Chapter 448
“If I’m not seeing things, that’s Halation’s famous painting, ‘Sunset,’ right?”
Most people here moved in high society, so they knew a thing or two about fine art and jewelry.
“But Halation made it clear this painting would never be sold or put on display,” someone nearby chimed in, looking genuinely puzzled. “If Melissa gave ‘Sunset’ to Patricia for her birthday, she must’ve gotten the rights to it.”
At those words, everyone turned to stare at Melissa.
“Any Halation painting goes for seven figures at least. Someone offered twenty million for ‘Sunset’ before and even then, the artist turned them down.”
“If Melissa managed to get the rights, it must have cost even more than that.”
“No wonder the Blair family chose her as their future daughter-in-law. She’s really generous.”
“I heard Patricia’s planning to introduce someone special today. Could it be Melissa?”
“She just gave away a painting worth millions. That says a lot about their relationship,” people whispered, curiosity growing.
“Anthony and Melissa grew up together. Their families have always been close. It’s only natural for them to get married, don’t you think?”
Listening to the whispers, Melissa couldn’t help but smile. The corners of her lips curled in satisfaction, her heart light and sweet.
It was true, she and Anthony had always been close, their marriage basically an open secret in Cabinda’s social circles.
Anthony had always kept his distance from other women. Maybe he really had been waiting for her to come back from her studies abroad.
The more she thought about it, the happier she felt.
She was the best match for him. The only one who really fit by his side.
“Ms. Carter, that painting must have cost a fortune, right?”
More people in the crowd started to discuss “Sunset,” some of them even fans of Halation, eager for answers.
When talk turned to money,
Melissa’s perfect smile faltered for
just a second, but she quickly pulled
herself together. “As long as “As long as
Grandmakes it, the price doesn’t matter.”
Patricia’s face was hard to read, but it was clear she wasn’t happy. She did love Halation’s art, and she’d spentages looking for Sunset” before. But she never expected Melissa to sweep in and buy it for her at such a high price.
If you wanted to be kind, you’d call it thoughtful. If you wanted to be blunt, it was just for show.
With everyone around her whispering and trying to pair her up with Anthony, Patricia felt even more uncomfortable.
“I appreciate the gesture, but this gift is just too much, Ms. Carter. Please, take it back.”
Patricia forced a polite smile, then gave Anne a look. Anne quietly rolled up the painting and returned it to Melissa.
Melissa stood there, stunned and embarrassed.
Patricia had turned down her gift in front of everyone. What was that supposed to mean?
Did Patricia not approve of her marrying Anthony?
The crowd seemed just as surprised. People who’d been gossiping about a marriage alliance just moments before now looked confused.
Among all the women here, Melissa seemed like the perfect fit for Anthony.
If Patricia didn’t approve of Melissa, then who did she want for her grandson?
While the air hung heavy with tension, Dorothy quickly stepped forward and stood beside Melissa ready to back her up. “Mom, Melissa went through so much to get th this painting just because she wanted you to be happy. It really means a lot. You should accept it.
“Yes, Grandma.”