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.

community, he swallowed his irritation and spoke up, “Well, I did promise

Renowned for his impartiality in the art world, Ballaster seldom critiqued work

fair and unbiased, even if it was for Cordelia’s sake. He wasn’t one to compromise his

Mrs. Collins was inwardly taken aback. What sort of influence

auction was going to be far from ordinary.

delivered her painting and returned to the main hall with Cordelia. The attendees were a mix of invitees and serious collectors drawn by the auction items. The crowd was more substantial than the one at

stepped out to a sea of whispers and

“That’s Mrs. Delaney?”

not like

“Mrs. Delaney.” Cordelia turned to see Mrs. 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 did not spread the word about Fanny’s critique of your painting. I may be outspoken, but I truly admire your work. Your expertise in

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Chapter 137

Brown’s forthrightness but nodded her

Brown seemed relieved. “I’ve always been straightforward, which often leads

continued to gossip, Mrs. Brown sighed and took her leave, unwilling to draw the ire of the crowd. Cordelia, used to solitude, was unfazed by the

changed in the car, Cordelia was indeed hungry. She picked

Sanderson, who was accompanied by a young, strikingly handsome man in a well–fitted black suit. It was Everard, exuding a regal presence even as Sanderson’s companion.

softened into a smile at the sight of her, and she froze mid–bite,

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

suit accentuating his gentle demeanor. Sporting

What are you doing here?”