Chapter 373 Dispute Over Stella’s Paintings

His gaze cooling, Matthew glanced at Lucas and remarked, “A pity you were a step too late.”

Having said that, he looked at the curator and asked, “Is there a problem?”

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The curator couldn’t help but shiver slightly, answering quietly, “No, sir. I’ll have them packaged and delivered to your address immediately.”

Wiping a bead of sweat from his temple, the curator was about to go arrange the packing when Arabella spoke up. “Wait a moment.”

Turning back, the curator asked softly, “Was there something else, miss?”

“Even if these paintings have been sold, they can’t be removed from the exhibition immediately, can they? Aren’t purchases typically collected after the exhibition concludes?” Arabella pointed out.

While selling the paintings should have pleased her, having them taken down now would deprive other visitors of the chance to see them.

“That is the standard policy, but…” The curator wiped his sweat again–this was Matthew Stewart!

Seemingly reading his hesitation, Arabella frowned slightly. “An art exhibition has its established protocols. We can’t make exceptions just because someone requests it, can we?”

“Well, it’s only two pieces. I doubt many visitors would object,” the curator tried to reason, though his tone betrayed his discomfort.

A trace of sarcasm touched Arabella’s lips. “Are you certain the artist wouldn’t mind? And are you confident you’ll be able to secure her work for any future exhibitions you might organize?”

“Exactly. These are Stella’s paintings. Having them in your show is a privilege. Don’t risk damaging that relationship for a shortcut,” Lucas added as a firm warning.

“This…” The curator felt a pang of acute distress, suddenly caught in an impossible position.

Matthew looked meaningfully at Arabella. “Dr. Hamilton seems exceptionally well–versed in this exhibition’s specific regulations.”

Arabella’s heart skipped a beat. Damn it!

In her haste to intervene, she had said more than she should have.

“She visits galleries all the time. What’s strange about knowing how they work?” Lucas retorted unhappily.

Arabella also feigned nonchalance. “Yes, I just read the guidelines posted at the entrance.”

“You only just arrived, yet you absorbed them quite thoroughly,” Matthew stated, his gaze fixed on Arabella as if trying to see through her facade.

Avoiding his eyes, Arabella turned back to the curator. “I believe we should adhere to the stated rules.”

As she spoke, she raised her wrist slightly, revealing the special guest pass secured there.

The curator was taken aback. While he didn’t know Arabella’s exact identity, he understood that anyone wearing that particular pass was not someone he could afford to offend.

Even as his legs felt weak under the weight of Matthew’s imposing presence, the curator now saw no alternative.

“Mr. Stewart, my sincere apologies, but the exhibition’s policy is clear on this point. I will personally ensure the paintings are reserved for you and delivered directly to you the moment the exhibition closes.” Having said this, the curator bowed his head slightly, bracing for the potential fallout.

He couldn’t risk alienating Arabella, but Matthew was equally formidable.

He truly had no idea how this situation would resolve.

“There’s no need to deliver them to my residence.” Matthew’s calm voice cut through the tension.

The curator’s heart sank. He closed his eyes briefly, anticipating the worst. “Mr. Stewart, I am truly very sorry!”

“Deliver them to Horizon Corp.” Matthew’s voice came again.

“Pardon?” The curator looked up in surprise, as if he couldn’t believe what he’d heard.

“I’ll hang them in my office,” Matthew said this to the curator, but his eyes remained fixed on Arabella.

Arabella gritted her teeth internally. This infuriating man was clearly testing her on purpose!

So, his suspicion had been there from the start and hadn’t faded in the slightest.

“Then we won’t disturb your viewing any further, Mr. Stewart,” Arabella said, then turned to Lucas. “Let’s go see the other sections.”

“I…” Lucas cast one last, longing look at the paintings before agreeing. “Alright, let’s go.”

“Ah, what a shame. How did I end up being the one who was too slow?” Lucas muttered as they walked away.

Arabella sighed quietly. “Let’s look at the other works. The other featured artists are very talented as well.”

“But Stella is my favorite among the new artists,” Lucas grumbled, frustration evident.

It was all Matthew’s fault–showing up and buying both paintings immediately. Couldn’t he have left one?

“I wonder if I could ask him to sell one to me?” The thought crossed Lucas‘ mind as he glanced back at Matthew.

But after meeting Matthew’s impassive, cool gaze, he reluctantly gave up the idea.

“He’d never agree,” Lucas muttered, annoyed.

Arabella glanced at him. “What did you say?”

“Nothing.” Lucas shook his head, unwilling to voice his disappointment.

“Then let’s keep moving,” Arabella said, eager to put distance between herself and Matthew’s scrutinizing gaze.

Yet she couldn’t shake the distinct feeling that a particular pair of eyes was still following her.

Frowning slightly, she turned and, sure enough, saw Matthew walking along the same path a short distance behind them.

“Did you need something else, Mr. Stewart?” Arabella couldn’t help but ask.

“I’m here to view the exhibition as well,” Matthew replied matter–of–factly.

In other words, he had no other business and was simply browsing, just like them.

“Then by all means, proceed,” Arabella said, not wanting to walk alongside him, and subtly stepped aside to let him pass.

Lucas raised an eyebrow at Matthew with a hint of triumph. “After you, Mr. Stewart.”

Finally, he felt he had gained a slight upper hand.

Unexpectedly, Matthew asked Arabella directly, “Can we not walk together?”

“Given that you’re the type to have paintings removed on a whim, I’d prefer not to,” Arabella replied, her tone cool and deliberately distant.