Chapter 774

 774:
“It seems Mr. Riley genuinely appreciates Aurora’s art. I was starting to think he might have fallen for…”
“Shh, keep it down. If Ms. Walton catches wind of that, it could upset her.”
“Given the turn of events, if Ms. Walton is upset, Mr. Riley surely will be as well. We ought to treat Ms. Walton with extra courtesy from now on.”
These snippets of animated conversation reached Linsey’s ears. She maintained a stoic expression and cast her gaze downward, feeling that much had shifted during her absence from Grester.
Initially, the changes in Collin had hurt, but the more she heard, the more reconciled she felt.
Linsey considered that her decision to attend the event tonight was validated.
She had clearly seen Collin’s position and felt a sense of relief about her own emotions.
She anticipated that soon, Collin might not evoke any emotional response in her at all.
“Linsey, are you doing okay?” Gorman asked.
Linsey came back to the present and shook her head slightly. “I’m fine.”
After a moment, she turned to Gorman and murmured, “Thank you for such a spirited bid on my piece, and for contributing significantly to charity tonight.”
Gorman’s face warmed, his smile tender.
𝐋𝚊𝓉𝐞𝑠𝓉 сһα𝓹𝖙𝑒𝗋𝓈 𝖌𝗮𝓁𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀․𝚌𝗈𝗆
“As long as it brings you joy, it’s completely worthwhile.” He let out a teasing laugh and added, “It appears Collin admires your work as well. It’s unfortunate he didn’t continue to bid. With his means, he could have easily matched my offers. I’m fortunate to have won your piece in the end. It seems you’ve quite the fan base.”
Linsey offered a weak smile and softly said, “Stop teasing.”
Gorman continued to gaze at her, his smile unwavering. “I’m serious. Your talent alone would command a high price, regardless of me or Collin.”
Moved by his earnest tone, Linsey found herself touched.
She faced Gorman, her smile broadening sincerely.
Her expression was undeniably warmer this time.
New items were successively presented on stage.
While the audience was abuzz with excitement and anticipation, Linsey felt detached.
Part of her disinterest derived from the lack of appealing items. Yet another factor played a role. Despite Collin sitting quietly next to her, she found it difficult to completely disregard his presence.
Linsey continually reminded herself that Collin had moved on. Moreover, even without Haven’s return to Collin’s life, their divorce four years prior had set their paths apart.
She believed that their lives were meant to unfold separately, without overlap.
Time progressed swiftly, and soon, the final auction item was unveiled.
As the covering was removed, revealing the item inside the glass case, a collective gasp filled the room.
.
.
.