Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 170

"Sorry, I didn't mean it."

Just as our actions drew attention, Bonnie's irritation subsided and she started apologizing.

I stood up and gave a small grin, "Bonnie, have you no clue there are cameras everywhere here? You really think you can play innocent?"

Hearing the word 'camera', Bonnie glanced around uncomfortably, her gaze finally landing on Russel.

Russel was just quietly looking at me, and I felt uneasy.

For the past two years, Russel had been bombarding me with calls and messages, none of which I answered. I treated him the same way I treated Oscar.

But Russel was not Oscar, he meant something completely different to me.

I could treat Oscar like a little brother now, but I couldn't do the same with Russel.

I grabbed the gift and turned to leave, ready to find Vicente, hand over the gift, and get out of here.

After all, running into both Bonnie and Russel was a sign this place was no good for me to stick around.

"Irene!" Russel actually chased after me, catching up effortlessly.

"Hey there, Dr. Russel. What a coincidence, I didn't even notice you were here. Checking out the paintings too?" Since I couldn't avoid him, I decided to switch gears, greeting him with a smile.

Russel didn't return my smile. He cut straight to the chase, "Are you running away because you saw me?"

Two years apart, and he was still as blunt as ever.

Even if I told him I didn't see him, he wouldn't believe it.

"I really didn't see you!" I laughed, "My dad and Vicente are old friends, I'm just here to drop off a gift."

"I can go with you. I'm here to buy a painting for my dad too." Russel replied.

What could I say? I just had to go with him.

The exhibition was on two floors. Russel and I chatted while admiring the artworks.

I didn't really know what to talk about, but I found out he knew a lot about oil paintings and he shared a lot of knowledge with me.

Vicente was on the second floor. We saw Neil coming down the stairs as soon as we reached them, followed by his assistant.

I'd met him a few times before, his assistant was holding a well-packaged painting.

I shouldn't have agreed to come here. Instead of cultivating my taste, I found myself in an awkward situation.

"Let's make way." Russel looked up at the expressionless Neil and pulled me aside.

Neil looked coldly at Russel's action, then walked down a few steps and stopped next to me.

His gaze was icy, almost chilling.

Even his assistant seemed nervous, his eyes darting between the three of us.

"I had no idea you were such a man-magnet." Neil's lips twitched, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"You're a bit late to realize that now." Russel returned a small, unfriendly smile.

I didn't understand the conflict between them that Stella mentioned, I didn't know how bad things were.

Now that I've witnessed it myself, I realized their relationship was really bad.

They used to be good friends, but now they looked at each other like enemies.