first was far too tall for Joanna, and the next could have easily been a jockey for all she knew. Another sported a beard that could have been licked off by a cat if it tried hard enough, and the last obviously couldn’t afford to buy a new tuxedo, since the one he was wearing was at least one size too small.

Addison shifted in her stance, and emptying what remained in her glass, she set it on a nearby table and walked away from Firth without saying a word.