Chapter 171
Chapter 171
Vicente, clueless about the beef between me and Bonnie, politely responded, “Sorry, that painting’s already been claimed. Someone’s picking it up in a few days.”
I was taken aback, “Already claimed?”
I liked that painting, planned to buy it for my dad. It’d be something for us to enjoy together.
Well, since it’s already booked, let’s forget it I didn’t want to force it, but Bonnie said no because she thought I was the one who ordered the painting. Her pretty eyes glared at me with hostility, then she turned to Vicente and said, “Mr. Farr, my mother admires your work greatly. Her birthday is coming up, so I came specifically to buy Harmony in Nature. No matter how much you tell me, I’ll take it.”
She sounded really dutiful! I was curious about who her adoptive mother was. How did a woman who could marry the vice president of Harmony Enterprises end up adopting Bonnie?
I had no idea what the story was. Regrettably, Vicente shook his head. “You’re a good girl, and I thank your mother for appreciating my work. But Harmony in Nature has indeed been claimed, and a deposit has been paid. We can’t go back on that. How about choosing another painting?”
“No matter how much the deposit was, I’m willing to pay double. I’ll pay double for the balance too!” Bonnie blurted out hastily.
Kate whipped out a card and handed it to Vicente, “Mr. Farr, here’s a million dollars. Do you think that’s enough?”
Was she trying to throw her money at someone now?
But Vicente didn’t budge. “If you’re dead set on Harmony in Nature, maybe you can talk to the person who claimed it. They were buying it as a gift, they might be willing to switch”
“Where is she?” Kate also looked at me, both of them thought I was the one who claimed the painting.
Vicente answered, “Neil from Whitmore Co. He just took another painting, he’ll pick up Harmony in Nature in five days. Maybe you can try to find him.”
Someone who could pay a million dollars for a painting should have a way to find Neil. Hearing that Neil had claimed the painting, a flash of surprise crossed Bonnie’s eyes, quickly replaced by a hint of delight.
I wasn’t sure what she was so happy about. After the way Neil had treated her just now, was she actually happy for a reason to get in touch with him?
The world truly is a strange place. Compared to her treatment by Neil in my past life, it was night and day in this life.
“I see” Bonnie nodded, then she and Kate left.
From start to finish, Bonnie deliberately avoided looking at me. I could feel it.
That suited me just fine. The last thing I needed was her stirring up trouble for no reason.
After Bonnie and Kate left, I also bade Vicente goodbye. After what had happened, I was no longer in the mood to appreciate the art.
Russel suggested we leave together. Not wanting to be rude, I agreed and we left Mystic Luna Gallery
“Have you been happy these past two years?” Russel suddenly asked as we reached the car.
“I’ve been very happy. I got to see the world, try different foods.” I answered honestly, “It was the most relaxing and carefree time of my life. If it weren’t. for my parents asking me to come back, I’d still be enjoying that lifestyle.”
Russel looked at me. “And you’d ignore me for another two years?”
I felt a bit awkward at this. How had Russel still not found a girlfriend after two years?
If he wasn’t in love with Bonnie, he should have found someone else. Wouldn’t his family be pressuring him to settle down?
“Dr. Russel, you’ve got it all wrong. It’s not that I deliberately ignored your messages, it’s just that I hardly ever check my phone.” I answered evasively
I couldn’t make up any other reason. The way Russel looked at me grew more complicated. After a few seconds, he said with a slightly stern face, “Irene, I feel like you’re treating me like a fool.”
“How dare I, Dr. Russel. I need to go home for lunch now. See you and we’ll chat next time!” I couldn’t bear the pressure from Russel’s gaze and quickly hopped into the car.
Russel quickly followed me in the passenger seat, “I’m also heading to your place for lunch. I’ll check on a patient while I’m there.”
I asked in surprise, “What?”
“I’m visiting your mother. I was her attending physician when she was hospitalized last time.” Russel fastened his seat belt and replied nonchalantly.
“Do attending physicians usually make house calls?” I asked, surprised.
‘Depends on the situation. Let’s go.” Russel said, expressionless.
“Does the attending doctor need to make home visits, too?” I was very surprised.
Puzzled, I drove home in silence
Seeing Russel, my mother’s face lit up with joy, “Dr. Russel, what brings you here? Perfect timing, we’re just about to have lunch. Please join us!”
“Mom, do we have enough food?” I gave my mom a look, hoping she could tactfully send Russel away to avoid any awkwardness.
My mom took one look at me and confidently replied, “Yes, we have plenty
I always knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t tell. Russel was Neil’s best friend. Even though they weren’t on good terms now, my parents shouldn’t be this enthusiastic about him. Should they?
Russel and my mom had already gone into the living room, chatting about my mom’s heart condition. They looked perfectly at ease.
1, on the other hand, was left out of the conversation.
At the dinner table, my mom kept serving food to Russel. The more she did, the more uneasy I felt
“Thank you for your hospitality. If you feel unwell at any time, feel free to contact me, Russel said kindly to my mom before leaving.
“Okay, Dr. Russel is such a good doctor!” My mom’s eyes squinted from smiling so much.
Russel glanced at me, “Trene, is it easy to hail a cab around here?”
This guy was as cunning as Neil.
His question instantly turned me into a ‘temporary chauffeur“, and my mom told me to drive him home.
I had a face like thunder as I had no choice but to send Russel home.
“Aren’t you happy?” he deliberately asked me on the way.
“No, I’m thrilled I flashed a smile that couldn’t be faker.
Russel fell silent for a while. The atmosphere between us turned a bit frosty, his previously good mood having clearly evaporated.
We arrived at the foot of his building, but Russel didn’t get out of the car right away, instead turning to look at me.
He said seriously, “Irene, I want to chase after you, I don’t care what other people think.”
I looked at him in surprise, my heart almost stopping. “Russel, you’d better not go after me, you should’ve understood my stance two years ago. I don’t want to accept you, not just because of your relationship with Neil, but also partly because I don’t have romantic feelings for you. I just think you’re a great guy, but there are surely other women out there who are a better fit for you.”
I was not putting myself down. Objectively speaking, I was really not the girl for Russel.
I gave my best ten years to Neil, I’ve been through divorce and miscarriage, while Russel has no painful past.
He should find a woman who’s on the same page as him, instead of wasting his attention on me.
