Chapter 372 Art Purchase

Watching Arabella walk straight in, Lucas looked surprised. “We can just go in like that? Don’t we need an invitation or a ticket?”

“I made a reservation ahead of time. With this, we don’t need either.” Arabella said, giving the woven entry band on her wrist a little shake.

“Oh, that’s the confirmation. I thought it was just a regular bracelet.” Lucas realized belatedly.

Arabella didn’t elaborate further and led the way toward the main exhibition hall.

“Let’s go to Stella’s section first.” Lucas was already growing impatient.

“She only has two paintings on display, so it won’t take long. Why don’t we look at the other works first?” Arabella suggested.

She hadn’t come to the exhibition to see her own paintings, but to view the works of other artists.

“We can see the others later–let’s go there now.” Lucas could hardly wait, his eyes already scanning the gallery for the section labeled “Stella“.

Seeing his eagerness, Arabella had no choice but to say, “Alright, let’s go. Hers is in the far corner.”

“Then let’s hurry.” Lucas quickened his pace.

“This curator is really impressive, managing to get her to exhibit. I wonder if they have her contact information?” Lucas remarked with admiration.

“They don’t,” Arabella replied casually.

“How do you know that?” Lucas‘ eyes widened in surprise as he looked at Arabella.

Arabella inwardly scolded herself for the slip and forced an explanation. “It’s widely known that the only way to contact her is through her dedicated studio email, without exception. So I’m just assuming they don’t.”

Lucas thought for a moment and nodded. “That’s true.”

“Come on, we’re almost there.” Arabella redirected his attention.

“Alright.” Lucas dropped the subject and continued walking ahead.

Watching him move forward, Arabella breathed a small sigh of relief. She’d almost given herself away by not being careful enough.

She had indeed agreed to participate in this exhibition after receiving several sincere invitations from the organizers. But even they could only reach her through her studio email–that was her non–negotiable rule.

“Wow, her work really does have a distinctive, fresh quality.” Lucas‘ voice came through, filled with admiration.

Arabella pushed her thoughts aside and walked over to join him.

“They are quite good,” Arabella said, though her smile felt a bit awkward.

Praising her own work was… well, a little strange.

“See? Even you think so. I told you–no one can help but appreciate her paintings.” Lucas looked proud, almost as if he were the artist himself.

Arabella didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She’d run into a genuine super–fan.

“The paintings are good. It’s just… the style and technique feel somewhat familiar.” A familiar voice sounded beside them, and Arabella’s posture stiffened slightly.

“Mr. Stewart! What are you doing here?” Lucas frowned, looking as if he’d just encountered a threat.

To think they’d run into Matthew here, too!

“I came to see the exhibition, of course,” Matthew said, his gaze sweeping over them coolly. What a silly question.

Lucas gritted his teeth in frustration. “What I meant was, isn’t it a remarkable coincidence that Mr. Stewart decided to visit the exhibition at the exact same time as us!”

A coincidence so perfect, he wondered if Matthew had planned it.

“It certainly is a coincidence,” Matthew said, his gaze lingering meaningfully on Arabella.

His look and tone clearly carried a double meaning, making Arabella’s heart beat a little faster.

This guy was too sharp. Just from two paintings, he was already picking up on similarities.

“It’s a bit surprising to see someone of your standing at an exhibition of this scale,” Arabella said, trying to subtly steer the conversation elsewhere.

“Exactly. Someone of Mr. Stewart’s caliber should be viewing works by internationally renowned masters,” Lucas chimed in, as if ‘ hoping his comment would encourage Matthew to leave.

“I’m surprised as well. I didn’t expect to stumble upon something so… unexpected,” Matthew kept his eyes fixed on Arabella, as if trying to see right through her.

Arabella met his gaze calmly, pretending simple curiosity. “Does Mr. Stewart’s ‘unexpected find‘ refer to paintings you’d like to acquire?”

“Mhm, two of them.” Matthew nodded.

“Then congratulations. It’s not every day one discovers something worthwhile at an emerging artists‘ showcase,” Arabella said, glancing around the room. “Might I ask which pieces caught your eye?”

“Since Mr. Stewart has found something he likes, we won’t keep you any longer. We should continue viewing the exhibition as well,” Lucas said, eager for Matthew to move along.

Just seeing Matthew near Arabella put him on edge. He didn’t want him anywhere close.

Matthew glanced at Lucas before nodding. “Then I won’t detain the two of you any further.”

With that, Matthew raised his hand slightly in signal.

“Mr. Stewart,” the exhibition curator approached promptly and respectfully. “How may I assist you?”

“Have these two prepared for transport,” Matthew instructed.

Lucas immediately spread his arms, stepping in front of the paintings. “What gives you the right to take them down?”

“I’m purchasing them,” Matthew stated matter–of–factly.

“You think you can just buy them because you said so? I want them too!” Lucas retorted, his indignation flaring.

After finally seeing Stella’s work in person, he was determined to own a piece–even if just one.