Chapter 118
Cecilia was all smiles as she gossiped with me, like we were old pals. Anyone out of the loop would’ve thought we were super chummy, like mentor and mentee or something.
I didn’t bite but shot back with, “Have Mr. Zade and Director Irwin actually met FreeMan in the flesh yet?”
As soon as the words left my mouth, Cecilia’s smile froze, and she awkwardly mumbled, “Not yet, probably got held up or something.
Her voice was so faint: she could tell she wasn’t feeling too sure about it. Sounded more like she was trying to reassure herself.
Seemed like my hunch was right; things weren’t going as smooth for Hogan’s side as I thought. “You seem to have more tricks up your sleeve than I thought. Ms. March.”
A cold voice reached my ears, and when I slightly looked up, I caught Hogan’s eyes, brimming with mockery, briefly glancing between Timothy and me.
The sarcasm was loud and clear. Normally, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought, but Timothy had my back, and he didn’t deserve to be ridiculed by Hogan.
So, I forced a smile and said in a neutral tone. “Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Zade. Takes one
to know one.”
Hogan gave me a look, then turned to Cecilia and asked, “Decided which of those two paintings you want?”
His tone had softened a bit.
Cecilia shook her head, looking all kinds of hesitated, “One’s got soul; the other’s a goldmine. It’s such a tough call.”
“Alright.” Hogan seemed to console her with a patient voice, “Don’t choose then: let’s just get
both.”
“Really?” Cecilia clapped a hand over her mouth, her face a picture of delighted surprise, “Hogan, isn’t that a bit too extravagant?”
She wasn’t wrong. Though the price tags weren’t exactly visible, given the vibe and class of the place today, those two paintings had to be at least five figures each.
And here was Hogan, ready to splurge like it was nothing. Of course, that was their couple’s vibes, none of my business.
But just then, Timothy by my side suddenly chimed in. “The paintings on the first floor are mostly from commercial artists. I’m afraid they don’t hold much value for collectors. As for the ones upstairs, no offense, but the artist is just riding the trend, painting whatever’s hot. Even the so–called nostalgic themes are just old hat that everyone’s tired of. Not worth mentioning.”
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Chapter 118
Timothy had this matter–of–fact tone, like he was some celeb critic, casually doling out his verdict. But his words galled both Hogan and Cecilia, It was supposed to be a romantic moment for the couple, yet his few remarks managed to throw a wet blanket on them.
Being a few years younger, he sure didn’t hold back. To avoid making things more awkward, 1 jumped in to smooth things over, “Mr. Zade’s choice of artwork is a gesture for someone special, and it’s the thought that counts above all.”
Timothy wasn’t dense. He got the hint and quickly added, “Sorry, I saw you were close with Xaviera, so I spoke my mind. If I was too blunt, my apologies.”
With his fair skin and those pretty eyes, plus the naïve and innocent look on his face, his apologetic words actually matched Cecilia’s cuteness.
After all, who would get worked up over a fresh–faced lad? Sure enough, the next second, I heard Cecilia say, “Thanks for the heads–up. Xaviera, your friend sure is frank.”
I glanced at Timothy but didn’t deny it, yet when my eyes swept over Hogan, I noticed the corners of his mouth dip slightly in displeasure.
He rarely let his emotions show like that. Probably felt like we killed his vibe of spoiling his girl
“Xaviera, you guys chat.” Cecilia said naturally, looping her arm through Hogan’s to wrap things up. “It’s about time. We should be heading off.”
