Chapter 500

Elodie's movement faltered for a split second. She turned—and saw Patricia striding in, heels clicking with crisp authority.

Even Jarrod glanced over, though he stayed put, unmoving in his seat.

Selma, however, reminded herself that this was, after all, Patricia's art museum. Patricia's presence here could surely be counted as a show of support.

Selma rose smoothly. "Miss Aldridge, welcome."

Patricia regarded her with a cool, restrained smile. "Am I interrupting? Looks like you're in the middle of an interview for your press kit, aren't you?"

Selma's reply was calm, unfazed. "Not at all. You're welcome to take a seat, Miss Aldridge."

But Patricia remained where she was, eyes narrowed as she glanced toward Sylvie and the man beside her-Jarrod.

She finally turned back, voice light but laced with an edge. "No need to fuss over me. I'm just here to drop off a gift for your show, that's all." She fixed her gaze on Selma. "Is now a good time?"

Selma knew Patricia's reputation in the art world-her attendance could only help the museum's publicity. Smiling, Selma nodded. "Of course."

Patricia clapped her hands.

Elodie glanced over as several staff members, following Patricia's cue, wheeled in a large painting from outside.

The moment Elodie recognized it, her brows shot up in surprise.

gone to collect from the gallery the other day? The

how was it now

of it. Instinctively, Elodie frowned and looked

his eyes meeting hers unexpectedly. His gaze was cool, unreadable—a placid

They couldn't fathom

"Miss Aldridge, may I

piece deserves center stage-far outshining

of something dark crossed Selma's eyes, though her tone remained composed. "If you love it that much, Miss Aldridge, I'll set another aside

her tone dry. "Did I say I wanted

expected such a sharp rebuff. Her brows knitted in

just her, or did Patricia seem to

the same, her frown deepening as she

interest. "You know, this one really does

over

so?" Jarrod's gaze lingered

seized the opening. "Jarrod's always liked that painting.

she wanted it, I just let her have

had helped Sylvie outbid Elodie for a piece.

She just

to circle

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