Andrea nced at Patricia, her eyes flickering uncertainly, before finally turning to Sylvie. "Ms. Fielding, Mr. Silverstein is considering taking the painting back. Would you like to think it over one more time?"


    Sylvie still didn''t understand why Jarrod had suddenly decided to buy the painting after all, but now that Patricia was involved...


    "Andrea, don''t worry about it," Selma interjected smoothly. "Just let Mr. Silverstein know that I''ve made the decision-this painting is a gift for Miss Aldridge."


    Selma was well aware of Patricia''s status. If a single painting could forge a good connection, why not take the opportunity? Besides, she''d soon need to work with Patricia''s art museum. This painting was really just a favor-a gesture that would be reciprocated in the future.


    Sylvie understood Selma''s reasoning immediately. "It''s fine, I''ll exin it to Jarrod myself."


    Andrea looked as if she wanted to say something more, but Patricia, her expression cool and distant, shot a nce at Sylvie. "Well, I won''t stand on ceremony with you, Ms. Fielding. You''ve just saved me a small fortune."


    Sylvie knew Patricia''s reputation-she wasn''t exactly known for her warmth. While Sylvie would have preferred to give the painting to Jarrod, she had no doubt he''d understand her intentions.


    "Miss Aldridge, you''re too kind. I''d be d to count you as a friend."


    As soon as the words left Sylvie''s lips, Patricia''s mouth curled in a faint, mocking smile. "Well, I don''t make friends with just anyone, you know."


    With that, Patricia turned to Faust. “Wrap it up and have it sent to my car."


    Faust nced at Andrea, then signaled the staff to take care of it.


    Andrea watched the scene unfold, but ultimately stayed silent.


    Once Patricia had left, Selma patted Sylvie''s shoulder reassuringly. "Don''t worry about Jarrod being upset. He''s always been good to you, and I can send him a few more pieces to make up for it. Opportunities to do Miss Aldridge a favor don''te around often."


    Besides, Selma knew Patricia was hugely influential in the art world-her reputation had been built on both wealth and early international acim.


    "Someone like Miss Aldridge," Selma continued, "who''s willing to go to bat for people she cares about? If she''s on your side, Elodie won''t stand a chance."


    Sylvie hadn''t thought of it that way, but Selma had a point.


    Elodie arrived half an hour early. The exhibition was scheduled for one, but she was there a little after noon.


    When she entered the gallery, her brow furrowed. The show had already begun.


    Inside, she approached a staff member at random. "We opened three hours early today,” he exined.


    Elodie was caught off guard. She had no idea the opening had been moved up- and no one had notified her.


    She didn''t press the issue, heading straight to the section she''d targeted.


    But when she got there, the wall that should''ve disyed the painting was empty.


    Her heart dropped. Spinning around, she found another staff member.


    "That painting?" he said. "It was sold two hours ago."


    Elodie took a sharp breath. She''d made a point ofing early, only to find the exhibition had opened even earlier-and now the painting was gone?


    "Could you tell me who bought it?”


    The


    sure


    it


    the details, but I was.


    a young gentleman nam "Content belong


    Emotion flickered across Elodie''s face. Deep down, she already had her suspicions.


    Silverstein...


    Who else could it be?


    By the time she left the gallery, her expression was unreadable. She sat in her car for a long time, trying to steady her thoughts, before finally pulling out her phone and, with no


    other choice, dialing Ja with no


    number.


    He answered, waiting in silence for her to speak.


    Elodie''s voice was cool, edged with frost. "Jarrod, did you buy the painting I


    wanted today?"