Chapter 155

Chapter 155 A Painting

Ideen struggled with an avondant personality, using avoidance as a coping mechanism in the face ofemotional turmoil to alleviate her anxiety During moments of pain and discomfor she sought solace msolitude, replaceing prace with the tranquility of her heart or even relying on forgetfulness for relief

She also desired to confront her issues, but fear held her back Both the environment and theatmosphere surrounding her could trigger psychological unease

Thus, she preferred solitude. Even when Jasper attempted to approach her, coaxing her to step out ofher comfort zone, she just couldn’t bring herself to do it.

In the Smith residence, aside from mealtimes, Eileen spent most of her time alone in her room,engrossed in her hobbies,

Whether it was drawing, studying, or listening to music, she enjoyed being alone and avoided.interacting with anyone.

In Primas Plaza, Quinton brought Eileen a cake from Bamboo Palace. “Take a break and havesomething to eat.”

Setting aside the golf club, Eileen took a few sips of water and accepted the cake from his hand.“Thank you.”

“I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit off all morning. Have something sweet. It might cheer you up a bit.Quinton suggested.

Eileen gave a slight smile. “How did you figure it out?”

Quinton picked up the thermal mug next to him and took a sip. “It’s not hard for me to tell when itcomes to you. When bad things happen to some people, their emotions will show on their faces. Mostof the time, they will vent their dissatisfaction through physical activities.”

“Perhaps I have been too stressed out by my studies and extracurricular classes lately that I don’t havetime to myself to do what I enjoy doing,” Eileen explained.

Quinton crossed his left leg over his right, resting his folded hands on his knee, nodding in agreement.“Hmm, indeed. Stress can be rough. But don’t you replace anything you’re doing enjoyable?”

Eileen thought for a while and said, “There’s nothing I particularly enjoy. My father never allows me todo anything I like.”

“Do you like drawing? I have a painting here, Would you like to take a look?”

1/4

Etuinton lifted lax wrist to dik, his watch and realized the class was over. Come with t

Quinton guided her to his private other on the per floor, leading her into a rest area A pating, aboutthree meters in length was concealed beneath a black cloth Quinton moved toward to unved theartwork saying. Don’t mad the mess in the room”

Not at all In reality his room was impeccably dean, almost untouched, as if it hadn’t been phaboned fora long time

Qumion revealed the enormous painting. The moment Eileen saw it, she was utterly astounded by themasterpiece before her. This this is Night of Stars by Ira Gogh? But I thought it was lost to the world?”

Ira Gogh stood as one of the ten most influential painters in the world. Throughout her lifetime, shecreated only five paintings, each possessing the ability to captivate the world. Despite her artistic

brilliance, she never made public appearances, and the only fact the public knew about her was thatshe was only twenty-six. Unfortunately, after completing her final masterpiece, “Night of Stars,” shevanished without a trace.

In the decades to come, she never produced another artwork.

Rumors circulated widely, suggesting that she had already passed away.

However, no one was aware of the actual truth.

“An old friend gave this to me. I’m unsure if it’s genuine or a replica. Could you examine it for me?”Quinton asked.

A surge of indescribable excitement and joy welled up in Eileen’s heart. “May I take a longer look?”

“Of course. Go ahead.”

Eileen gently caressed the glass picture frame, her eyes reflecting the painting that could be describedas unparalleled in the world. Whether it was the colors or the imagery, it seemed as real as life itself, asif one could get lost in it.

Eileen had encountered Ira Gogh’s work only once before; this was the second time.

Half an hour later, she concluded that it was indeed the authentic piece.

“It’s the real deal.”

“Are you sure?”

24

selams and unlead Lab 7ally has her amic for once

“Looks be But

Landsiske my trick didn’t he to me ther all at how do you know this is the real deal

1

Filen shook her Lead Im not cutirely sure the painting feels somewhat familiari me However, Lancaywith retains thor is able to eat ’་(| ན་། iAA:i་དམ་’ེ།

|

So that’s how Is Quot sand with a soft laugh If your say it true then Thelieve you

།ར་ནོ་

seems that the person who gave you this painting must owe you his life (wherwise anyone who knowsthe value of this painting wouldn’t give it away so easily Id feel ashamed

ས།།་། ། toarvept what isn’t rightfully mine. If I take it, I owe someone a favor. And sooner or later this favormust be repaid

“Indeed, you re right”

“So it is a life-saving favor, right”

Quinton laughed softly, shaking his head. “All right, that’s enough talking. Let’s go get something to eat.I haven’t been back for a while and I heard there are quite a few new dishes. Shall we try themtogether?”

“Okay,” Eileen replied.

Eileen didn’t feel distant from Quinton. Perhaps it was because they had known each other for manyyears. She started learning at the age of thirteen and had been acquainted with him. for five years.Throughout this time, Quinton consistently maintained a comfortable. distance, never crossing anyboundaries. Sometimes when she was in a bad mood, he would try to cheer her up in a manner thatfelt neither abrupt nor intrusive, just like how he shared the painting with her today.

The fact that she loved to draw was actually something he had known for quite some time.

The two of them took the elevator to the restaurant and settled into the same familiar old

spot.

The place was bustling with activity as quite a few diners came to dine at this hour.

Those frequenting the establishment were either affluent or of noble standing.

Primas Plaza wasn’t a place where just anyone could stroll in casually.

After placing their order, Eileen excused herself to visit the restroom.

In the dimly lit corridor outside the private room, she unexpectedly ran into Gavin. As soon

31

as echt eyes thet leen parkly looked away she had no idea at te would also be at

Eileen waited for a moment, then promptly left the restroom without even using it

Quinton, Emm sorry Something unexpected came up and I need to leave I wont be able to

Tim to your for dumer this time

Quinton nodded. “Do you need me to take you home

No its not necessary The driver is waiting outsble 1 pust go I’m truly sorry”

No worries There’s no need to apologize Just be careful on your way home”

“Okay”

If she had known Eric was here, she definitely wouldn’t have come.

Eileen should consider herself lucky, as Eric had been too busy with company matters lately to botherher.

Just as she was about to step into the elevator to leave, her hand was suddenly grabbed by a

force. A strong smell of alcohol then surrounded her.

strong

In the quiet escape corridor, Eileen was pressed against the wall, with the man behind her in closeproximity. His hands rested on her waist, lifting her clothes and reaching inside, firmly grabbing herbreasts.

Eileen grabbed the man’s restless hand, lowering her voice. “What are you trying to do? Someone willsee us.”

His warm breath, mixed with alcohol, brushed against her neck, sending a tingling sensation. throughher nerves. Eric’s tall figure loomed over her, completely enveloping her. He spoke with a captivatingvoice above her head. “If Gavin hadn’t informed me, were you planning to run away from me?”

He lightly pinched her as a punishment, and her breathing became ragged and labored. “S- Stop it!That’s enough!”

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