Chapter 132
Inside the exhibition hall, soft lighting bathed each painting, and the air carried a faint blend of turpentine and sandalwood.
Josephine and Cedric stood side by side before an abstract oil painting.
The canvas showed vast stretches of deep blue intertwined with dark red, brushstrokes wild yet restrained—like suppressed passion surging in darkness.
"The composition is interesting." Cedric's deep voice sounded. "The painter deliberately stops the brushstrokes here, letting viewers fill in the blank space themselves, experiencing that artistic conception."
Josephine was also moved by the painting and nodded. "Like unfinished words, leaving infinite possibilities. This technique tests the painter's mastery. One misstep could create the opposite effect, but this painting..."
As they spoke, a familiar voice came from behind.
"Seems Cedric is also very interested in this painting."
Gideon walked over slowly. His gaze lingered on Josephine briefly before his dark eyes settled on the painting. "However, I believe this blank space shows inadequacy. A true artist should have the ability to handle every corner to perfection."
Cedric calmly switched positions with Josephine.
Originally, Gideon and he had stood on Josephine's left and right respectively. Now it became him and Gideon standing side by side.
Gideon's eyes darkened.
Cedric said coolly, "But I believe perfection isn't necessarily good. Nothing perfect exists in this world. If it does... it must be a lie."
Like Gideon's seemingly perfect marriage, ultimately shattered by lies and betrayal.
Their gazes met in the air—seemingly calm but with undercurrents surging beneath.
"Yet people have always pursued perfection. Besides, one person's inability doesn't mean everyone is incapable." Gideon naturally caught Cedric's double meaning. He glanced at Josephine from the corner of his eye without changing expression.
Her face remained cold and unmoved.
From start to finish, Josephine hadn't looked at Cedric, as if he were a stranger.
"But intelligent people won't be deceived by false perfection wrapped in lies," Cedric replied dismissively.
Standing beside them, Josephine just felt exhausted.
These two twisted every sentence in different ways, seemingly discussing paintings but actually attacking each other. Without some brains, one couldn't even understand them.
Cedric said flatly, "Lies are ultimately lies."
Just as Gideon was about to speak again—if this continued, it would never end—Josephine noticed from the corner of her eye someone approaching.
She immediately signaled Cedric to look. The person was a client cooperating with their group, so naturally, Cedric had no time to deal with Gideon anymore.
The battle finally ended.
While Cedric chatted with the client, Josephine went to grab a drink and sipped it slowly.
Gideon appeared behind her at some point.
Josephine had noticed but ignored him, pretending not to see.
"Do you agree with his viewpoint?" Gideon initiated a conversation.
No one saw the unwillingness filling his eyes.
Josephine was his soulmate—he'd always believed this. Because they understood each other and supported one another, Josephine could always guess his thoughts first.
They were so well-matched.
But today's conversation was like a slap in his face.
Josephine glanced at him coolly. "If you're not convinced, go find Cedric. I'm not interested in discussing paintings."
At least not interested in discussing them with him.
Gideon moved closer, lowering his voice. "I have no interest in him. I came today for you."
Josephine's reaction was to turn and walk away.
This setting wasn't appropriate for arguments, discussing divorce, or reminiscing about the past—even less so.
Gideon didn't chase after her.
But his gaze remained fixed on Josephine.
Josephine wandered alone through the exhibition, appreciating the works on the walls.
The paintings here were indeed of high caliber, each worth savoring carefully.
One painting caught her eye—it depicted a small town in misty rain with bridges over flowing water, the artistic mood profound and distant.
She was absorbed in viewing it, completely unaware of someone approaching from behind.
"Ms. Kennedy."
A female voice rang out.
Josephine frowned at hearing this voice. Turning, she saw Lorelei standing behind her, a perfectly calibrated smile on her face.
Lorelei smiled sweetly and gently. "What a coincidence—didn't expect to see you here."
Josephine showed no mercy. "Then I really chose an unlucky day to go out."
Had she known she'd encounter her and Gideon at the exhibition, Josephine wouldn't have come, no matter what—she wouldn't have even left the house!
Lorelei acted as if she hadn't noticed Josephine's unwelcoming attitude, walking to her side and looking at the painting. "This painting is so beautiful. It reminds me of days at my grandmother's house. Back then..."
She began recounting childhood memories, her voice gentle, expression nostalgic.
Josephine frowned at her.
Was she okay? Were they the kind of relationship where they could share childhood memories?
No, when things seemed abnormal, something was definitely wrong.
Josephine turned to leave but suddenly felt a huge push from behind, accompanied by a voice.
"Excuse me."
Josephine reflexively moved to step aside, but was grabbed by Lorelei on the wrist. Looking up, she met Lorelei's malicious gaze.
Lorelei gripped her wrist tightly, feigning concern. "Ms. Kennedy, be careful."
Before Josephine could fathom Lorelei's intention, her body was pushed forward violently. She instinctively reached out to grab something to steady herself, but only Lorelei was nearby.
At that moment, Lorelei let go.
And she even tripped her.
Josephine fell solidly to the ground. Amid chaotic sounds, her arm inadvertently struck the frame on the wall.
That exquisite painting, caught by her movement, fell from the wall and crashed heavily to the ground.
The sound of the frame shattering was crisp and piercing.
Josephine lay on the floor, sharp pain shooting through her knees and elbows.
She looked up to see the painting on the ground, its frame shattered, the canvas torn with a gash.
The hall instantly fell silent.
Lorelei stood to the side, covering her mouth with her hand, looking shocked. "Oh my! Ms. Kennedy, how could you be so careless! This painting is very expensive, and I heard it's the exhibition manager's favorite piece!"
Josephine braced herself against the floor and stood despite the pain. The painting at her feet was completely ruined.
Hestia walked to Lorelei's side and sighed. "Honestly, I told you to move aside, and you just stood there stupidly. Now look what happened—you've ruined someone's painting. Hurry and apologize and compensate!"
Lorelei's lips curved slightly as she leaned close, speaking in a voice only she and Josephine could hear. "Daryl is a very difficult person. You've destroyed his painting at his exhibition—just wait to be thrown out!"