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.

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

inwardly. Renowned for his impartiality in the art world, Ballaster seldom critiqued work these days.

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

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

a feeling tonight’s auction was

of invitees and serious collectors drawn by

stepped out to a

“That’s Mrs. Delaney?”

like the rumors

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

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Chapter 137

aback by Mrs. Brown’s forthrightness but

“I’ve always been straightforward, which often leads

Brown 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

Cordelia was indeed hungry. She picked

the entrance of Sanderson, who was accompanied by a young, strikingly handsome man in a

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

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, offered by a man in

gentle demeanor. Sporting a new pair of glasses, his features appeared even more

eyes lit up. “Louie? What are you doing