Chapter 170
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it.”
Just as our actions drew attention, Bonnie’s irritation subsided and she started apologizing
I stood up and gave a small grin, “Bonnie, have you no clue there are cameras everywhere here? You really think you can play innocent?”
Hearing the word ‘camera‘, Bonnie glanced around uncomfortably, her gaze finally landing on Russel.
Russel was just quietly looking at me, and I felt uneasy.
For the past two years, Russel had been bombarding me with calls and messages, none of which I answered. I treated him the same way I treated Oscar. But Russel was not Oscar, he meant something completely different to me.
I could treat Oscar like a little brother now, but I couldn’t do the same with Russel.
I grabbed the gift and turned to leave, ready to find Vicente, hand over the gift, and get out of here.
After all, running into both Bonnie and Russel was a sign this place was no good for me to stick around.
“Irene!” Russel actually chased after me, catching up effortlessly
“Hey there, Dr. Russel. What a coincidence, I didn’t even notice you were here. Checking out the paintings too?” Since I couldn’t avoid him, I decided to switch gears, greeting him with a smile.
Russel didn’t return my smile. He cut straight to the chase, “Are you running away because you saw me?”
Two years apart, and he was still as blunt as ever
Even if I told him I didn’t see him, he wouldn’t believe it.
“I really didn’t see you!” I laughed, “My dad and Vicente are old friends, I’m just here to drop off a gift.”
“I can go with you I’m here to buy a painting for my dad too.” Russel replied.
What could I say? I just had to go with him.
The exhibition was on two floors. Russel and I chatted while admiring the artworks.
I didn’t really know what to talk about, but I found out he knew a lot about oil paintings and he shared a lot of knowledge with me.
Vicente was on the second floor. We saw Neil coming down the stairs as soon as we reached them, followed by his assistant.
I’d met him a few times before, his assistant was holding a well–packaged painting
I shouldn’t have agreed to come here. Instead of cultivating my taste, I found myself in an awkward situation.
“Let’s make way” Russel looked up at the expressionless Neil and pulled me aside.
Neil looked coldly at Russel’s action, then walked down a few steps and stopped next to me.
His gaze was icy, almost chilling.
Even his assistant seemed nervous, his eyes darting between the three of us.
“I had no idea you were such a man–magnet.” Neil’s lips twitched, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“You’re a bit late to realize that now.” Russel returned a small, unfriendly smile.
I didn’t understand the conflict between them that Stella mentioned, I didn’t know how bad things were.
Now that I’ve witnessed it myself, I realized their relationship was really bad.
They used to be good friends, but now they looked at each other like enemies.
Just as the original situation was already a headache, Bonnie’s voice rang out again, “Neil, long time no see.”
She was standing at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at Neil with obvious excitement.
Her infatuation with Neil was so deep that even after what happened two years ago, she still wanted to come back and win him over.
I admired her persistence, I’ve been there in my past life.
Unfortunately, Nell didn’t seem happy to see Bonnie at all. Instead, his brow furrowed and his gaze turned icy, “Didn’t I warn you never to appear before me again?”
Those words changed Bonnie’s expression drastically, the excitement in her eyes instantly gone.
I didn’t want to watch their bickering, and Russel seemed to understand
He put his arm around me and led me upstairs, “Let’s go.”
“OK.” I replied.
But just as we took a few steps, Neil grabbed my hand. He almost pulled me out of Russel’s embrace.
Thankfully, Russel tightened his grip quickly, preventing me from falling.
He warned Neil, “Neil, let her go!”
“Irene.” Neil looked into my eyes and called my name, but didn’t continue.
Chapter
7deliberately ignored the emotions in his eyes and broke free from his grip, “Mr. Whitmore, we’re in public. Please watch your behavior, don’t let people laugh at you”
If someone I knew told my parents about this encounter, I would have to endure a serious lecture and a stern warning.
I tried to break free again. Seeing that I didn’t hesitate at all, Neil finally let go.
In that moment, I saw a hint of loss in his eyes
“Neil, I’ve told you before, they would end up together. Why didn’t you believe me?” Bonnie looked at Neil resentfully, “Now you should understand, Irene is not the same girl who only loved you anymore.”
Seeing people gathering around, I didn’t want to become the subject of discussion. So, I quickly went upstairs.
Vicente was on the second floor, chatting with some old friends.
When he saw me, he paused, not recognizing me. But he recognized Russel, ‘Russel, you’re here. Are you here to buy a painting for your dad again?”
“Mr. Farr, my dad has his eyes on one of your paintings, he specifically asked me to buy it. He said he doesn’t care about the price, as long as you’re willing to sell.” Russel replied politely and warmly
“Hahaha. Every time I hold an exhibition, your dad buys my paintings. I thought he was here to support me? Just take whatever painting he wants, I’m happy that he appreciates my work” Vicente laughed heartily.
Russel chatted with him for a while, then Vicente took him to get the painting.
Only after the painting was packed, did he look at me again, “Hmm, this girl looks familiar! Is she your girlfriend?”
I immediately replied, “Mr. Farr, I’m Irene. My dad is.
Before I could even finish, Vicente started yapping away with a big grin, “You’re one of the Finch kids? Oh, you’ve grown so much! I remember holding you when you were just a little squirt. But I haven’t been around much over the years, and I’ve lost touch with your dad. I didn’t expect him to send you today. You’ve turned out quite a looker!”
“Mr. Farr,” I said with a hint of regret, “my dad wanted me to bring you a gift today but there was a little hiccup. I’ll bring it to you next time.”
Vicente took the gift box from my hands, “Is it this? I bet it’s an inkwell. Your dad always gives me inkwells, he knows I’m nuts about them. It’s all good, I’ll like it no matter what, even if it’s a bit banged up.”
Just then, Bonnie and Kate strolled over.
“Mr. Farr, how much do you want for that ‘Harmony in Nature‘? I’d like to buy it and take it home,” Bonnie said with newfound confidence, less submissive than before.
But I had my eye on that painting too. I wanted to snag it for my dad’s collection.
