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
It was said that the Nolan family's heiress had been missing for three years. Coincidentally, Melody had been married to the Christopher family for three years as well...However, Christopher cast aside that notion quickly. It was simply absurd!Although Melody and the heiress shared the same surname, there was more than one Nolan family in Bayridge. If Melody was truly the missing Nolan family's heiress, Christopher would’ve long discovered the truth during their three years of marriage. And with the status of the Nolan family's heiress, there was no way Melody could endure staying silently by his side for three years.Christopher felt that he must have been overthinking just now.Melody stood there, her face showing traces of impatience as Christopher kept silent, lost in thought."Christopher, I really like the Seascape Painting. Name your price, and I'll buy it." "I don't need the money," he replied flatly.She frowned. "Then, we can trade for something else. Tell me wh
Olivia's words hit a nerve with Christopher. "That's enough! Do you think what you did today wasn’t humiliating enough for the Boltons? And why was I never told about my own wedding next month? Who gave you the authority to make decisions on my behalf?"Olivia stammered, "B-But… Didn't you say you wanted to marry Talia?"Christopher's face darkened. "Do you know what I hate the most, Mom?"She was momentarily taken aback, as she knew that he despised being manipulated. The wedding between him and Melody had been forcefully arranged by Jonathan. During that time, his face had been so ugly that she had refrained from provoking him for months.However..."Oh, son, I was just trying to help you vent your anger. That wretched girl is too arrogant. Besides, you said you wanted to marry Talia, so I thought...""I will decide the timing of my own marriage, and I don't need your interference."With that, he turned away coldly and ordered, "Luke, arrange another car for me. Let them go
What an odd time for Luke to pass by and see the madam being intimate with another man. He wondered if Christopher would blame him for this, and if his job was at risk.Luke's mind was in a whirl, but he didn't allow any change in his expression. Unexpectedly, Christopher said calmly, "Turn around, and head to the company."Luke quickly nodded. "Yes, sir!"Only after making the U-turn did Luke dare to glance at the rearview mirror. Christopher had a poker face, but his aura was ominous.Melody had no idea that Christopher had just driven past her. As she drove away, she dialed Irwin's number."Miss, what are your orders?"Irwin knew that if Melody called at this time, it was for an important assignment. Thus, he responded promptly.Melody’s voice was cold as she instructed, "Keep an eye on Olivia and see what she plans to do next."Melody was well aware of how money-hungry Olivia was. The fifty million dollars she paid for the painting had probably emptied her coffers. Olivia w