Cullen's devotion to Niall ran deeper than ocean currents. The image of him embracing Veronica had to be nothing more than a cruel trick of perspective.
Friday dawned crisp and clear when Veronica's phone buzzed against her nightstand. Mary's excited voice crackled through the speaker, practically vibrating with anticipation as she begged Veronica to join her at Neal Patterson' art exhibition that Sunday morning.
Mary worshipped Neal with the fervor of a true believer. The legendary artist hadn't graced the public with an exhibition in over a decade, making this announcent feel like a miracle to his devoted followers.
The rarity of the occasion made Veronica's decision easy. "Count in for Sunday."
The mont she ended Mary's call, her phone erupted again. Sabrina's na flashed across the screen like an unwelco ghost from her recent past.
Since Monday's awkward parent-child event at school, Sabrina had maintained radio silence. Now, suddenly, he wanted to talk.
Veronica let the call die unanswered.
Saturday evening found her at the Murray family table, sharing dinner and conversation until the evening shadows grew long. Sunday morning arrived with crisp autumn air as she and Mary set out for what promised to be the cultural event of the season.
The exhibition venue buzzed with anticipation even from the parking lot. Veronica had barely erged from their car when a familiar vehicle pulled alongside theirs.
"Dario?" She couldn't hide her surprise.
His expression mirrored hers as he stepped out, clearly not expecting this coincidence. "Ver? Madam Jayden? What brings you here?"
Mary's face lit up with curiosity. "I had no idea you appreciated fine art, Dario."
"I wouldn't call myself an enthusiast," he admitted with a slight smile. "I'm here as a family representative, delivering a gift on behalf of the Reid."
Neal Patterson commanded respect that transcended re artistic appreciation. His family na carried weight that made lesser families scramble for his attention. The painter's exhibitions had beco legendary not just for the artwork, but for the social currency they represented.
Industry insiders whispered that Neal's previous exhibitions had generated billions in congratulatory gifts alone. The money ant nothing to the Patterson family, but the gesture of respect ant everything.
The overwhelming social circus had driven Neal into self-imposed exile over a decade ago. The art world had mourned his absence like a lost treasure.
The Reid family had no need to chase favors from anyone, including the Patterson clan. Their relationship stretched back generations, though ti had cooled the once-warm connection between the family patriarchs.
Neal's return to the exhibition circuit after years of silence deserved acknowledgnt. Bernard Reid, Dario' grandfather, had little patience for crowded social events these days. Instead, he'd dispatched Dario as the family's gracious representative.
eting Veronica and Mary here hadn't been part of his calculations.
Dario rembered the chaos of Neal's previous exhibitions. The venues had resembled elegant battlefields where New Wins's elite fought for position and influence. With the Patterson family stronger than ever and this being Neal's triumphant return, today promised to eclipse all previous spectacles.
Which ant Cullen, Niall, and the entire Crystal dynasty would undoubtedly make their appearance.
During Neal's last exhibition, Veronica had been too young to navigate such sophisticated waters. The years between had offered little news about the reclusive artist, leaving her unprepared for what awaited inside.
Dario' expression shifted, tension creeping across his features like storm clouds.
"Sothing bothering you?" Veronica asked, reading the change in his deanor.
He forced his smile back into place. "Just thinking ahead. Let park properly, then we'll brave this together."
"Perfect."
Minutes later, the trio approached the exhibition hall's imposing entrance. The three-story venue stretched before them like a modern cathedral dedicated to artistic worship.
Inside, humanity pressed together in elegant chaos. Voices created a symphony of cultured conversation while designer heels clicked against polished marble floors.
Dario had predicted correctly. The crowd rivaled any major cultural event in the city's recent mory.
They'd barely crossed the threshold when familiar faces erged from the sophisticated mob. Before they could locate a single painting or navigate toward the Patterson family's receiving area, the Crystal and Mack materialized like inevitable fate.
Sophia and Jade held court near a dramatic oil landscape, their animated conversation drawing admirers like moths to fla. Neither woman registered surprise at seeing Veronica's group arrive.
They understood Mary's passion for Neal's work better than anyone. After a decade of waiting, nothing could have prevented her from attending this resurrection of artistic brilliance.
The exhibition stretched before them like uncharted territory, filled with masterpieces and social landmines in equal asure.
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