The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 54

Outside a building oozing with artsy vibes

Bartlett casually tossed his car keys to the valet, then with great elegance, quided Ellinor into his art gallery

Not far off, an orange sports car was parked on the side of the road, its occupant observing. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Carlos cautiously advised. “Young Master, I think they’re just here for the art show nothing suspicious. Our Howard family and the Blanchet family aren’t exactly on good terms. You tailing Mrs Blanchet might just stir the pot!”

Byran shrugged it off, “How would you know! A man and a woman alone at an art show, there’s gotta be something fishy!”

Saying this, Byran got out of the car, intending to tail Ellinor in the gallery.

A gallery staff member stopped him, “I’m sorry sir, you’re not on the quest list, you can’t come in.”

Byran frowned unhappily, “I’m from the Howard family. We’re old pals with the Rex family Why can’t I come in?”

Upon hearing this, the staff member turned to confirm the gallery’s quest list with his colleague.

“The Howard family only Balfour Howard is on the list, no mention of his name.”

“Uh

Overhearing their quiet discussion, Byran cleared his throat and said, “My brother couldn’t make it today, I’m standing in for him!”

The staff member considered this, “Well, let him in then”

‘Mr. Howard, please come in.”

“That’s more like it! Byran strode in…

Inside the gallery

Ellinor slightly tilted her head up, gazing at Balfour’s painting on the wall, her expression a bit dreamy

“You’re not really into those world–famous paintings, but you seem to love Lady Lotus‘ work?”

Bartlett’s voice came from behind her.

He had just gone over to greet a few friends and was now back, standing next to Ellinor again.

Ellinor glanced at him, “Mmm, I like it.”

Bartlett asked curiously, “Why do you love Lady Lotus so much? Her paintings aren’t really crowd– pleasers.”

“Because she’s my role modell Seeing her mother’s early works, Balfour felt a bit conflicted, and Ellinor almost blurted out ‘because she’s my mom.”

Bartlett smiled slightly, “I see! I had the privilege of meeting your role model.”

Ellinor s eyes lit up, staring straight at Bartlett, “You’ve met Lady Lotus? When?

Bartlett nodded. “I was lucky to meet her when I was a kid. These three paintings were purchased by my father from Lady Lotus back then, and later he gifted them to me.”

Ellinor’s eyes sparkled, “What do you think of Lady Lotus as a person?”

Bartlett pondered, “She was an extremely beautiful lady, gentle yet a bit aloof, had her own unique perspective on things, but was somewhat prideful, just like her works, not pandering to the masses.”

Yes, her mom was just as she remembered – cold on the outside but extremely gentle with her family….

Ellinor asked him again, “Bartlett, would you sell these three paintings?”

Bartlett understood her intentions, “You want to buy them?”

Ellinor nodded.

Bartlett raised an eyebrow, “I’m sorry, I won’t sell them. Each painting has a special sentimental value to me, so they’re not for sale.”

Ellinor frowned. If Bartlett wouldn’t sell them, that could be a bit tricky….