Janice continued, “And Zach is now in–laws with the Spencer family. That’s a true power match.”

Ariel was a little surprised.

No wonder the exhibition was so exclusive.

Between the Spencers‘ elite status and the Quintons‘ connections, this wasn’t the kind of place just anyone could walk into. No wonder even Jayson had shown up.

After finishing the first floor, Ariel and Janice headed upstairs.

Each section had its own distinct style, filled with striking pieces from all genres.

Ariel had always had a genuine interest in the arts. With Elena working in the field, she’d grown up surrounded by it.

She’d gone through both the first and second floors and still hadn’t seen anything related to Elena, which left her disappointed.

“These pieces aren’t for sale, are they?” Ariel asked.

Janice, ever the know–it–all, shook her head. “Nope. Collecting is just Mr. Spencer’s personal hobby. And since he’s displaying calligraphy pieces specifically for his grandpa, this kind of event is really just a refined way to expand his network.”

That made things tricky for Ariel. If she did find a painting by Elena here, how would she even get it back?

Up on the third floor, a painting caught her eye almost immediately.

She loved the style. But since nothing here was for sale, she had no choice but to walk away.

Just as she turned to leave, she heard Nancy’s voice behind her. “Jayson, don’t you think this painting is kind of interesting?”

Ariel glanced back.

Nancy was looking at the same painting she had just admired.

Jayson looked down at her. “If you like it, I’ll take you overseas to buy a few more from this artist.”

Nancy gave him a sweet smile. “Thank you, but isn’t that a bit of a hassle?”

“It’s not.”

Ariel’s steps froze. But after a beat, she turned and walked away calmly.

She’d already seen firsthand how good Jayson was to Nancy. He’d make sure Nancy got whatever she wanted.

Ariel couldn’t even have a single painting she liked. And yet, Jayson could casually offer Nancy an entire collection.

That was the difference between them.

On her way to meet up with Janice, Ariel kept scanning the different exhibit areas to find any clues in this gallery known for housing the largest collection of paintings.

And finally, a painting tucked away in a corner stopped her in her tracks.

Her breath caught.

The moment she stepped closer, she noticed the style matched a half–finished piece by Elena that hung at Halread University. The brushwork, composition, and color palette were all strikingly similar.

Ariel immediately flagged down the third–floor coordinator, Peyton Barker.

“I have a question. I really love this painting. Would Mr. Spencer consider letting it go?”

She hoped Peyton could get in touch with the exhibition’s real owner, Liam Spencer.

But Peyton responded quickly, “I’m sorry, miss. Today’s showing is for display only. Nothing’s for sale.”

Ariel was starting to grow anxious and was just about to say something when Frederick and the others walked over.

Seeing that she was about to make an offer, Frederick scoffed. “Ms. Walker, have you been to the market too often? You think you can haggle here too? Didn’t you hear the rules?”

Ariel looked up.

It wasn’t just Frederick and Zach. Even Jayson and Nancy had made their way over.

She pressed her lips together, then replied calmly, “There’s a reason I asked. I really like this painting. I’ve been searching for a painting my mother lost years ago. This piece looks very similar. That’s why I was hoping to negotiate.”

Peyton hesitated, clearly unsure.

Then Nancy chuckled softly. “I can understand how you feel.”

A trace of mockery flickered in her eyes.

“But…” She paused for a moment before continuing, “I think you’re mistaken. This painting was by my mother. So maybe don’t go claiming things that aren’t yours.”