Janice had just taken a dosage of oral solution, grimacing in pain as she did. She turned toward Ariel.

“I’m sure there are a good number of them. Various organizations of different natures will collect paintings from various means for resale.” Confused, she asked, “Why?”

Ariel kneaded her brow. “One of my mom’s paintings went missing back then. It was still on her mind even before she passed. I’m thinking that since it’s going to be her third death anniversary soon, I can at least fulfill her wish if I track it down for her.”

Katie once brought that matter up. The other half of that painting was apparently Elena’s graduation project. Something happened in the process, and she eventually didn’t submit it.

Upon graduating, however, Elena had gone back to Eldoria.

Besides, paintings would circulate in different locations. Eldoria was home to numerous channels to acquire paintings; she might hear something about it there.

Janice mulled over it. “I’ll ask around. Wait for my update.”

Ariel didn’t take it seriously, as the probability of finding the painting was akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. They could only give their best effort.

However, to her surprise, Janice brought her a piece of information at noon.

“Next week, a private collector is holding an exhibition. Word has it that he has collected many pieces of famous modern paintings, created by artists from all over the world.

“This collector owns a building in Eldoria and uses it specifically as an art gallery to exhibit his collections. One of the floors is even dedicated to a collection of their grandfather’s calligraphy pieces. Isn’t that just extravagant!”

Somehow, she learned about such rumors. Clicking her tongue, she continued, “However…”

“However?”

“The Spencer family is the main organizer of the exhibition. The Spencers organize such exhibitions annually, but the number of guests invited to them is fixed. They only extend the invitations to well–known public figures. An average citizen won’t be invited.”

Ariel was surprised. She knew about the Spencer family. It was a prestigious family on par with the Larkin family. Naturally, they wouldn’t invite just anyone.

Janice smiled, sighing. “I don’t have the means of acquiring the invitation too.”

“What invitation?” asked Chad, entering with a document.

Janice’s eyes lit up instantly. “Chad, do you know the Spencers?”

Chad raised an eyebrow. I know their eldest son, but he’s overseas now. Why?”

Ariel had her hopes up. “Can you reach him?”

Chad immediately shook his head. “That would be quite tough. He’s in the medical field and always goes to places off the grid to provide charitable medical aid. There would probably be no network coverage where he is.”

Janice asked, “Do you have connections that can give us an invitation to the Spencer family’s art exhibition? Ari wants to go.”

“That’s all?” Chad placed his document down. “I just received their invitation two days ago. You can go in lieu of

me.”

Ariel’s heart fell back into place.

The day came for Ariel’s radiation therapy appointment. She went to the hospital alone.

She wasn’t familiar with the therapy, so she was no doubt nervous. Fortunately, the nurse sensed her uneasiness and soothed her.

“Don’t be afraid. Partial radiation therapy won’t hurt that much.” She hesitated before asking, “Aren’t your family with you?”

Ariel had learned to answer those kinds of questions in a composed manner. She smiled. “I can manage it on my own.”

The nurse’s gaze was filled with sympathy. Ariel pretended not to notice.

When she had just been diagnosed, she felt afraid and helpless. She thought of confiding in Jayson. However, he stood her up and celebrated Nancy’s birthday with Nancy instead.

From that day onward, Ariel stopped hoping for anything at all.

The radiation therapy was only targeted at her abdomen. She could withstand the pain, but during the treatment, her stomach reacted severely, and she threw up twice.

After the therapy, she felt a bit out of sorts. She took some time to recompose herself, and then her phone rang.

It was a call from the nursing facility where Leonard resided.

It was the best nursing facility in Eldoria. It was expensive, but the staff provided excellent care.

“Ms. Walker? The payment for Leonard Walker is due. When are you available to drop by?”

Rubbing her abdomen, Ariel softly answered, “I’ll come now.”