Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 131

A group of people turned in unison at the sound of approaching footsteps. A young man in his mid–twenties, with pale skin and a slim figure, was making his way toward them. He wore thin–rimmed glasses and a light grey suit that accentuated his slender build. However, after speaking just a few words, he coughed into his handkerchief, signaling that he might not be in the best of health.

Fanny froze for a second. “Mr. Finegan?”

The man acknowledged with a nod and asked again, “What seems to be the problem?”

Mrs. Brown, clearly annoyed, recounted the events, which caused the man, Mr. Finegan, to furrow his brows and address Fanny, “If you’re worried about the crowd, we could stop letting people in. But once they’re here, it doesn’t seem right to send them away, does it?”

Fanny’s face darkened. She wanted to argue but seemed to hold a certain regard for the man before her, and reluctantly conceded, “You’re right.”

With a look of resentment, Fanny glanced at Lorna, her eyes sharp with envy.

Very few knew Lorna’s pen name was Lorn. When B. Aster mentioned it, Fanny was startled.

Hearing that B. Aster admired her enough to invite her to help with landscape paintings, Fanny saw an opportunity and crafted a lie that “Lorn had passed away.”

Both Fanny and Lorna had studied landscape painting, and while Fanny’s work was also commendable, Lorna had simply gained fame by association. Why should everyone remember Lorn and forget Fanny?

She was now a leading figure in the world of landscape art!

She had someone recommend her to B. Aster, who had just begun showing signs of wanting to collaborate with her. So why was Lorna showing up at the exhibition now?

“Hello, I’m Naylor Finegan.” Naylor turned, coughing into his handkerchief again, “Is this Cordelia?”

Cordelia paused, then nodded, “Yes.”

Naylor smiled, “My father is B. Aster.”

Realization dawned on Cordelia. This was the son of the Painter? She nodded her understanding.

“If there’s anything you don’t understand, I’d be happy to explain,” Naylor offered.

Mrs. Brown was flabbergasted, “Naylor, I know of him. He’s a painter too, right? But he works in oils, doesn’t

he?”

she had been looking for an opportunity to inquire about the

her daughter

knew the famous drawing master? Mrs. Brown felt she

suggested. Seeing Naylor’s courteous interaction with Cordelia, Mrs. Brown realized Lorna

Delaney family had such an impressive figure, able to converse with the giants

appreciation for Lorna quickly transformed into deep admiration

in shock, Cordelia spoke up, “No need, my mom will explain for

to Lorna, she asked,

12.04

nodded, still a bit dazed. She refocused and began to introduce each painting to Cordelia and Mrs. Brown Naylor listened attentively, with excellent manners.

went on,

This

to offer her judgment on each piece–she

person!

you seem to have a profound understanding of Watercolor Painting. I found your explanations enlightening. Do

do, but I’m not

and inquired further, “What style do

Lorna replied, “Landscapes.”

“Oh, I have a painting called ‘Frostfall that was accepted into the exhibition. Why haven’t I

exhibition

they approached, they could see a crowd already gathered,

than most, caught sight of the painting and

at Lorna, “Mrs. Delaney, everyone’s praising your painting!”

sparkled with

watching warily and followed close behind. Hearing the praises, she stiffened and her piercing gaze landed on ‘Frostfall.

Lorna’s work? She recalled that Nana

“Could someone explain this painting to me?”

Fanny boldly took

was about to step forward when Fanny the initiative,

recognized her and laughed, “This is Fanny, a pinnacle figure in the national landscape painting

her the

her fingers tightly, a mix of nerves and

smile, closely analyzing the painting. “This piece has an air of detachment, its composition vast and simple, the scenery minimal. The artist uses a side stroke technique to depict