On the road, Evadne sat next to Thaddeus, her gaze fixed out the window, not sparing him even a glance.
He could feel her coldness and rejection toward him.
Thaddeus would sneak a few glances at her, wanting to start a conversation but unable to find the words.
Hamilton's private mansion was located in Havenbrook, Elmsworth, surrounded by mountains, tranquil and peaceful.
"Grandpa, I'm here to see you!"
Evadne burst into a bright smile as soon as she entered, her voice as melodious as a nightingale. It was like a crescent moon.
But deep inside, she was slightly anxious about the diamond bracelet. She had to psych herself up a bit before she could muster the courage to enter.
"Is that Ilana? I've missed you!" Hamilton, seated in his wheelchair, was wheeled out by Mr. Murray.
His spirits instantly lifted upon seeing Ilana, as if his eyebrows wanted to fly off his face.
"Where have you been these past few days, Ilana? Have you forgotten about me? Do you not like me anymore?"
Hamilton grabbed Evadne's hand and fired off a barrage of questions.
Thaddeus felt a bit peeved.
He thought to himself, this older man sure was a fun character. His age hasn't dampened his lively spirit. If he were younger, he'd definitely be a hoot. Even Jareth would probably call him a master.
"Grandpa, I've been busy with work recently and had to go on a business trip so that I couldn't contact you. It's my fault. Feel free to scold me," Evadne apologized sweetly, squatting down with a smile.
"How could I scold you? Just seeing you makes me happy," Hamilton replied, shooting Thaddeus a glare. "If it weren't for a certain annoying grandson, I could see Ilana daily. No need to go through all this trouble!"
Evadne laughed softly, at a loss for words.
Thaddeus was not pleased. He knew he shouldn't have come tonight. It was just asking for trouble.
"Ilana, I've got a new painting here. I haven't shown anyone else yet, saved it for you!" Hamilton excitedly led Evadne by the hand towards his study.
"You just want me to authenticate it for you, don't you?" Evadne teased with a twinkle in her eye.
"Haha, you got me!"
Thaddeus, standing behind Evadne, marveled at her.
He had been married to her for three years, yet he never knew she had so many talents. She could race cars, write calligraphy, tailor clothes, and even authenticate art.
He couldn't believe that one person could possess so many skills so he wanted to see for himself.
In the study, Mr. Murray had already donned white gloves and carefully unfurled a painting on the long table.
"Evadne, this is my new acquisition. Please take a look for me," Hamilton anticipated.
"Alright, Grandpa."
Evadne stood in front of the painting, picking up a magnifying glass and bending over to take a closer look, her left hand behind her back.
Thaddeus watched her concentrate, his expression still cold, but the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up.
She was beautiful and delicate on the outside, but inside, she was like a knowledgeable old sage. It was intriguing.
Hamilton noticed the diamond bracelet on Evadne's wrist. His eyes lit up, but the kind smile on his face didn't wane.
"This was a work by a famous artist," Evadne confidently declared with a smile.
"You're right," Hamilton confirmed, nodding his head.
Thaddeus squinted slightly, silently moving closer to the painting and, consequently, her.
"The painting bears a unique mark. Although there are no records to confirm its authenticity, the trees are primarily depicted in a twisted pose, characteristic of this artist. The brushwork is delicate, the spirit is excellent, and the forests are fresh."
Evadne calmly appraised the painting, her knowledge of art apparent.
Thaddeus was entranced, his gaze lingering on her profile, his expression growing more intense.
"However, Grandpa, I'm sorry to say that this painting is not an original. It's a reproduction done by someone who imitated the artist's style. But their brushwork was indeed reminiscent of the original artist," Evadne revealed.
Because the original was hanging in Emeric's private studio. Haha!
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