The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 679

Herschel felt his eyes sting as he gazed at the painting.

A wave of sorrow crashed over him, leaving his chest tight, as if he could barely

breathe.

Someone nearby noticed and kindly steadied him. "Are you alright, sir?"

"I'm fine." Herschel forced the suffocating feeling down, burying it deep inside.

He managed a smile. "Thank you," he said to the stranger who'd helped him.

The person nodded, then wandered off with their companion to look at other pieces.

But Raymond's father, Weston Carmichael, lingered where he was, lost in thought while staring at the painting titled *Home*. He couldn't tear his eyes away.

When the exhibition ended, it was time for the grand art prize to be announced. Weston's eyes flickered as he thought of his son, but in the end, he decided to stay for the ceremony.

He joined the crowd as everyone filed into the gallery's main hall.

This part of the evening was for the awards. The place buzzed with anticipation. Herschel found a seat at random, settling in among the audience.

landed

a crisp white suit, every strand of hair

smirked at the sight of his back. "That rascal actually cleans up

Nigel was dressed, Herschel could tell tonight meant the

the host began announcing the finalists, listing the paintings the visitors had voted for-and *Home*

of excitement flashed in Herschel's eyes. He nearly jumped to his

as if he were some country bumpkin who'd never seen a

sat

jury's turn to vote. One by one, the judges cast

grand prize was his,

stage, he felt a rare flicker of

kept his face composed, but his eyes

Nigel turned to leave the stage. That's when he caught sight of a familiar face in the back

he was seeing things-was that really

all, his father had always hated his painting, had made it

of this world. What would he be doing

hoping to clear the illusion. But

It was really him.