Chapter 32
The man appeared to be around thirty, with handsome features and clear eyes. When he spoke about the painting, his thoughts were organized and articulate.
"Sir, you seem quite knowledgeable about art," Caroline couldn't help asking.
The man smiled. "I just know the basics."
Caroline waved her hand somewhat embarrassedly. "Actually, explaining all this to me is pointless—I know absolutely nothing about painting."
"That's perfectly fine," the man turned to look directly at her, his gaze earnest. "I think this painting resembles you."
Caroline paused. "Resembles me?"
"Yes," he nodded, his tone sincere. "You both give me a sense of strength—like struggling in desperate circumstances, yet possessing a resilience that finds life even in the face of death."
His words were like a pebble creating ripples across the lake of Caroline's heart.
No one had described her that way in a long time. In Arthur's eyes—and everyone else's—she seemed forever cast as the gentle, obedient Caroline without a temper of her own.
"You're too kind." Caroline lowered her gaze, concealing the emotion in his unexpected insight.
"I'm Gavin Bennett," the man extended his hand. "I feel we have a connection. Would you mind if we exchanged business cards?"
Caroline politely took his hand. "Caroline Hamilton."
She retrieved a card from her purse and handed it to him, accepting his in return.
"What line of work are you in, Mr. Bennett?" Caroline asked casually, looking at the name on the card.
"I work in the medical industry," Gavin smiled. "I have a company in Orchid City, and I'm looking to expand business here."
Mentioning his company seemed to open the floodgates of conversation. "I'm embarrassed to admit that I thought my company in Orchid City was quite impressive, but coming here made me realize there's always someone better. The talent pool here far exceeds Orchid City's."
Caroline's eyes brightened at his words. "Your company in Orchid City—could it be Vanguard Enterprises Group?"
Recently, Caroline had seen news about Vanguard's director expanding their territory. Vanguard was a top-tier medical and pharmaceutical company she'd long wanted to connect with, but lacked the opportunity.
"Oh? Ms. Hamilton, you seem quite familiar with my company," Gavin said, somewhat surprised.
Caroline's expression turned excited. "I'm also a medical researcher. I've always admired your group."
Gavin responded with pleasant surprise, "We're in the same field? Then we should definitely exchange ideas. We could support each other professionally."
Caroline felt a spark of opportunity. "Absolutely," she nodded with a smile. "By the way, I have a friend living next door whose husband and brother are looking to start a business here. They probably know quite a few top talents—I could introduce you."
Gavin's eyes lit up. "That would be wonderful! More connections mean more possibilities. We should meet up sometime to discuss ideas. Who knows what innovations might emerge?"
"Sounds good," Caroline readily agreed. "I'll contact her and see when she's available."
They continued discussing entrepreneurial ideas, finding themselves increasingly engaged. Gavin's conversation was witty and humorous, his knowledge extensive. Talking with him made Caroline feel at ease.
Just then, from the corner of her eye, Caroline glimpsed Arthur standing in the distance, watching her and Gavin with a somber expression. He didn't look pleased.
Caroline's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly regained her composure. It must be her imagination. She and Gavin were merely having a normal business conversation—Arthur couldn't possibly be upset about that.
She ignored it and continued chatting with Gavin, even allowing a deliberately warm smile to play across her lips.
Arthur stood rooted to the spot, watching Caroline engaged in animated conversation with the stranger, his brow slightly furrowed.
Previously, when he'd brought Caroline to events, she would sit quietly nearby, patiently waiting for him to finish his conversations, then thoughtfully offer him a glass of water, timidly asking when they could go home.
Even when strangers approached her, Caroline would politely decline further interaction—never engaging with a man for this long.
Arthur frowned. He sensed something different about Caroline but couldn't quite place what had changed.
Heidi noticed his expression and quickly approached. "Arthur, is something wrong?"
"Nothing," Arthur's eyes instantly softened at Heidi's voice. "Let's go look over there."
His gaze swept over Caroline once more, seeing her bending her head toward Gavin, exchanging something with a smile on her lips.
Arthur dismissed the sight. What did he care if Caroline was entangled with some man? As long as she didn't do anything inappropriate.
Caroline felt that burning gaze finally disappear and inwardly sighed with relief. She looked up at Gavin with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I got distracted for a moment."
"No problem," Gavin said understandingly. "You seem to have something on your mind, Ms. Hamilton?"
"It's nothing," Caroline shook her head. "I'm just excited to be talking with an industry leader like yourself."
Checking the time, she decided it was time to leave. "Mr. Bennett, I have another engagement. I should go, but I'll contact you about the potential collaboration."
"I look forward to it," Gavin nodded. "I'll await your message."
After saying goodbye, Caroline headed toward the exhibition exit without looking back. She didn't seek out Arthur or the children, but left the gallery directly.
Once inside her car, Caroline finally exhaled deeply. Despite the unpleasant moments today, there had been unexpected gains. On balance, the day hadn't been a loss.
She took out her phone, scrolled to a number, hesitated briefly, then sent a message: [Libbie, are you free sometime soon? You mentioned your husband and brother are starting a business—I've met someone I'd like to introduce to you.]
The reply came quickly: [Sure! My husband and brother are out today but will be back this afternoon. Let's meet at the coffee shop near our neighborhood.]
Reading the message, Caroline's face broke into a genuine smile. Starting her car, she drove toward her friend's place, putting Arthur completely out of her mind.
Meanwhile, the exhibition continued. When lunchtime arrived, Heidi led her group to the designated dining area.
She noticed Layla seemed distracted, staring at her peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "Layla, what's wrong? Are you tired?"
Layla gazed at the sandwich—the very thing her mother would make whenever she felt down. Remembering her coldness toward her mother that morning, Layla suddenly felt regretful.
"Ms. White, have you seen my mom? Why isn't she here for lunch?"
If possible, Layla wished she could have both her parents and Heidi joining her for the meal.
Heidi looked around, not seeing Caroline anywhere, and asked Arthur about it.
Arthur scanned the room, his gaze moving toward the farthest corner. When alone, Caroline always preferred sitting in the most secluded spot. Irene had even mocked her for it, saying she couldn't handle being in the spotlight and lacked confidence.