Chapter 470
The exhibition hall seemed almost like a maze, yet after looping around, Elodie found herself once again catching sight of the same group not far away.
Sylvie stood beside Jarrod, her smile subtle and measured. “Jarrod, this gallery is so high-end. I was just thinking, when my mother holds her next exhibition, maybe she could host it here. I’d like to rent this place.”
This art museum was, without question, one of the finest in all of Eldermere— prestigious, exclusive, and renowned for featuring only the most celebrated artists. It was the perfect stage for her family to make a splash.
Jarrod lowered his gaze to her. “This place belongs to the Barnes family. You’d need to check with President Barnes about availability.”
Sylvie’s smile widened. “Of course. I’ll ask.”
“I can ask for you,” Jarrod said, nodding as if it were no trouble at all.
Nearby, Maurice had just finished filming a painting. He turned and grinned at them. “Look at that, Jarrod always goes the extra mile for you.”
Sylvie felt it too, a sweetness blooming in her chest. She couldn’t help but smile.
But as she turned, her gaze landed on Elodie and Esmeralda across the hall. Sylvie’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, her expression laced with silent disdain.
Esmeralda caught the look and scowled, about to march over, but Elodie caught her wrist. “Not here,” she murmured quietly. “This is the Barnes family’s place. Don’t cause a scene.”
Elodie only wanted to be strangers; as long as they kept their distance, she could pretend Sylvie didn’t exist.
As they passed each other, Jarrod’s gaze flickered briefly to Elodie, impossible to ignore.
At that moment, Louisa approached from down the hall.
Sylvie quickly gathered her thoughts. Louisa hadn’t been particularly warm to her earlier, and she was wondering how best to persuade her to rent out the hall.
“President Barnes,” Jarrod spoke up first, not waiting for Sylvie to ask. “I heard this space is sometimes available for private events. Ms. Fielding here is interested in renting it-do you have any open dates?”
Sylvie looked up at him, a surge of happiness welling in her eyes. Jarrod was taking care of it without her even asking.
Louisa’s gaze shifted to Sylvie. “Ms. Fielding wants to rent?”
She turned to Jarrod, arching a brow. “So, Mr. Silverstein, you’re calling in a favor for her?”
Louisa saw through his intentions instantly. She understood the
Barnes family never rented to just anyone, but with Jarrod making the request, it would be difficult fo refuse.
Jarrod remained composed. “If you’re willing, let’s consider it a favor.”
Louisa studied him, her eyes narrowing in appraisal. “Mr. Silverstein, you really do go all out for Ms. Fielding.”
Everyone knew a favor from Jarrod Silverstein was no small thing.
Standing by his side, Sylvie couldn’t help but steal a glance at his profile. Touched as she was, she found herself caring less about what
others thought. Jarrod’s kinat, net
was real, and that was all that mattered.
Her gaze drifted again toward Elodie, a hint of scorn curling her lips. What did it matter if Elodie’s identity was exposed? It only made her look more pitiful.
Suddenly, a cool, elegant voice rang out from ahead. “Sorry, but this museum is my personal property. You’ll have to speak to me directly.”
Sylvie looked up. A tall, striking woman was approaching, her heels clicking smartly against the polished floor, The woman’s beauty was almost overwhelming, outshining even the stars on a movie screen.
Louisa glanced at her and finally smiled. “You’re here?”
The woman nodded and looked Sylvie over. “You want to rent my gallery?”
Sylvie, not knowing who she was, replied politely, “Yes, I do. May I ask who you are?”
Louisa answered for her. “My daughter. Every painting on display here today is her work.”
The woman nodded, glancing at both Sylvie and Jarrod. “I’m Patricia. Mr. Silverstein, I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Jarrod gave a polite nod in return.
Patricia turned back to Sylvie. “So, are you Mr. Silverstein’s girlfriend?”