The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 612

The painting, titled "Midnight," was the only one among all his works to feature a human figure.

No one knew if the subject in this piece held some secret significance for

Summer. Or perhaps, the woman in the painting was the artist's first love-a love lost and never found?

On stage, the auctioneer spun wild tales about the inspiration behind the artwork, speculating freely about Summer's creative process.

Seated in the audience, Abby couldn't help but chuckle. "These people really do have a knack for making up stories. Now it's about a secret first love? If they ever quit their day jobs, they'd make a killing in screenwriting."

Neville grinned. "A little drama helps drive up the price. That's how you get a bidding war."

Abby shook her head. "They don't even know if the artist is a man or a woman, and they're already inventing tragic romances. I can't."

Meanwhile, Joshua, who'd been quietly studying the painting, suddenly spoke up. "Is it possible that the woman in the painting... is Ms. Cameron herself?"

Abby turned, looking at him with a glimmer of admiration. "Joshua, sharp eyes! How did you figure that out?"

behind so many times. The way

under her chin, standing with her back to the viewer beneath the midnight sky. She was alone in the garden, bathed in moonlight so pale it seemed to dust her hair and

gazebo standing quietly in the distance. A gentle breeze lifted her long hair and tugged at the

her face, the woman's silhouette inspired endless curiosity, making

closely. "Is that really Star on the

and Abby-who had known Stella since childhood-exchanged a knowing look. Of course,

no wonder she hadn't made

couldn't help glancing at him in surprise. How had he recognized Stella so

"Yes, that's

a photo of her. She

wrapped up his dramatic monologue and announced the starting

bid is five million dollars. Each raise must be no less than one

his mouth before the bidding

"Six million!"

"Eight million!"