SWNOVELS Chapter 137
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.
Ballaster felt a twinge of annoyance, but considering Cordelia’s connection to
someone important in the community, he swallowed his irritation and spoke up,
“Well, I did promise to take a look. It wouldn't be right to break that commitment.”
He sighed inwardly. Renowned for his impartiality in the art world, Ballaster
seldom critiqued work these days. Financially independent, he was beyond
pandering for profit.
He vowed to himself that his judgment would be fair and unbiased, even if it was
for Cordelia’s sake. He wasn’t one to compromise his integrity.
As their conversation unfolded, Mrs. Collins was inwardly taken aback. What sort
of influence did Cordelia wield to get B. Aster here for her mother’s painting?
She had a feeling tonight's auction was going to be far from ordinary.
Lorna, oblivious to Ballaster’s presence, had already delivered her painting and
returned to the main hall with Cordelia. The attendees were a mix of invitees and
serious collectors drawn by the auction items. The crowd was more substantial
than the one at Hackett's birthday soiree, a gathering that had only included
Greenmeadow's elite.
Lorna and Cordelia stepped out to a sea of whispers and pointed fingers:
“That's Mrs. Delaney?”
“She seems decent enough, not like the rumors at all.”
Their murmurs were a confusing babble to Lorna until a familiar voice broke
through, “Mrs. Delaney.” Cordelia turned to see Mrs. Brown, who had 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
1 truly admire your work. Your expertise in watercolor is something I could never
match. Please don't think ill of me.”
12.07
Chapter 137
Lorna was taken aback by Mrs. Brown's forthrightness but nodded her
understanding.
Mrs. Brown seemed relieved. “I've always been straightforward, which often
leads to misunderstandings. I'm glad you know I meant no harm.”
As others continued to gossip, Mrs. 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 they grab a bite, “We'll have a proper
meal once we get home. Let's just get something small.”
Having come straight from school and changed in the car, Cordelia was indeed
hungry. She picked up a slice of tiramisu and began to eat.
Suddenly, her gaze was caught by the entrance of Sanderson, who was
accompanied by a young, strikingly handsome man in a well-fitted black suit. It
was Everard, exuding a regal presence even as Sanderson's companion.
Everard's eyes swept the room and locked onto Cordelia. His stern features
softened into a smile at the sight of her, and she froze mid-bite, surprised to see
him there.
They were separated by a crowd, and Sanderson was busy mingling, preventing
Everard from approaching. He quirked an 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 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 a crisp white suit who had quietly
approached.
He still looked impeccable, his white suit accentuating his gentle demeanor.
Sporting a new pair of glasses, his features appeared even more refined.
Cordelia’s eyes lit up. “Louie? What are you doing here?”
Louie nodded, reaching out to tenderly stroke her head. And he replied, “Got an
invitation, so I thought I'd drop by. Never expected to bump into you.”
After saying this, he brought a plate with a slice of Black Forest cake close to her
lips. “This cake is delicious, want to try a bite?”
Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.
With the cake already so close, it
would be awkward for Cordelia to
take it from him. She leaned forward,
intending to take a bite directly from
i)
Louie's hand, when suddenly- The
content is on Novelxo.org! Read
the latest chapter there!
The cake got whisked away by another slender hand. Cordelia followed the hand
up the arm and then to its
owner.
Everard stood there, his deep eyes fixed intently on Louie.
Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.
The two men, one clad in black, the
other in white, one exuding a frosty
aura, the other warmth, were now
facing off. Although neither had
spoken a word, just a single glance
exchanged between them sent
sparks flying, as if lightning crackled
in the space between. The content is
on Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.
After a tense moment, Everard
wrapped his arm authoritatively
around her shoulders, his voice low
“ :
and resonant. “Sweetheart, if you
”
want cake, let me feed you.” The
content is on Novelxo.org! Read
the latest chapter there!
Chapter 138