Justine had just grimaced through a bottle of liquid medicine when she turned to Evelyn. “There are probably a lot of places like that. Tons of institutions resell paintings they acquire from different sources.”
She gave Evelyn a puzzled look. “Why do you ask?”
Evelyn rubbed her temples before replying, “My mother lost a painting years ago. Even on her deathbed, she still thought about it. Her three–year memorial is coming up, and if I could find it, at least it would fulfill one of her last wishes.”
She had only heard about it briefly from Deborah. From what she knew, the missing piece was part of Naomi’s graduation project. Something had gone wrong back then, and the painting was ultimately left unused.
But Naomi had returned to Clementon after graduation, and artwork often circulated between different places. Given the city’s vast art market, there was a chance it might still be there.
Justine thought for a moment. “I’ll ask around. Give me some time.”
Evelyn didn’t put much hope in it. It felt like searching for a needle in a haystack, but she would try her best. What she didn’t expect was that by noon, Justine already had news.
“There’s a private collector’s exhibition next week,” she told Evelyn. “Word is, it’ll feature many modern masterpieces from artists all over the world.
The collector even owns an entire building in Clementon just to house his collections. One floor is dedicated to showcasing his grandfather’s paintings—super extravagant.”
She clicked her tongue, impressed. “But…”
Evelyn caught her hesitation. “But what?”
“The host is the Miller family. They hold this exhibition every year, but entry is strictly by invitation. Only top–tier elites get in, and regular people don’t stand a chance.”
Evelyn was slightly surprised. She knew of the Miller family. They were on the same level as the Grant family–one of the most powerful and exclusive circles. Getting into their event was no small feat.
Justine sighed in frustration. “I don’t have any connections to get an invite.”
“What invite?” A voice chimed in as Sebastian walked in, holding a stack of documents.
Justine’s eyes lit up. “Sebastian, do you know anyone in the Miller family?”
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “I know their eldest son, Harry Miller. But he’s abroad. Why?”
Evelyn’s heart stirred. “Can you get in touch with him?”
Sebastian immediately shook his head. “Unlikely. He’s a doctor and spends most of his time doing charity work in remote areas. It’s hard to reach him when there’s no signal.”
Justine pressed on. “What about the Millers‘ art exhibition? Do you have any connections there? Evie wants to attend.”
Sebastian casually set his files down. “Oh, that? I actually received an invitation a few days ago. You can go in my place.”
Relief flooded Evelyn’s chest.
The day of her scheduled radiotherapy arrived. Evelyn went to the hospital alone. She was unfamiliar with the process, and to say she wasn’t nervous would be a lie.
Fortunately, a nurse noticed her unease and reassured her. “Don’t worry. Localized radiation therapy isn’t too painful.”
The nurse hesitated before asking, “Are you not accompanied by a family member?“\
Evelyn had grown used to such questions. She offered a small, calm sinile. “I can handle it on my own.”
The nurse’s gaze softened with sympathy, but Evelyn ignored it.
When she was first diagnosed, she had been scared and helpless, wanting to lean on Lucas. But he had left her waiting that day because he was too busy celebrating Tiffany’s birthday. Since then, she had stopped hoping for anything from him.
The radiation was targeted at her abdomen. The pain was tolerable, but the treatment triggered a strong reaction in her stomach. She ended up vomiting twice during the session.
By the time it was over, she felt drained. She sat in the waiting area, trying to gather herself, when her phone rang.
it was a call from the landline of Leonard’s sanatorium. The facility was one of the best private hospitals in Clementon–expensive, but with excellent care.
“Ms. Reed? The payment for your uncle’s treatment is going to be due soon. When would you be available to settle it?”
Evelyn pressed a hand to her stomach and spoke calmly, “I’ll be there now.”
When she arrived, she paid 200 thousand dollars upfront. As she was signing the receipt, the attending nurse suddenly asked, “Ms. Reed, would you be open to switching your uncle’s room?” Evelyn was stunned. “Switch rooms?”
The nurse explained, “Yes, someone has taken interest in your uncle’s current room. They would like to discuss a swap with you. Whatever conditions you set, they’re willing to
accommodate.”
Being a private hospital, these kinds of request
