After Melody presented her invitation and entered the hall, she focused her attention on the paintings on display.Albert accompanied her with a smile. "Let me know if there’s any painting that you like, Mel. I’ll pay for it."Every time Albert participated in such events in the last three years, he often wished Melody would be by his side. Now that his wish had come true, he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to show off.Melody tapped his cheek teasingly. "No way! I’ll pay myself. The painting’s for my father, so it has to be me."Albert was a bit upset to hear it. He was aware that everything he achieved was due to Melody’s kindness. Despite having less than a fraction of her assets, he still wanted to repay her. Just as Albert was about to speak, a voice came from beside him."Are you Albert Scott?"It was Maynard Clark, a well-known Chinorian movie director. He approached Albert enthusiastically, and the men shook hands. Excitement was written all over Maynard’s face. "When I
Christopher’s name was akin to a switch. The moment it was mentioned, the crowd’s eyes fell on Melody. No doubt they were interested in his rumored ex-wife, hidden from the public eye.After they had a good look at her, they turned to look at Talia. Admittedly, his ex-wife was far more appealing than his so-called "true love".Facing their judgmental stares, Talia trembled in anger. Their gazes filled her with discomfort. She suppressed the resentment building in her heart, and tried her best to remain calm. Smiling, she pulled Natasha to her side. "Nat, everyone’s watching you. It isn’t wrong for Melody to be here."Natasha was confused.Olivia frowned when she heard Talia defend Melody.Talia’s gentle smile remained as she went on, "Nat, Mom. Melody got a boyfriend right after the divorce. He should be the one who brought her in here.""A boyfriend?!"Their anger was instantly aroused. Olivia was especially furious that things didn’t go the way she thought they would. Initia
Everyone stared at the man who had walked in.Wrapped in a bone-chilling aura, he approached them like an incoming storm. The shadows between his brows and eyes gave him a harsh impression of superiority. Everyone he passed by could feel the pressure. Christopher’s face was full of gloom. He had disappeared for only a few minutes—he didn’t expect something to happen in such a short time. His gaze passed over everyone, and finally rested on Melody."Chris, right on time!"Olivia smiled proudly. Her son was finally here! She wanted to see how long Melody could remain arrogant.Different from her glee, Natasha averted her eyes in fear. She keenly sensed that her brother was angry, and silently moved toward Talia for protection. However, her subtle actions immediately grabbed Christopher’s attention."Very good, Natasha. Tomorrow, you’re going back to school and to brush up on your manners,” he said icily."B-But...""Be quiet!"Natasha wanted to explain, but she swallowed her
No! That wouldn’t do!No matter what, Talia must prevent it from happening!She regained her composure, and put on a sweet smile. Stepping forward, she quickly held Christopher’s arm and said coyly, “We’re here to appreciate the arts. Don't let them affect your mood.”For some reason, Christopher suddenly envisioned Melody holding Albert’s arm the same way. He was no longer in the mood for art.He brushed Talia off. "Nat hasn’t been back in a while. You enjoy the exhibition with her."Talia was displeased to see him pulling his arm away from her, but she did as told. She turned to Olivia. "Mom, I took some painting classes during my degree. Can I join you?"Olivia held Talia’s hand, delighted. "My sweetheart! You can dance and paint. You’re born to be one of us!"Talia pretended to be bashful, and tucked her hair behind her ear. "There’s still a lot for me to learn."She pointed at a landscape painting, and said proudly, “I know this one. It was painted by the famous Dylan Co
What?!"How is that possible? You’re Dylan Collins!"Natasha couldn’t believe her ears. Though she refused to accept the results, she couldn’t very well doubt Dylan and accuse him of taking Melody’s side. He was close to her brother, after all. "Little girl, art has no limits. My late teacher painted this. He named it, Floating Life Between Heaven and Earth. He painted it at the end of his life. He was so ill, but that didn’t bother him the slightest. I don’t think I can match his zeal—nothing can compare to him,” Dylan said.Having heard Dylan’s explanation, the crowd was impressed."So that lady was right! Wow, she knows so much!""The other lady claimed to be an expert, but she didn’t know that at all. She has the gall to mock people! That lady knows more than her!""Honestly, do you really think she’s from the boonies? She looks more like the young mistress of a wealthy family.""If I were her, I’d apologize. Shame on her!"Dylan stroked his beard gently, his eyes now o
"Look into Melody thoroughly. I want to know everything about her!" he demanded.Luke was startled to hear it. He hesitated to answer. Truthfully, there was nothing more to investigate. Despite that, he had to do what was ordered of him.Christopher returned to the exhibition hall, and met Ethan head-on."Ethan, keep the Seascape Painting for me. I'll pay you handsomely," he said.Ethan was puzzled. Christopher never had any interest in paintings."What do you want it for?""For business," Christopher replied coldly.Ethan suddenly recalled the heiress of the Nolan family. That painting was beloved by her late father, and he had sold quite a number of them to that man. "Tsk, tsk, tsk! You’re paying attention to details, alright. I guess that’s why you’re the CEO of Bolton Enterprise at your age. But tell me, why should I help you?""Twenty million."Hearing that, Ethan was instantly convinced. "Ahem! We’re friends, so I’ll help you. Per your request, I’ll keep the painting f
"Mom! Mom, are you okay?"Natasha immediately pinched her mother’s hand, her face ashen with fright.Olivia struggled to catch her breath, and soon opened her eyes. She didn't have fifty million dollars!She quickly turned to tug on Christopher's sleeve. "Son! Can you help me pay? Fifty million isn't too much for you, right?"Olivia looked at her son with anticipation. They were blood-related; she was sure he wouldn’t heartlessly refuse her!To her dismay, he remained seated and didn't move. His face was ominously dark."Please, I’m begging you! I really can't afford fifty million!" Olivia went on."Brother..."Natasha was about to beg, but as soon as she opened her mouth, she was silenced by his icy, piercing gaze.Seeing Melody and Albert in the distance, Christopher felt a lump in his chest and a throbbing headache."Mom, I warned you before. You're an adult, and you need to take responsibility for your actions."Having said that, he pushed the door open and walked out.
Instantly, Melody stopped dead in her tracks.Then, anger flared up within her.“Christopher didn't like paintings at all, so why did he want this thing?” she asked.Was he trying to provoke her? Ever since she encountered him, nothing had gone well. He must be a jinx!As Melody stormed off, Albert's expression changed slightly and he hurried to follow her. Unfortunately, he was intercepted by Ethan."Why are you getting involved in a married couple's quarrel?" Ethan's earlier cheerful demeanor was replaced by a grim expression look as he glared at Albert."Get out of my way!" Albert growled."That won't happen, young man. Let me give you a piece of advice. Don't meddle in other people's relationships, or you'll get into trouble," Ethan said, waving his hand and ignoring Albert's displeasure. It seemed he was quite dedicated to his role.Ethan was starting to find Melody more interesting. Such a woman could only be worthy of Christopher!Melody had no time to consider whether