Chapter 317
Chapter 317
Early the next morning, Noreen cleared her morning schedule and set out, painting in hand, to visit the owner of The Gilded Vault–Asimov, a celebrated art appraiser and antique dealer.
Back when Noreen was still working as Seth’s assistant, she’d often come to The Gilded Vault on his behalf, selecting antiques as gifts. Over time, she and Asimov became well acquainted.
Last night, after getting home, she’d messaged Asimov about the painting. He replied almost immediately, telling her to bring it over.
Asimov confirmed what Noreen had already guessed–the piece was worth around fifteen million.
He couldn’t help but tease her, “You bought this at auction, Noreen. You should already know the price. Why come all the way here for an appraisal?”
Noreen smiled. “Because I have another favor to ask you.”
She explained her real reason for coming: she wanted Asimov’s help tracking down a painting by Master Parnell.
A couple of years ago, she’d overheard Wade and his father chatting about Master Parnell’s work over dinner at the Harcourt estate. She’d learned then how much Wade admired the artist and had
been hoping to find a piece for him ever since.
Asimov shook his head. “Master Parnell’s paintings aren’t exactly cheap, you know.”
“I’m aware,” Noreen replied, her confidence unshaken.
“You might be in luck,” Asimov said. “Someone just asked me to help sell a Master Parnell. But the price… you’ll need to brace yourself.”
“How much?” Noreen asked.
“Ten million.”
It was a steep price, and Noreen felt a pang at the thought. But after all Wade had done for her–the help, the gifts, the jewelry, and the painting he’d given her–she knew it was worth it.
She took a deep breath and nodded. “I’ll take it.”
“I’ll get in touch with the owner right now and have the painting brought over,” Asimov said, pleased. “We’ll sign the sale agreement. Honestly, it’s a good buy. My friend’s only selling because he’s in a tight spot, so it’s already below market value.”
He asked Noreen to wait while he made the arrangements.
About forty minutes later, the seller arrived.
When Noreen saw who walked in, she blinked in surprise. The feeling was mutual. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ.net
It was Jude Wilder.
Jude hadn’t expected Noreen to be the buyer either. If he’d known, he would never have come in person. But he was here now, and there was no backing out–not when he’d already asked Asimov to broker the sale.
08:43
Chapter 317
He steeled himself and stepped into the room.
Asimov, ever the gracious host, made introductions. “Miss Gilmore, this is Mr. Jude.”
“We know each other,” Noreen said coolly.
“Well, that makes things easier,” Asimov replied, unfazed. “Should save us a lot of trouble.”
Jude, uncharacteristically silent, let Asimov handle the negotiations. He simply signed the documents and took care of the payment details.
Once the money transferred, Noreen stood, thanked Asimov, and left.
Before starting her car, she called Sophia Cole. “Can you have someone look into the Seymour Group’s financials for me?”
From what she remembered, Seymour Wilder was a devoted collector of Master Parnell’s paintings. If he was selling at a discount, something must be wrong with the company; he’d never part with his favorite piece otherwise.
Meanwhile, back in the vault, Jude finally let out the breath he’d been holding ever since Noreen walked in. He couldn’t remember when exactly it started, but somewhere along the line, he’d developed an inexplicable anxiety around her. Seeing her made him feel jittery, uneasy–like a kid summoned to the principal’s office. It was bizarre.
But right now, Jude was even more puzzled by something else.
Since when was Noreen this wealthy? She’d just dropped ten million on a painting without batting an
eye.
He couldn’t tamp down his curiosity any longer and tried calling Seth, but no one picked up. Undeterred, he dialed Bianca, figuring it made no difference–those two were always together anyway. If anything, Bianca would know how to track Seth down even faster.
Bianca answered on the first ring, sounding cheerful as ever. “Jude! You should’ve come with us. The view here is incredible. You’re really missing out.”