The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 240
Count Conwell spoke as if pleasantly surprised.
“I didn’t expect you to bring young Emil to my gallery, Duchess. It seems you have begun supporting him in earnest.”
Count Conwell treated talented artists with the utmost respect regardless of their birth, but ordinary nobles almost never brought commoners as companions to such events.
They believed a companion reflected their own standing.
So what did it mean that she had brought Emil here?
“For Emil to create better paintings, he needs to see and feel much. And Count Conwell’s famed discernment is known far and wide.”
“It will certainly help young Emil. Even I could not help but admire his talent the moment I saw it.”
Count Conwell gazed at the exhibited paintings with an entranced look.
He never rented out his galleries lightly.
He loved art, which enriched the human soul, and took great pride in his own taste.
“But… have you still not changed your mind about refusing to sell Emil’s paintings?”
As Count Conwell eyed Emil with apparent eagerness, Rebecca spoke softly, a sly curve forming at her lips.
“As it happens, I have something to tell you regarding that.”
“Oh, could it be…!”
Ecstasy flickered in Count Conwell’s eyes, and Rebecca’s smile deepened.
When she learned that a painter sponsored by House Bayern was to hold a solo exhibition in Count Conwell’s gallery…
She remembered it then.
What she ought to do to restore her stained reputation.
There was someone who had dragged the honor of high nobility through the mud for two years with vulgar scandals, yet had begun recovering her status recently.
“Shall we go somewhere quiet to speak for a moment?”
Nina Bayern.
Following in that woman’s footsteps wounded Rebecca’s pride, but if people believed she was reclaiming her reputation by doing the very same thing…
‘It might make her sick with jealousy.’
A sly gleam flashed across Rebecca’s emerald eyes.
* * *
Ian looked around the gallery with keen interest.
‘It really was a good idea to come.’
He had a deep interest in painting, enough to win awards in school competitions.
He had been eagerly waiting for a solo exhibition from the painter his uncle was supporting.
He was glad it had been scheduled before vacation ended.
“Your Graces the Duke and Duchess, I am so glad you came!”
Holding Nina’s hand and studying the paintings with curiosity, Ian turned at the unfamiliar voice.
A young man approached with a bright smile.
“It’s your first exhibition, of course we had to come. Did you think I wouldn’t show up?”
From Nina’s words, Ian realized this must be Henry Reginald, the star of today’s event.
With brown hair, green eyes, and a gentle face, he was dressed handsomely, fitting his role as the day’s protagonist.
Now he understood how even someone as meticulous as his uncle could have ‘forgotten’ such an important schedule.
His aunt’s eyes were practically dripping honey as she greeted Henry.
Seeing her give attention to someone other than himself or his uncle, Ian felt his lips twitch for reasons he could not name.
But only for a moment.
“Here. Take th—”
Just as Nina held out the bouquet she had brought, Ash smoothly intercepted it and handed it to Henry instead.
“Take it.”
Blink, blink.
Momentarily stunned, Henry accepted the bouquet carefully and bowed.
“Ah… Yes, thank you.”
Ian scratched his head as he looked at the slightly bewildered protagonist, then noticed a small figure behind him.
He turned to Ash.
“Uncle, I’m going to the restroom for a moment.”
“…I’ll take you.”
Ian smiled at Ash, who was still unable to take his eyes off Nina and Henry.
“I can go by myself. I can just ask the staff. You need to guard Aunt.”
“Are you certain you can go alone?”
“Of course. It’d be terrible if someone my age couldn’t even go to the restroom alone, Uncle.”
“……”
Ian waved to reassure him, then headed toward the only other kid in the room filled with adults.
He approached and asked,
“What’s your name?”
ReadingRainbow9266
Uh oh. Damn if Rebecca messes with the kid I’m going to freak the hell out.