Chapter 166
As they spoke, Anthony spotted two figures entering the hall and turned to Alice. “Look, there’s Theodore and Eliana.”
At the sight of the man who instantly commanded the room’s attention, Alice felt her pulse quicken.
But her eyes soon landed on Eliana who was clinging to Theodore’s arm meekly.
She didn’t need to guess what the crowd would say as they flocked around them–no doubt remarks like “Mr. Russell and Mrs. Russell are such a perfect
match“.
‘But that spotlight should have been mine. Eliana stole it when she barged into our lives. Tonight, I’ll take it back, Alice thought,
On the other side, Theodore kept an arm around Eliana’s waist as he leaned in to introduce her. “This is Mr. Nash from VerveSync.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Nash,” Eliana said.
Owen Nash quickly replied, “Mrs. Russell, you’re too kind.”
Theodore turned to the next man. “And this is Mr. Finn from NexusVest.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Finn,” Eliana said.
Hubery Finn waved his hands. “No, the honor is mine.”
Theodore started another introduction.
‘Wait, does he have to lean so close to my face? People around us are shooting strange looks,‘ Eliana thought.
Eliana didn’t realize the odd stares came from a rare sight. Theodore wasn’t known for making polite introductions. Usually, he’d spare a glance and grunt a “hmm“. This was a first.
When she gave him a puzzled look, Theodore said matter–of–factly, “Your ear isn’t healed yet. I thought you might need me to speak closer.”
Eliana nodded in understanding. That made sense. She’d thought he was doing it on purpose.
Watching her buy the excuse, Theodore silently thought, ‘So gullible.‘
Just then, a distinguished elderly man approached. The crowd around Theodore parted respectfully, murmuring, “Mr. Turner.”
When Alice saw Zane appear in the distance, she nearly bolted over to strike up a conversation. After all, getting pointers from a master painter like Zane could seriously boost her skills.
But she held back. The word was Zane was moody, switching temperaments faster than flipping a page.
Then she thought of Eliana, who had zero artistic bone in her body. Alice finally moved.
‘If Eliana’s ignorance ticks off Zane, that will be my chance to step into the spotlight,‘ she thought.
Zane actually made a beeline for Eliana.
“Kid, your grandpa says your wife is a good–luck/charm. True story?” he said to Theodore.
Theodore smiled warmly, “For me, she is.”
Zane turned to Eliana. “Then spit out something nice to bring me some luck.”
Eliana mimicked Theodore’s tone. “Mr. Turner, wish you a lifetime of joy that never fades, and health that stands the test of time….
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Chapter 166
Zane cut her off with a frown. “Stop right there. That’s such a state cliché I’ve heard that a million times. Can’t you come up with something frema
The crowd tensed at the master’s sudden mood shift–everyone except Alice, who figured Eliana’s lucky streak was finally ending
Eliana thought hard, then tried again. “Hope your paintings keep skyrocketing in value?” That’s practical, right?‘ she thought.
The crowd gawked.
‘How vulgar, Alice thought. ‘That’s an insult to Zane’s dignity!
Zane himself seemed taken aback, then said enigmatically, “Girl, you know when a painter’s work is worth the most?”
Eliana leaned in, all attention.
“When he’s six feet under,” Zane said.
The crowd thought, ‘He has a point.
Eliana’s mouth twitched as she shot Theodore a look. ‘Is this guy a professional contrarian?‘ she wondered.
The next instant, Theodore spoke up. “Mr. Turner, done messing with her yet?”
Zane turned to face him. “Hmm? Not following you.”
Theodore kept his tone even. “Because I got married before your grandson, right? No need to be that jealous.”
The crowd caught on.
Of course, since Zane and Theodore’s grandpa have been friends for life, he was just messing with his buddy’s grandson’s wife.
“You little rascal,” Zane laughed, then said to his eldest grandson supporting him, “Hear that? He’s mocking you to your face. When are you going to
shape up?”
His grandson gave a light laugh and presented a painting to Eliana. “Mrs. Russell, this is a welcome gift from my grandpa and a wedding present for you
both.”
Gasps ran through the crowd.
‘A masterpiece we’d pay a fortune for at auctions is now in Eliana’s hands?‘ they thought.
Alice’s face turned livid. ‘What a waste. Could Eliana even appreciate art?‘ she thought.
“Mr. Turner gave it to you,” Theodore said. “You should accept it.”
“Thank you, Mr. Turner.” Eliana took the beautifully wrapped painting.
Zane joked, “Remember, girl, if you ever auction my work, wait till I’m six feet under. That’s when it skyrockets in value.”
Eliana said earnestly, “Then I hope you live to be a hundred.”
“No wonder that old codger keeps calling to brag about your sweet tongue. Come on, walk with me.” Zane had Eliana take his other arm and headed for the main stage.
Seeing how well they got along, Theodore stayed put, sipping champagne and mingling casually.
Meanwhile, Zane whispered to Eliana, “Lately, that old fool’s been calling to say you’ve been put through the wringer.”
Eliana blinked in surprise.
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Chapter 166
Zane continued, “He also said if he ever sees you again, he owes you a sincere apology”
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Theodore finished his champagne and frowned, turning to go to the restroom. Just then, he collided with a waiter, who spilled an entire trayed drinks
down his suit.
A shrewd glint crossed the waiter’s eyes before he feigned panic. “Sorry, Mr. Russell. Total accident!”
Theodore hated making a scene. “No problem.”
“Your suit is drenched, sir,” the waiter pressed. “Let me show you to a room upstairs to dry off.”
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