Chapter 37

With Olivia’s constant prodding, Leroy finally left the house. At the agreed-upon time, he glanced at his phone. Aside from a text from Zor wishing him a good day, there were no other messages. A wry smile touched his lips as the events of the previous day lingered in his mind.

“Leroy, have you been waiting long?” Yvonne’s cheerful voice broke through his thoughts.

He looked up as she approached, her expression bright and full of warmth. Today, she was radiating youthful charm.

“I figured since we’re going to an art exhibit, I should dress appropriately,” she said with a playful grin. “How do I look, Leroy? Does this suit me?”

Leroy smiled faintly, giving her a small nod of approval.

Yvonne’s face lit up at his response, and she seemed even more enthusiastic. “Great! Let’s head out. I heard one of the featured pieces is from a renowned artist,” she said, linking her arm with his as they left the café.

While Yvonne’s excitement bubbled over, Leroy remained subdued. His curiosity, however, was piqued as they arrived at the gallery.

A large banner outside showcased the exhibit, and Leroy paused briefly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

“Leroy? What’s wrong? Come on, we don’t want to miss it!” Yvonne urged, pulling him along, oblivious to the shift in his expression.

“This exhibit features pieces by Phillip Yaughn,” she explained animatedly. “He’s seventy now, and his work is so sought after. I’ve heard top executives would do anything to get their hands on one of his paintings.”

As Yvonne chattered away, Leroy simply smiled, choosing to remain silent.

He couldn’t help but think of Scarlett. She owned one of Phillip’s works—a piece she had gone to great lengths to acquire. It had been during those three years he spent taking care of her, and it was the one and only time he had seen her smile so genuinely. The memory surfaced unbidden, and for a moment, Leroy’s lips curved into a soft, bittersweet smile.

“Leroy, what are you thinking about?” Yvonne’s voice pulled him back to the present.

Startled, he shook his head. “Nothing, just thinking about the past,” he said, brushing it off. “From what you’ve said, Phillip sounds like quite a legend.” Yvonne nodded enthusiastically: “Oh, he is. Most of the city’s business elites are on waiting lists for his work. His pieces are iconic.”

She stopped in front of a large painting displayed prominently on the wall. Her eyes widened with awe.

“This one,” she said, pointing to it, “is my favorite. I heard someone once offered a large amount of money for it, but Phillip refused to sell it. It holds special meaning for him.”

She sighed wistfully. “Not that I could even afford to dream about something like that. I probably couldn’t even scrape together a fraction of what it’s worth.” Leroy stood quietly beside her, his gaze fixed on the painting. His thoughts wandered back to the past again.

“This painting…” he murmured softly, his tone tinged with understanding.

Yvonne glanced at him curiously, but he didn’t elaborate.

Leroy remembered that painting well. It was the one Scarlett had obsessed over; she had been willing to pay any price for it, no matter the cost. It was during one of her most difficult times, and he had just started taking care of her. Back then, her temper was sharp, her demeanor abrasive. That painting had captivated her completely.

Thankfully, the company’s board intervened and talked her out of making an irrational decision. Afterward, as Leroy cared for her, her fiery temper began to mellow, slowly replaced by a calmer, more rational side.

The memory brought an unbidden smile to Leroy’s lips, a flicker of warmth amidst the bittersweetness.

Yvonne noticed but didn’t interrupt. She stood silently, observing him, though a small pang of unease crept into her chest.