Chapter 119

Friday arrived, bringing with it the exclusive event at Ashford Gallery.

A private art show was quietly unfolding,reserved for the city's most prominent elite.

The moment Lainey stepped inside, her eyes landed on Eleanor.

She found Eleanor absorbed in an impressionist canvas, her focus unbroken.

Nolan was nowhere in sight.

Luck seemed to be tipping in Lainey's favor; with Nolan absent, she had free rein to make her move.

With that thought, Lainey accepted a glass of champagne from a passing server and crossed the floor in elegant strides. "Eleanor, what a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see you at the gallery tonight."

Eleanor glanced over at the sound of her voice, her expression tightening with recognition. "Hmm."

Paying no mind to Eleanor's cool indifference,Lainey deliberately placed herself right in front of her. "With your reputation in design, I'm sure your art knowledge is just as impressive. Since you seem so taken with this painting, why not tell us what makes it special?"

Her words immediately piqued the curiosity of nearby guests.

Most people there knew Enigma's real story. She was an orphan with a background in clinical studies and finance,with no formal connection to the art world.

Lainey's challenge was thinly veiled, a provocation in plain sight.

Even so, nobody stepped forward to defend Eleanor.

Everyone knew how much the Benton family doted on Lainey; she even walked with bodyguards clearing the way. Crossing her was simply out of the question.

Of course, there were plenty in the crowd who held grudges against Enigma, some still bitter they couldn't get their hands on her designs, all hoping to see her trip up tonight.

One of them chimed in, "That's right. Enigma, you're not going to claim you know nothing, are you? That would be pretty humiliating."

Eleanor let her eyes drift over the group, her tone detached as if watching a circus. "Does Nolan know you're bullying me?"

The room fell instantly silent.

Those who had been eager to see drama quickly lost their nerve, their faces turning pale.

Nolan's very name carried enough weight to make anyone think twice; even the most brazen guests knew better than to cross him.

It was sheer foolishness to pick a fight with Eleanor,especially knowing she was the one Nolan cared for. Lainey's anger flared. How dared this bitch hide behind Nolan's name yet again?

Her grip tightened on her dress as she shot Eleanor a look. "Nolan's own grandfather hasn't even accepted you, but you think it's okay to act all high and mighty just because of him?"

Eleanor just let out a dry laugh, her eyes cold and dismissive as she looked at Lainey. "Nolan? Oh,please. Did he ever say you could call him that?"

Hardly had Eleanor finished speaking when a calm,deep male voice echoed from the entrance. "She's right, I never did."

The once-busy hall fell eerily quiet.

All heads turned toward the doorway.

Nolan stood there, hands tucked casually in his pockets, radiating effortless confidence. His presence commanded attention, as if he owned the room.

Despite her anger, Lainey felt her heart flutter. He was breathtaking. She would do anything to stand by his side, no matter the cost.

She quickly smoothed her hair, arranging her expression into what she hoped was a winning smile,and prepared to step toward him.

But the hopeful look vanished almost instantly.

Nolan strode straight past everyone, not sparing Lainey a single glance. All eyes followed him as he made his way,directly to Eleanor.

Without hesitation, he slipped off his jacket and gently settled it over Eleanor's shoulders.

The gesture caught Eleanor off guard.

She lifted her head to meet his gaze. "What held you up?"

Nolan's expression softened, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Sorry. Something came up on the way."

Then, with quiet confidence, he wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her close.