“Nonsense, you’re the most gifted young woman I’ve ever met. Who could outdo you?”
Declan chimed in, “I’ll leave you two to your discussion. I’ll go prepare some fruit.” Rolling up his sleeves, he made his way to the kitchen.
Donna then carried in Allison’s unfinished mountain-and-bird painting, along with a set of brushes and paints, and set them up in the living room.
Upon examining the half-done artwork, Hannah offered, “Allison, it looks like you’re blending two different styles here. That might make the piece feel disjointed. I’d suggest opting for a more detailed style to better capture both the majesty of the mountains and the subtlety of the birds.”
Overhearing the conversation as he returned with a fruit platter, Declan looked at Hannah in surprise.
‘s
“I had no idea you were into art.”
Allison scowled at her grandson.
“You’d been married for years and didn’t know your own wife enjoyed painting? What had you been doing all that time?”
His posture stiffened at his grandmother’s pointed words.
Throughout their marriage, Declan had rarely been home due to his stubborn nature, and had always viewed Hannah as a homemaker. He had never really understood her or gotten close.
As Declan looked on, he was captivated by Hannah’s graceful brushstrokes and the elegant lines of her neck and profile.
Just then, outside the villa
Eliana parked her car and made her way into the house, bag in hand.
The butler’s expression shifted as he saw her.
“Miss Patel, what brings you here?”
Eliana offered a mild smile.
“I stopped by Declan’s office and was told he was visiting Allison. I thought I’d come and pay her a visit, too.”
As Eliana was about to take a step in, the butler intercepted, exclaiming, “Hold on a moment, Miss Patel! Madam must be informed first.”
Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated For All Books Updates…
Racing towards the hall, the butler had his sights set on Allison, but was abruptly halted by Declan’s presence.
Spotting an unusual look on the butler’s face, Declan motioned him closer, inquiring, “What’s the matter?”
“Sir, Miss Patel has arrived, and she wishes to converse with Madam.”
A hint of a frown creased Declan’s forehead as he directed the butler, “Got it. Ask her to remain outside; I’ll join her soon.”
Having given his instructions, Declan cast a brief, loaded glance toward Hannah before making his exit from the hall.
“Why have you come?”