Chapter 293

Chapter 293
【Max's Perspective】

The crash echoed through the mansion, cutting my conversation with Nathan short. We exchanged concerned glances before rushing from the study toward the source of the commotion.

"It came from down the hall," I said, leading the way despite my injured leg.

We followed the sound to Luna's art authentication studio, a room I rarely entered out of respect for her private workspace. Inside, Lily was struggling to lift a large square frame from the floor, her face flushed with exertion.

"What happened?" Nathan asked, hurrying to assist his sister.

As they righted the frame, my heart sank. The 1.2-meter square portrait was ruined beyond repair. Black chemical liquid had spread across the canvas, destroying the meticulous brushwork that had captured Luna, Liam, and me together.

"I was just looking around," Lily explained hastily. "I accidentally bumped into it, and it fell onto those chemicals on the floor."

Nathan's face paled as he examined the damage. "You destroyed someone's artwork? What were you thinking, wandering around uninvited?"

"It was an accident," Lily insisted, her voice rising defensively.

Nathan turned to me, clearly mortified. "Max, I'm truly sorry. How can we make this right? What's the value of this piece?"

I stared at the ruined portrait, anger and sadness washing over me in equal measure. "This isn't about you, Nathan. Lily is an adult who should take responsibility for her own actions."

My suspicions grew as I surveyed the scene. Luna, with her extensive chemical knowledge, would never leave dangerous substances unsecured on the floor. This had been deliberate.

"Given this is a Breeze original, its market value would exceed a million dollars," I stated coldly.

Lily's eyes widened in shock. "A million dollars? For this amateur painting? That's absurd—it's just a family portrait!"

Nathan rounded on his sister, fury evident in his expression. "Luna is Breeze, one of America's most respected art authentication experts. Pieces she's verified have sold for tens of millions and hang in national galleries. Show some respect!"

Lily blanched, finally grasping the magnitude of her actions.

At that moment, Luna appeared in the doorway. Her steps faltered as she took in the scene—the toppled frame, the spreading chemicals, the ruined portrait. She stood frozen, her face a mask of contained grief.

"Luna..." I began, but words failed me.

"It's just a painting," Lily blurted out. "I'll compensate you, but I won't be extorted. Maybe a few thousand dollars—"

"Enough!" Nathan silenced her with a sharp gesture.

Luna's voice, when it finally came, was surprisingly steady. "It's fine. You can go. I don't need compensation."

I moved to her side, taking her hand in mine. Her fingers were cold, trembling slightly despite her composed exterior.

Nathan grabbed Lily's arm, forcing her into a bow. "Luna, Max, I am deeply sorry. We'll make this right."

As Nathan dragged his protesting sister from the room, Luna remained motionless, her eyes fixed on the destroyed artwork. Once they had gone, she approached the painting, hand outstretched as if to touch it before pulling back.

I wrapped my arms around her from behind, drawing her against my chest. "I'm sorry."

She leaned into me, silent tears dampening my shirt. "It took me a week to paint that," she finally whispered. "When you were missing... I wanted Liam to have a picture of his father."

"Why let them go without consequences?" I asked gently.

"Nathan's your friend. I didn't want to make things difficult for him."

Her response triggered a memory. "Like when Isabella ruined your gifts and dresses?"

Luna pulled back slightly, surprised. "You know about that?"

"I've heard. Why didn't you tell me then?"

She lowered her eyes. "Because I thought you had feelings for her—the woman pretending to be me."

I lifted her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. "I've only ever loved Luna Blake. I mistook someone's identity, but my heart recognized you from the beginning."

"Did it?" A ghost of a smile crossed her lips.

"When Mrs. Morrison arranged our marriage, it wasn't entirely her idea," I admitted. "From our first meeting, you seemed familiar—like I'd known you for years. Something about you called to me."

"Thank you," she whispered, "for refusing to divorce me when I first suggested it."

I glanced toward the corner of the room, where a small security camera was mounted. "This incident shouldn't go unpunished. Adults must face consequences for their actions."

Luna followed my gaze, understanding dawning. "You have evidence."

"Let me handle Lily," I said firmly.

Luna nodded, then rose on tiptoes to press a gentle kiss against my lips.

I responded instantly, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. When we finally broke apart, I took her hand. "Come with me."

She hesitated as I led her toward our bedroom. "Your leg is still healing, and it's the middle of the day—"

"Neither is an issue," I assured her, closing and locking the door behind us. I drew the curtains, plunging the room into intimate semi-darkness.

Luna's eyes widened slightly at my boldness. "You've changed," she observed.

"Have I?" I smiled, reaching for her.

"We should shower first," she suggested, her cheeks flushing.

"Together, then."

Her protests died as I kissed her again, my hands already working at the buttons of her blouse. I guided her toward the bathroom, our clothes forming a trail behind us.

Later, as Luna lay exhausted in our bed, I carefully dried her damp skin with a soft towel. She watched me through half-closed eyes, a contented smile playing at her lips. When Edmund knocked at the door, neither of us answered. After a second attempt, his footsteps retreated down the hallway.

I slid beneath the covers, gathering Luna against me, and we slept through the afternoon.

When I woke, evening shadows had crept across the room. I kissed Luna's bare shoulder. "Dinner?"

"No," she murmured sleepily, burrowing deeper into my embrace. "Let's stay here."

Her warm skin pressed against mine ignited desire once more. I trailed kisses along her neck, gratified by her soft sigh of pleasure.

"Again?" she questioned, already turning into my arms.

"Again," I confirmed, capturing her lips with mine.