The Queen Returns And She’s Unforgiving

The Queen Returns—And She’s Unforgiving 93

Justine had just grimaced through a bottle of liquid medicine when she turned to Evelyn. “There are probably a lot of places like that. Tons of institutions resell paintings they acquire from different sources.”

She gave Evelyn a puzzled look. “Why do you ask?”

Evelyn rubbed her temples before replying, “My mother lost a painting years ago. Even on her deathbed, she still thought about it. Her three–year memorial is coming up, and if I could find it, at least it would fulfill one of her last wishes.”

She had only heard about it briefly from Deborah. From what she knew, the missing piece was part of Naomi’s graduation project. Something had gone wrong back then, and the painting was ultimately left unused.

But Naomi had returned to Clementon after graduation, and artwork often circulated between different places. Given the city’s vast art market, there was a chance it might still be there.

Justine thought for a moment. “I’ll ask around. Give me some time.”

Evelyn didn’t put much hope in it. It felt like searching for a needle in a haystack, but she would try her best. What she didn’t expect was that by noon, Justine already had news.

“There’s a private collector’s exhibition next week,” she told Evelyn. “Word is, it’ll feature many modern masterpieces from artists all over the world.

The collector even owns an entire building in Clementon just to house his collections. One floor is dedicated to showcasing his grandfather’s paintings—super extravagant.”

She clicked her tongue, impressed. “But…”

caught her

year, but entry is strictly by invitation. Only top–tier elites get in, and regular people don’t

the Grant family–one of the most powerful and exclusive circles. Getting into their event was

don’t have any connections to get

Sebastian

“Sebastian, do you know anyone

“I know their eldest son, Harry Miller. But

you get in touch

shook his head. “Unlikely. He’s a doctor and spends most of his time doing charity work in remote areas. It’s hard to reach

pressed on. “What about the Millers‘ art exhibition? Do you have any connections there? Evie

an invitation a few days ago. You can go in my

Relief flooded Evelyn’s chest.

hospital alone. She was unfamiliar with the process, and to say she wasn’t nervous

her unease and reassured her. “Don’t

asking, “Are you not accompanied by

a small, calm sinile. “I can handle

softened with sympathy, but Evelyn ignored