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.

his irritation and spoke up, “Well, I did promise to take a look.

sighed inwardly. Renowned for his impartiality in the art world, Ballaster seldom critiqued work these days. Financially independent, he was beyond pandering for profit.

judgment would be fair and unbiased, even if it was for Cordelia’s sake. He wasn’t one to

Collins was inwardly taken aback. What sort of influence

auction was going to be far from ordinary.

serious collectors drawn by the auction items. The crowd was more substantial than

stepped out to a

“That’s Mrs. Delaney?”

like

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

12.07

Chapter 137

by Mrs. Brown’s forthrightness but

straightforward, which often leads to misunderstandings. I’m glad you know I meant no

by the lack of greetings. Lorna, meanwhile, suggested they grab a bite,

car, Cordelia was indeed

by a young, strikingly handsome man

onto Cordelia. His stern features softened into a smile at the sight of her, and she froze mid–bite, surprised

eyebrow, then playfully 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

his gentle demeanor. Sporting a new pair of glasses,

eyes lit up. “Louie? What are you