She nced over at Jarrod, who was deep in conversation with Andrea about business. A satisfied smile flickered in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Jarrod noticed the women chatting. Just then, his phone buzzed. He nced at the caller ID, excused himself, and stepped out to take the call.
The art gallery was spacious. Today''s exhibition featured abstract oil paintings, but the ce was still nearly empty, lending it a hollow, almost chilly silence.
By the time Jarrod finished his call, he found himself wandering the gallery halls, eventually stopping in front of a particr painting.
He knew this piece intimately.
It was the one Elodie had once asked him about...
He stood there, quietly contemting the painting.
Footsteps sounded behind him.
He turned, ready to move on, and saw Patricia not far away.
She was clearly surprised to see him as well.
But Jarrod only gave her a brief, impassive nce-no greeting-then strode away, his long legs carrying him quickly down the hall.
Patricia frowned, watching his retreating figure. She took a few steps forward and finally noticed the painting he''d been standing before.
For a moment, Patricia was transfixed.
The colors andposition struck her immediately. She knew, in an instant, this was exactly her taste.
Without hesitation, she went to find a staff member-she wanted to buy it, price no object.
All the paintings here were for sale, and Patricia was willing to pay whatever it took. She waited for someone toe discuss the details.
As she walked toward the spiral staircase, she overheard a conversation:
A man''s voice: "Mr. Silverstein, Mr. Faust is still with Ms. Fielding discussing the contract. Did you want to purchase the painting you were just looking at?"
Jarrod checked his watch as he walked. "Yes. I''ll speak to Faust directly in a bit. Let''s take that painting off the floor for now."
Andrea hesitated. "Mr. Silverstein, you do realize Ms. Fielding''s mother is suspected of giarizing Winifred Thorne''s work with this painting..."
Jarrod stopped and shot him a cold look.
Andrea immediately understood. "Right, you''re just trying to protect Ms. Fielding."
As for her mother''s situation-well, that was another matter.
Jarrod didn''t borate. He''d onlye by the gallery as a brief detour, now, urgent business awaited. He turned to Andrea, "Stay here and handle the follow-up. I''m heading back to the office.
Andrea straightened. "Of course, Mr. Silverstein."
Jarrod left in a rush.
Patricia, however, had caught enough of the exchange.
She''d picked up on the key points-enough to piece together what was going on.
She hurried back to the spot where Jarrod had paused, gazing at the painting that had so captivated her.
As Sylvie and Selma emerged from a side corridor, they quickly spotted Patricia.
Sylvie''s brows knit instinctively, but she
adminnoticed Patricia was
a painting-the one Selma
had created. Of course, she recognized it instantly.
Sylvie considered for a moment, then led Selma over.
"Miss Aldridge?"
Patricia turned, her movements slow and deliberate.
Sylvie''s posture was graceful, her expressionposed. "You like this painting?"
As Sylvie spoke, Selma realized who stood before them-the Eldrion Global heiress.
Patricia folded her arms across her chest and let out a short, dryugh. "What a coincidence."
Sylvie was well aware Patricia
harbored some resentment toward
her-thanks to Elodie-but she had
no intention of making an enemy of
someone with Patricia''s
background.
So, she pivoted to diplomacy. "Miss Aldridge, if you like this painting, I''d be happy
to give it to you. My mother painted it."
At that moment, Andrea approached, looking ufortable. "Ms. Fielding, Mr. Silverstein wishes to purchase the painting."
Patricia''s smile turned icy. "Oh? The owner just offered it to me. Since when do you get to decide?"