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?”

entering, she had been looking for an opportunity to inquire about the mysterious Painter. And now,

on earth did her daughter

pianist Stanton called her Lia, then Calvert, and now she even knew the famous drawing master? Mrs. Brown felt

courteous interaction with Cordelia, Mrs. Brown realized Lorna and her daughter are both big figures, why out of her league.

figure, able to converse with

newfound appreciation for Lorna quickly transformed into deep

in shock, Cordelia spoke up, “No need, my

Lorna, she asked,

12.04

bit dazed. She refocused and began to introduce each painting to Cordelia and Mrs.

the explanations went on,

This

offer her judgment on each piece–she

person!

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

smiled, “I do, but I’m

seemed slightly disappointed by her modesty and inquired further, “What style do you specialize in?”

Lorna replied, “Landscapes.”

called ‘Frostfall that was accepted

a corner of the exhibition hall,

gathered,

the painting and his

ever candid, beamed at Lorna, “Mrs. Delaney, everyone’s

sparkled with

to her, Fanny had been watching warily and followed close behind. Hearing the praises, she stiffened and

Lorna’s work? She recalled that Nana was Lorna’s pseudonym back in

someone ask, “Could someone explain this painting

Fanny boldly took

inquiries, and one was about to step forward when Fanny the initiative, “Allow me.”

recognized her and laughed, “This is Fanny, a pinnacle figure in the national landscape painting scene. Who better to

guide handed her the microphone.

her fingers tightly, a mix of nerves and

of detachment, its composition vast and simple, the scenery minimal. The artist uses a side stroke technique to depict