Chapter 64 Made Move
Chapter 64 Made Move
Back at the Blackwood Heritage Group, things were moving fast.
Preparations for the artifact appraisal conference were in full swing.
Elara had taken charge, while Juniper, though back, seemed to have lost her authority.
She followed Elara's instructions to the letter, but her expression was icy, and the hatred in her eyes was barely concealed.
Since being turned away last time, Lila hadn't set foot in the project office again, but the invisible pressure seemed to permeate every corner.
Kieran never mentioned that night again, and in this, they were in perfect sync—neither brought it up.
They made the usual calls and exchanged pleasantries, but something felt off.
Seraphina had also become unusually quiet, no longer causing trouble.
She silently followed Elara, learning the intricate knowledge of artifacts and working efficiently without using her status to pressure others.
Elara and Ethan had been too busy to check in with Sylvia, and Elara had just briefly mentioned Clara and Freya over the phone a few days ago.
Sylvia, the media-savvy know-it-all, had thought for a long time before saying, "I've never heard of anyone named Clara or Freya in the Hart family."
How could that be? Had they disappeared without a trace?
On the other hand, Sylvia had plenty to say about Ethan and Sophia, gloating over Ethan's overconfidence. She implied that Sophia was clearly interested in Kieran.
If Sylvia were part of the Augustine family, she would also support Sophia marrying Kieran.
Of course, Sylvia didn't share these thoughts in their group chat, and Elara didn't relay them to Ethan.
Ethan had been unusually enthusiastic at work lately, determined to impress Sophia and show her his strengths.
Elara supported him.
Besides, they had been too busy to focus on Ethan.
The most stressful part was approaching: the final restoration and appraisal of the Hart family's prized painting, "Walking in the Black Forest," which the Blackwood Heritage Group was showcasing.
"Ms. Hart's restoration powder and ancient glue mixture seem off," Ethan, unusually serious, brought over a material analysis report; his brow furrowed. "The color matches, but under constant light and temperature, it will become brittle and discolored in three months."
Elara was surprised. "When did you learn about artifact materials?"
Ethan chuckled. "Sophia told me."
Elara smiled as she took the report.
She had already sensed deliberate omissions in the materials Juniper sent daily.
"It's definite. Lila's skills are impressive."
She put down the report. "They want me to mess up this prized artifact in front of everyone, to prove I'm unfit to handle this business, and possibly make Mr. Blackwood lose the right to showcase this treasure."
Juniper, who had been quiet for a while, finally made her move.
"Let's use our own materials!" Ethan suggested. "I know a source..."
Elara shook her head, a cold glint in her eyes. "No need. We'll use Ms. Hart's mixture."
Ethan and Seraphina, who had been eavesdropping, were both stunned.
Elara picked up a brush, dipped it in the seemingly flawless special mineral paint mixed according to Juniper's formula.
"But I'll add a bit of modified active stabilizer to the mixture. It's colorless, odorless, and non-toxic, and it will neutralize the destructive components."
A faint, challenging smile appeared on her lips. "Since they want to play accidents, let's make it look like the Hart family's materials were inherently flawed."
At the restoration table, Elara was like an iceberg, steady and confident, each stroke sharp and assured.
Her focused demeanor and cold defense attracted countless gazes from outside the door, creating a barrier against hidden threats.
A week later, when "Walking in the Black Forest" emerged from the temperature and humidity-controlled test chamber intact, and the Hart family's analyst retested the leftover materials Elara had left behind, the report pointed to improper initial material preparation, causing an uproar in the technical team.
Juniper stormed into Kieran's office, accusing Elara of sabotage.
Elara arrived uninvited, calmly presenting Juniper's signed material receipt and Ethan's third-party secret test report in front of Kieran.
Kieran looked at the irrefutable evidence, Elara's calm yet firm demeanor, and Juniper's twisted face from her failed scheme.
For the first time, a clear, cold anger appeared on his usually stoic face.
His sharp gaze seemed to pierce through Juniper.
He didn't take sides, only coldly demanded, "Explain!"
Juniper, as if whipped, trembled and couldn't speak, glaring venomously at Elara before storming out of the office.
Kieran's gaze shifted to Elara, filled with scrutiny and a hint of complex curiosity.
Elara met his gaze calmly, her eyes clear and steady, without a trace of guilt.
"Well done. I thought you were just a pushover."
He finally broke the silence, his voice still flat, but to Elara, it was the most relaxed thing he'd said recently.
Kieran didn't doubt her expertise, only worried she was too soft-hearted.
He knew the Hart family's ways and had protected her as much as he could.
His calm evaluation unexpectedly eased the tension Elara had been feeling.
Elara smiled slightly, and Kieran smiled back.
She left the CEO's office, feeling inexplicably good.
At the door, she ran into Lila, who had been leaning against the wall, arms crossed, listening for who knows how long.
"Elara, your methods are impressive. But be careful. In some games, pawns that move too fast get crushed." She stepped closer, her gaze sharp. "Kieran can't protect you, especially when he's in the middle of the storm himself. Don't overestimate yourself. Quit while you can!"
Elara met Lila's malicious and warning gaze with a faint, humorless smile. "I understand the dangers, but whether I get crushed or rise to the top, who can say until the end?"
Their eyes locked, silent sparks flying.
Elara had no interest in their grudges, but if someone wanted to use her as a pawn, she wouldn't hesitate to take control.