Chapter 118 Design Drawing

Chapter 118 Design Drawing

Mrs. Crompton had made her position clear. Vivian knew that pushing further would only embarrass herself more, so she reluctantly shut her mouth and sat down in a nearby chair, seething with resentment.

When Mrs. Crompton wasn't looking, she shot Ruth a venomous glare.

Ruth didn't notice at all.

Mrs. Crompton carefully put away the design drawings and placed them along with the antique painting into a long wooden case, sliding it across to Ruth. "Mrs. Grey, I'm entrusting this painting to you. I'm confident you'll restore it beautifully."

Ruth hesitated slightly. "Mrs. Crompton, you're really comfortable handing over the painting just like that? What if something goes wrong during the restoration..."

Mrs. Crompton waved her hand dismissively with a smile. "If I trust someone, I trust them completely. Since I've chosen you for this restoration, I won't second-guess myself. Do what you need to do. Even if something unexpected happens, I won't hold it against you."

Ruth understood immediately—this was both a gesture of trust and a test.

She stopped hesitating and accepted the wooden case with a nod. "Mrs. Crompton, I promise I won't let you down."

Watching the two of them interact while being completely ignored, Vivian felt jealousy rising like a tide threatening to drown her.

It doesn't matter...

Ruth hasn't even started restoring the painting yet.

Sure, Mrs. Crompton said she wouldn't mind if something went wrong, but if anything actually happened to that painting, she'd definitely be disappointed. And if the Grey family and the Crompton family's relationship suffered because of it? Well, that would be her opportunity.

After they finished their discussion, Mrs. Crompton asked Vivian to see Ruth out. Though reluctant, she complied.

The two women left Mrs. Crompton's suite together.

Vivian gave a saccharine smile. "You really are something, managing to connect with Mrs. Crompton like that. But let me give you a little warning—that painting is worth serious money. Mrs. Crompton might say she won't blame you if something goes wrong, but who really knows what she'll think?"

Ruth's tone was cool. "Don't worry. I won't give certain rats in the gutter any chance to sabotage this painting."

Vivian clearly caught the barb, but since Ruth hadn't named names, she couldn't lash out. She could only grind her teeth silently.

When Ruth returned to room 1208 with the wooden case, Shawn was already awake, sitting up in bed rubbing his temples.

He noticed the long wooden case in her arms and asked curiously, "What've you got there?"

Ruth didn't answer right away. She set the case down on the table before speaking. "Mrs. Crompton asked me to restore an antique painting. She just gave this to me."

Shawn looked surprised. He stood up and walked over to examine the case—it was indeed a painting.

He hadn't expected Ruth to be so capable, managing to connect with Mrs. Crompton like that. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his voice full of pride. "Baby, you're amazing."

Every time Shawn spoke, his breath carried the stale smell of alcohol. Disgusting.

She closed her eyes briefly, then finally couldn't help but push him away gently. "Restoring this painting will take some time. I'll probably be busy for several days, so don't come bother me unless it's important."

Hearing this, Shawn's irritation at being pushed away mostly evaporated.

"No problem, baby. You do your thing. I won't disturb you. You've got this. You know the Crompton family's status in New York—if you pull this off, it'll really help your future."

Her future? More like the Grey family's future.

Shawn's tone shifted. "Unlike some people who just play petty games all day."

Ruth knew exactly who Shawn was referring to. She didn't respond, just lowered her head to organize the wooden case.

How had she never noticed before that Shawn was such a two-faced person? The more she thought about it, the more she regretted everything.

That evening, there was a small musical performance on the cruise ship's top deck. Shawn dragged Ruth along to listen.

Ruth had never been interested in these kinds of events, and sitting in the audience only made her more restless. Her mind had already drifted to restoration plans for the antique painting.

Halfway through the performance, her phone buzzed in her pocket.

She quietly pulled it out and glanced at the screen.

It was a message from William.

[Come back right now. We have a situation.]

Ruth's brow furrowed, but William wasn't the type to call her back for no reason.

She leaned toward Shawn and whispered, "I need to use the restroom."

Shawn didn't think much of it and nodded.

Ruth left the theater. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, a hand reached out from the side, gently grasping her wrist and pulling her into the stairwell.

Ruth instinctively started to pull away, then relaxed when she saw who it was. "William, what are you doing?"

William released her hand and gestured with his chin toward the other end of the hallway.

"Look over there."

Ruth followed his indication. Through the half-open stairwell door, she caught sight of Vivian standing outside room 1208, glancing around nervously.

Then Vivian pulled a keycard from her pocket and swiped open the door.

Ruth's pupils contracted. She hadn't expected the woman to have a keycard—though thinking back, Shawn had been with her yesterday. She must have stolen it then.

William continued, "Vivian's going in there now—ten to one she's after that painting. Want to catch her red-handed?"

Ruth took a step forward, then suddenly stopped as if remembering something.

"Just barging in would be too boring."

She pulled out her phone and sent Shawn a message.

[Shawn, I think I might not have closed the door properly when I left. Could you go back and check? I'm worried about that painting.]

After sending the message, she looked at William. "Get ready to watch a good show."

William raised an eyebrow. "Works for me."

Half a minute later, Shawn appeared in the hallway. Ruth waited until he'd entered the room before heading that way herself.

Inside, Vivian was searching frantically. Where did that bitch hide the antique painting?

She spotted the wardrobe ahead and was about to reach for it when footsteps sounded behind her. She jumped.

Before she could turn around, Shawn's sharp voice demanded, "Vivian, what are you doing here?"

Vivian's hand trembled. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

"I..."

Her eyes darted around nervously, as if searching for a plausible excuse.

Shawn was about to speak again when Ruth appeared in the doorway.

She swept her gaze between the two of them, her tone questioning. "What are you two doing in our room?"

The moment Shawn heard Ruth's voice, he panicked completely. He spun around and rushed over to her, explaining urgently, "Baby, didn't you ask me to come back and check if the door was closed? When I got here, she was already inside. I have no idea why she's here..."