Chapter 111
Sigh, I was saving this painting for the next generation. How could you just give it away?” Peter said with a hint of resignation in his
Volce.
1 gave it to our future daughter–in–low,” Emily replied with a smile, her hand firmly clasped in her husband’s.
“Camila?” Peter asked, a touch of surprise in his voice.
“Who else could it be?” Emily winked playfully, exuding confidencé..
Peter shook his head, bemused. “You always have to have your way, don’t you?”
“It’s not about having my way. It’s about fate.” Emily continued, “I feel there’s a strong bond between Camila and Connor. Out of all your paintings, she loved that one the most, and it happens to be the only one Connor helped create.”
“Alright then.” Peter patted Emily’s hand gently, smiling. “Hopefully, the painting will find its way back to our home.”
“What are you two talking about?” Connor entered from the main house, a light smile on his face.
“We’re discussing whether my painting will come back to us,” Peter joked.
“What do you mean?” Connor looked puzzled.
“I ran into Camila at the art show today.” Emily glanced at her son, her smile barely perceptible, as if hiding a secret.
Connor paused, a slight frown crossing his brow, his demeanor slightly edgy. He went to pour himself a glass of water, took a sip, and asked nonchalantly, “Who was she with?”
“She was with…” Emily drew out her words, her smile widening. “She was with…”
Connor’s grip on his water glass tightened, his gaze sharpening.
“She was alone.” Emily quickly added, noting her son’s reaction.
subject.
Connor relaxed, his expression smoothing out. “Mom, how did you run into her?” Connor changed th
kled. “Besides, you should remember whose territory this is.”
“Oh, I just happened to spot her.” Emily
She laughed again. “Camila is a fan of your dad’s work.”
Connor, taken aback, showed a flicker of surprise. “Dad’s fan?”
”
“That’s right, she’s very interested in your dad’s artwork, so she specifically came to the show to admire it,” Emily explained.
“Oh.” A smile crept onto Connor’s face. “I’m going to change. Dinner is ready.”
85 8 5 8 0 ♬ 8 F ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ # 82 8 3 7 3 98
On Monday morning, after arranging her schedule, Camila went to Connor’s office to report. “Mr. Connor, I’ve organized the itinerary for this afternoon.”
Camila handed him a schedule listing the times and locations for each event. She continued, “The official flagship store at Ivywood Mall has been renovated. We can inspect it at two this afternoon.”
Connor examined the schedule carefully.
“Alan and I will go this afternoon. Call me if you need anything,” Connor said, setting down the schedule.
“Alright.”
After Camila left, Connor leaned back on the sofa and lit a cigarette.
Later that afternoon, Connor, accompanied by Alan, headed to Ivywood Mall. Howard was waiting at the entrance, his face brightening
as he saw Connor’s distinctive car arrive. The driver expertly parked, and Alan followed closely as Connor stepped out with ease.
Howard looked around, but when he didn’t see Camila, a tinge of disappointment crossed his face.