Chapter 136

Time seerns to fly when you’re buried in books Cordelia had breezed through her day’s lessonsand even managed to wrap up her homework during study hall. As the school day drew to a close,she shoved a book into her backpack to entertain her on the way to the auction she was attendinglater.

The charity gala was being held at the prestigious Greenmeadow Grand Hotel, a six–star beacon ofluxury. By the time they arrived, the place was already teeming with guests.

Cordelia, trailing behind Lorna, had barely stepped out of the car when she heard a familiar voicecall out. “Lornal”

There was Rachel, striding over in all her glittering finery, looking every inch the wealthy socialite.With Laurinda on her arm, she approached with a complaint ready on her lips. “Lorna, I know we’vegone our separate ways, but we’re still family. I tried visiting your neighborhood, but they wouldn’teven let me in. I had no choice but to wait for you here.”

Lorna, ever the embodiment of understatement, was not a fan of Rachel’s flashy style. She spokewith detached tone, “What do you want?”

Rachel’s smile didn’t waver as she said, “I heard you were attending this gala and I was worried youmight not have anything suitable to contribute. So, I brought something for you.”

She produced a box from her purse and handed it over. “Inside is a diamond brooch, worth a cooltwenty grand. Why don’t you auction this off?”

Laurinda scoffed, “Lorna, you should learn from Rachel. Think of the bigger picture. Isn’t shemagnanimous?”

Magnanimous? This was clearly a ploy to put Lorna in their debt, something to hold over her headlater, most. likely an attempt to curry favor with Calvert.

Lorna saw through their game immediately. They’d grown a bit smarter, offering a favor first beforeexpecting returns, never missing a chance to get what they wanted.

“I don’t need it,” Lorna said, pushing the brooch back. “I’ve already prepared something for tonight’sauction.”

Rachel was taken aback, “You’ve prepared something?”

Her gaze swept over them, finally resting on the long box Lorna held. “What’s that?”

Before Lorna could answer, Rachel guessed aloud, “A painting? Yours?”

Seeing no denial from Lorna, Rachel burst into laughter. “Lorna, you’re auctioning off your ownpainting? Are you joking? Don’t you know your pieces barely fetch fifty bucks? Is that your granddonation?”

Lorna brushed past her. “We’ve already parted ways. What I donate is none of your concern.”

Laurinda was indignant. “Parted ways? Do you think that changes your last name? Do you thinkthat changes. that Sanderson is my son, and I’m his mother? Blood ties can’t be cut!”

Rachel chimed in, her voice laced with urgency, “Lorna, if you don’t listen to me and it doesn’t sell,it’s our family’s reputation on the line.”

Cordella, who had been silent till now, spoke up nonchalantly, “Who says it won’t sell?”

Rachel scoffed, “At an auction where starting bids begin at fifty thousand, who do you think will buyher painting?”

Cordelia didn’t respond, simply guiding Lorna past the two women and into the venue.

Rachel wanted to follow, but with so many eyes upon her, she hesitated, not wanting to cause ascene. After a moment’s thought, she blurted out, “Did Sanderson arrange for someone to bid high?Is this some kind of stunt?”

Laurinda, not quite grasping Rachel’s insinuation, asked, “What do you mean?”

12.061 Rachel explained with a hint of disdain, “It’s hype. The only way for Lorna’s painting to gain anyattention now is if it’s artificially inflated at auction.”

Laurinda, ever blunt, put it plainly. “You mean he’s going to throw mone good name?”

Rachel nodded in confirmation.

at the auction just to give Lorna a Inside, the Harmony Haven Foundation was in full swing, with its president, Mrs. Collins, playing thegracious host. Upon spotting Lorna and Cordelia, she welcomed them warmly and directed a staffmember to take their item backstage in preparation for the auction.

The foundation’s operations were meticulous, and there was no chance of any auction items beingtampered with or damaged.

As Mrs. Collins escorted Lorna to the back, they placed the painting in a secure area under thewatchful eyes of the staff.

Once Lorna had left, Mrs. Collins returned to find the staff examining the painting. As they unfurledit, one commented, “Mrs. Collins, we’re no art critics, but we’ve heard that Mrs. Delaney’s work ishardly worth fifty dollars. Isn’t it a bit disrespectful for her to donate something like this?”

Mrs. Collins peered at the painting. “Don’t jump to conclusions. I find it quite striking.”

The stage was set for an evening where perceptions could be turned on their head, where the valueof art was subjective, and where the Delaney family drama would unfold under the gilded ceilings ofGreenmeadow Grand Hotel.

The staff member grimaced with distaste. “It’s not exactly a masterpiece. I can’t for the life of meunderstand what Mrs. Delaney was thinking. This painting is embarrassingly amateurish.”

Mrs. Collins shot him a glare that promptly sealed his lips. She sighed, her resolve hardening. Herdaughter had developed quite the fondness for little Cordelia Delaney, and she couldn’t just sit idlyby. If push came to shove and the painting failed to attract any buyers, she’d simply have someonediscreetly offer a hundred grand for it. She wouldn’t let Mrs. Delaney suffer the indignity of a no–sale.

Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when an aide burst into the room. “Mrs. Collins, adistinguished guest has arrived, and they’re headed backstage as we speak!”

Mrs. Collins blinked in surprise. “Who is it?”

Panting from the dash, the aide managed to say, “B. Aster!”

“What?” Mrs. Collins was taken aback. Although she wasn’t well–versed in watercolor painting, sheknew that B. Aster was a big deal. His works sold for millions; he was a living legend in thecontemporary art world!

Her voice was laced with anxiety as she asked, “What does he want?”

The staff member replied, “He’s here looking for a painting!”