Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 137

Ballaster stepped into the auction house, his tailor–made suit fitting him like a glove. Naylor followed closely behind, both moving with an understated elegance that barely rippled the buzz of the event. The staff led them through a labyrinth of corridors toward the heart of the action.

They had barely taken a few strides when Mrs. Collins approached, her smile warm and welcoming. “Mr. Aster, what an unexpected pleasure to have you grace our charity auction. We are truly honored.”

Ballaster offered a modest grin. “Just here to have a look around.”

Mrs. Collins nodded and escorted them to the lounge. “I heard you’re looking for a painting? I must say, tonight we don’t have any masterpieces getting auctioned.”

Once settled into the plush sofas of the lounge, Ballaster leaned forward. “I’m actually interested in a piece by an artist who isn’t widely known. The name is Lorn. Any chance you have one of this person’s works here?”

“Lorn?” Mrs. Collins paused, her brow furrowing as she shook her head. “There’s only one painting up for auction tonight. It’s by a Mrs. Delaney, titled “Lone Bluff. We don’t have anything by the artist you mentioned.”

“Mrs. Delaney?” Naylor interjected, his voice a mix of surprise and recognition. “As in Cordelia’s mother?”

Mrs. Collins seemed puzzled by their familiarity with Cordelia, but she confirmed, “Yes, that’s her.”

Naylor coughed, a series of harsh, abrupt sounds. He turned to Ballaster, saying, “I’ve seen Mrs. Delaney’s piece ‘Frostfall‘ at an exhibition. It was quite remarkable. But if Fanny’s critique was anything to go by, calling it inexperienced and stiff… Could it be that Cordelia has dragged you here under false pretenses?”

It certainly seemed like a possibility, especially since Cordelia had invoked the name ‘Lorn‘ to pique Ballaster’s

interest.

he swallowed his irritation and spoke up, “Well, I did promise to take a look. It wouldn’t be right

for his impartiality in the art world, Ballaster seldom critiqued work these days. Financially independent, he

if it was for

aback. What sort of influence did Cordelia wield to get B. Aster here for her mother’s painting?

tonight’s auction was going to be far from ordinary.

oblivious to Ballaster’s presence, had already delivered her painting and returned to the main hall with Cordelia. The attendees were a mix of invitees and serious collectors drawn by the

stepped out to a sea of whispers

“That’s Mrs. Delaney?”

like the rumors

Brown, who had once accompanied her to a gallery. The woman’s expression was stern, her voice barely above a whisper, “Mrs. Delaney, I need to clear something up. I

12.07

Chapter 137

was taken aback by Mrs. Brown’s forthrightness but

which often leads to misunderstandings. I’m glad you know I meant no harm.”

sighed and took her leave, unwilling to draw the ire of the crowd. Cordelia, used to solitude, was unfazed by the lack of greetings. Lorna, meanwhile, suggested they

indeed hungry. She picked up a slice

handsome man in a well–fitted black suit. It was Everard,

smile at the sight of her, and she froze mid–bite, surprised

pressed two fingers to his lips and blew her a kiss across the room. Cordelia blushed, flustered by his brazen display. Intent on avoiding further attention, she focused on her dessert. But before she could take another bite, a piece of black forest cake appeared before her,

demeanor. Sporting

eyes lit up. “Louie? What are you