Chapter 31
Paintings adorned the walls of the exhibition hall as Caroline slowed her pace to take them in.
To be fair, she didn't particularly like Heidi as a person, but at this moment, she had to admit that Heidi possessed exceptional talent. Her painting style was delicate and warm, with colors blended to perfection.
Take "Afternoon Sunshine" for example—it depicted a little girl's silhouette reading by a window, sunlight filtering through leaves to touch her hair. Though a simple scene, it evoked an inexplicable sense of comfort.
She could feel that Heidi truly loved painting. This passion wasn't manufactured but flowed naturally through her brushstrokes.
Just then, footsteps approached from behind. Caroline instinctively turned to see Arthur escorting Heidi, accompanied by several distinguished-looking individuals.
Heidi was smiling as she explained the creative concept behind one of her paintings. Arthur stood beside her, occasionally adding comments, his eyes showing a patience Caroline had never witnessed before.
"Arthur always understands my paintings so well," Heidi turned to look at him, her tone carrying a hint of playful complaint.
A middle-aged man with glasses teased, "Mr. Windsor doesn't just understand the paintings—he understands their creator."
Everyone laughed while Heidi's cheeks flushed pink. She lowered her head shyly, yet her sidelong glance swept over Caroline almost imperceptibly, carrying a subtle hint of triumph.
Only then did Arthur notice Caroline. His gaze paused briefly, seemingly surprised to find her there.
But he merely gave a slight nod as acknowledgment before turning back to continue his conversation, as if she were just some insignificant stranger.
Something pricked Caroline's heart, but she quickly recovered her composure. She turned and continued forward, shutting out the noise behind her.
Her purpose for being here today was clear—not to watch Arthur and Heidi flaunt their relationship, but for her own career. The gossip circulating here was far more accurate than what appeared in news reports.
Throughout the exhibition hall, people came and went. Caroline paid attention to conversing groups, occasionally overhearing business-related information. She took out her phone and discreetly noted down dates of several important banquets.
As she turned to move forward, she found a crowd gathered ahead. Heidi was explaining her artwork.
"The inspiration for this painting came from these two children. It was their innocence that inspired me." Heidi crouched down, embracing Layla and Logan, who behaved perfectly in her arms.
"Ms. White is so good with children. It must be her kindness that allows her to capture their innocence," someone remarked.
"Indeed. Ms. White not only has artistic talent but also exceptional business acumen. She truly is Mr. Windsor's capable partner," added another voice.
Caroline looked toward Arthur. He stood confidently beside Heidi with a wine glass in hand, skillfully fielding compliments. They looked every bit the perfect couple.
She watched his back, the smile slowly fading from her lips.
She straightened her spine and continued moving through the exhibition hall.
Though the exhibition wasn't particularly large with its square-shaped layout, Caroline found it impossible to completely avoid Arthur despite her efforts. Each time they crossed paths, he would calmly avert his gaze as if encountering a stranger.
Caroline didn't bother greeting him either. In public, he always distanced himself from her—with Heidi present, he certainly wouldn't risk making his love interest jealous by showing familiarity with Caroline.
Later, she sensed Arthur's gaze occasionally falling on her with a hint of curiosity, but whenever she looked back, she only caught him staring admiringly at Heidi.
Having finally finished dealing with the media, Heidi had a moment free. She tugged at Arthur's arm, with the two children bouncing along behind them, and walked straight to Caroline.
"Caroline, still looking at the paintings?" Heidi smiled graciously, though her eyes subtly assessed her. "I brought Arthur and the children over to say hello, and to tell you about this piece, 'Dawn.'"
She pointed to the painting beside them and began softly explaining its creative background and inspiration.
Arthur stood at her side, his gaze fixed on the canvas, expressionless, like a dutiful escort. Layla and Logan stood quietly, not even glancing at Caroline.
Caroline listened halfheartedly. With Heidi nearby, she always felt uncomfortable, let alone finding opportunities to network with others.
"That's not necessary," Caroline tactfully interrupted, her tone polite yet distant. "Please, don't trouble yourselves. I'm just browsing."
Heidi's smile froze for an instant before returning to normal. "All right then, Caroline. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me."
She affectionately linked her arm with Arthur's. "Arthur, let's take the children to see the other section."
Arthur nodded, his gaze sweeping over Caroline without a word before he turned to leave with Heidi. The two children promptly followed.
Layla glanced back at Caroline as she left. She knew it wasn't right, but she could see her mom anytime, while Heidi wasn't always around. Besides, today was Heidi's moment, and Layla didn't want to spoil it. She thought her mom would surely understand.
Caroline watched them walk away, her fingertips briefly tensing before relaxing again. She took a deep breath and headed toward the other end of the exhibition hall, finally escaping that suffocating atmosphere.
She stopped in front of a painting titled "The Lone Boat."
Caroline didn't really understand art, but somehow this painting resonated with her. As she gazed at it, lost in thought, a gentle male voice came from behind:
"This painting uses predominantly cool tones, with brushstrokes for the waves as sharp as knives. Yet there's a warm yellow gradient at the solitary light, highlighting both the perilous environment and a hope that refuses to be extinguished."
Caroline turned around in surprise to see a man in a gray suit standing behind her, smiling as he looked at the painting.