Chapter 467 Bound by Love, Unstoppable as One 2
Zoey approached him. "What's wrong, Mr. Windsor?"
Oliver handed her the document. "Quinton's paintings will be exhibited in Evergreen City for a week. Since it's a commercial event, the Windsor Group has been assigned to handle security."
He lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag.
Zoey looked surprised. "Mr. Windsor, didn't you say no smoking in the house?"
Oliver's gaze darkened. "Special circumstances."
He continued, "But to the point—this mess is clearly Matthew's doing. As head of the Business Association, he's setting us up. If that painting disappears or gets damaged, he'll use it as an excuse to come after the Windsor Group. I can't afford that kind of liability."
"Are you going to decline?" Zoey asked nervously.
Oliver tapped the document. "How can I? I need to figure something out. Worst case, I'll personally guard it 24/7."
A soft knock interrupted them.
Sarah entered, placing coffee on the desk.
Not wanting to worry her, Oliver took a sip and smiled. "Your coffee is exceptional—smells divine."
Zoey suppressed a smile.
Sarah settled onto the sofa and casually picked up a book. "Actually, Claire made it. I'll tell her you loved it—she'll probably make it for you every day."
Oliver fell silent.
Sarah leaned back, eyes lowered thoughtfully. "About Quinton's painting—if you can't refuse, then accept the job. I can guarantee the painting will be safe and the Windsor Group will emerge unscathed."
Oliver's eyes lit up.
He sat beside her, admiration evident. "Tell me how you plan to manage that."
"When does the painting arrive?" Sarah asked.
"Three days," Oliver replied.
Sarah pondered briefly. "That should be enough time."
Oliver looked confused, but Sarah merely smiled.
That afternoon, she left the children with Claire and locked herself in the third-floor studio. No one was allowed in—not even Oliver.
He suspected what she was doing, and it stirred something in him.
Though they weren't officially remarried, they were truly a formidable team when united.
While she painted upstairs, he handled business matters and cared for their children. Late that night, with the children asleep, he worked in his study.
The door opened quietly.
Nicole padded in barefoot, wrapped in her Winnie the Pooh blanket. She threw her arms around Oliver's waist. "I miss Mommy."
"She'll be back in three days," Oliver soothed.
Nicole's eyes glistened with tears.
Having been separated from Sarah when she was younger had left emotional scars.
Oliver's heart ached for her. He lifted Nicole, blanket and all, carefully supporting her bare feet. Carrying her through the hallway and up the grand staircase, he spoke softly, "Let's peek in on Mommy, but we can't disturb her, okay?"
Nicole answered with a kiss on his cheek.
At the studio door, Oliver opened it slightly. Warm light spilled out. Despite the late hour, Sarah was still painting, dressed in a simple cotton dress, her hair braided.
There was a quiet beauty in her focus.
Though Nicole had asked to see her mother, it was Oliver who stood transfixed. In that moment, watching her from the doorway, he truly felt she was his wife.
And he was proud to be hers.
When the night breeze blew in through the window, he carried Nicole away, worried she might catch cold.
Back in his study, Nicole curled up on his lap like a kitten, perfectly content.
Just like every night during those four years they'd spent together, when Nicole had become his entire world.
Three days later, at eight in the morning, Oliver opened the studio door. The lights were still on.
Sarah had painted through the night.
Seeing him enter, she smiled and unveiled the canvas. There before Oliver's eyes was a perfect replica of Quinton's painting.
Having studied art in his youth, Oliver gently traced the canvas, admiring the brushwork and color palette. It was remarkable.
"Seventy percent of the work is in the framing," Sarah said with a smile. "Once it's mounted, it'll be complete."
Oliver held the painting, his gaze bright and clear. He leaned in to kiss her lips, his voice unusually deep, "When this is over, I'll thank you properly."
Sarah knew exactly what kind of thanks he had in mind.
As she washed her hands, her voice carried from the bathroom, "Fortunately, it's for commercial display. The average person won't notice the difference. Take it and be careful."
Oliver followed her.
Leaning against the bathroom doorway, his eyes sparkled. "You worked for three days and nights. I'll spend three days and nights thanking you."
Sarah looked up, their eyes meeting in the mirror.
His gaze was filled with tenderness.
At 10 AM, Oliver personally took custody of Quinton's painting.
The masterpiece hung in the most prominent spot in the gallery, drawing thousands of visitors daily.
No one knew it was a forgery.
Even so, Oliver guarded it 24 hours a day, taking no chances.
A black SUV idled outside the gallery. The window lowered, revealing Matthew's time-worn face. Watching Oliver smoking by the entrance, he smirked. "Mr. Windsor, you're certainly dedicated."
Oliver crushed his cigarette, rolling his neck. "If anything happens to that painting, I'm finished."
Matthew's smile deepened.
Suddenly, black smoke billowed from inside the gallery. Someone shouted in panic, "Fire! Quinton's painting is burning!"
Oliver tossed his cigarette and ran inside.
Matthew straightened his jacket and calmly instructed Aaron in the front seat. "Back to the office."
Aaron looked startled. "Mr. Moore, isn't that a bit hasty?"
The fire had only just begun.