At that thought, Nancy glanced over at Jayson, who was discussing something work–related with Arthur. A content smile lingered in her eyes.
When Jayson was done talking to Arthur, he noticed the wohen deep in conversation.
Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, then stepped outside to take the call.
Today’s theme was abstract oil paintings. The art gallery was spacious, but there weren’t many visitors yet, so the place felt empty and quiet.
When Jayson came out, he had already finished the call and was walking along the gallery. Eventually, he stopped in front of one of the paintings.
The painting before him was one he knew intimately. It was the one Ariel had once asked him for.
Jayson stood there in silence, staring at it for a moment.
Then, footsteps echoed behind him. He turned, ready to leave.
But just as he turned, he caught sight of Cecilia a short distance away.
She seemed just as surprised to see him.
Jayson only gave her a brief glance, didn’t bother to greet her, and simply walked away with long strides.
Frowning, Cecilia looked at Jayson’s retreating figure. It wasn’t until she took a few more steps forward that she noticed the painting hanging there.
She was momentarily stunned.
The interplay of color and structure was striking. She could tell at a glance that this was exactly to her liking.
Without hesitation, Cecilia went to find a staff member. She wanted to buy it.
The paintings here were up for sale, and she didn’t care about the price. She just needed to speak with the staff about buying it.
As she headed toward the spiral staircase, a man’s voice reached her ears.
“Mr. Larkin, Mr. Hudson’s still speaking with Ms. Stanton and Mrs. Stanton about the contract. Should we go ahead and secure that painting you were just looking at?”
Jayson checked the time on his watch as he walked. “Yes. Go talk to Dylan later. Tell him I want it pulled from the exhibit.”
Arthur hesitated. “Mr. Larkin, aren’t you aware that Mrs. Stanton’s painting is suspected of plagiarizing Ms. Walker’s work? Why would you-”
Jayson stopped and shot him a flat look.
Arthur understood immediately. “Right. You’re protecting Ms. Stanton.”
What did it matter what Sarah had done?
Jayson didn’t offer any explanation. He had only squeezed in time to drop by today, and now there was important work waiting for him. Turning to Arthur, he said, “You stay here and handle the follow–up. I’m heading back to the office.”
1/3
Arthur stood tall. “Yes, Mr. Larkin.”
Jayson left in a hurry, but Cecilia had heard enough. Just these few words were enough for her to piece things together.
She quickly walked back to where Jayson had been standing and gazed at the painting, which she had to admit was stunning.
Just then, Nancy and Sarah walked out and spotted Cecilia across the gallery.
Nancy instinctively frowned but quickly realized Cecilia was focused on a painting.
That was Sarah’s painting. Of course, she recognized it.
Nancy thought for a moment, then decided to approach with Sarah in tow. “Ms. Pryce?”
Cecilia turned around slowly.
Nancy’s demeanor was calm and poised, her expression giving nothing away. “Do you like this painting?”
While Nancy was speaking, Sarah had already figured out who the woman in front of her was–the heiress of Yeager Group.
With her arms crossed, Cecilia looked at Nancy, then suddenly let out a snort. “What a coincidence.”
Nancy knew Cecilia had her biases, likely stemming from Ariel. However, Nancy had no interest in clashing with someone like Cecilia, given her status.
So…
“Do you like this painting, Ms. Pryce?” Nancy asked again.
Arthur watched the interaction quietly from the side.
Cecilia smiled. “I do. I was just about to buy it, actually.”
Nancy, hoping to foster goodwill, made a quick decision. “To be honest, that painting was done by my mother. If you like it, I’d be happy to give it to you.”
Just then, Arthur stepped up, looking slightly awkward. “Ms. Stanton, Mr. Larkin asked to purchase that piece.”
Cecilia let out a cold chuckle. “Oh? The artist herself says she’s giving it to me, and now you think you get to overrule that?”
