Caught Him Cheating My Life Restarted (Natalie) novel Chapter 30

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

"So, Darren's son has been raised and educated by Marie all this time."

"I heard young Mr. Cross is exceptionally talented. So it's all thanks to Marie. Looking at his actual mother's cheap clothes, how could she possibly raise a child as brilliant as him?"

"That Lockwood kid has no mother to teach him, and it shows. He's nothing compared to young master of the Cross family!"

Hearing them slander Lucas, Natalie felt a surge of annoyance.

"A group of adults picking on a child. How pathetic."

The gossips immediately fell silent. Old Mr. Fairchild was now surrounded by Marie and her entourage, and through the layers of people, Natalie couldn't get a clear look at him.

But she hadn't agreed to come here to schmooze with Old Mr. Fairchild like Marie and Darren.

She was here to see that painting, Lucien Hartvelle's 'Silent Oath at Dusk'.

Marie took a painting from her assistant and presented it to Old Mr. Fairchild. "This is 'Silent Oath at Dusk' by the Renaissance master Lucien Hartvelle. Everyone loves Adrian Velasco, but I have always preferred Lucien. I heard you also admire his work, so I brought this today to appreciate it with you."

"You like Lucien Hartvelle as well? There aren't many who do."

"Lucien Hartvelle was a renowned painter of the Renaissance, one of the 'Four Great Masters' alongside Elijah Moreau, Sebastian Crowleigh, and Adrian Velasco. His style was unique, especially his portraits, like this one. However, his paintings rarely include text, as he believed words would disrupt the intended mood. Adrian Velasco, on the other hand, was not only a skilled painter but also a talented poet. His personal stories, like his struggles with academic exams, became widely known, making him far more famous than Hartvelle. But in my opinion, Lucien's brushwork in 'Silent Oath at Dusk' surpasses anything by Velasco."

Marie's words made Old Mr. Fairchild nod repeatedly. "Well said, very well said."

"She's devoted herself to the Cross Group, but I hope she finds happiness soon. She's too young and brilliant to remain a widow forever. It would be a shame."

Old Mr. Fairchild said, "Ms. Ward, you are indeed an exceptional and loyal woman. To steadfastly manage the Cross Group for five years after your husband's early passing is truly moving."

"You flatter me, Mr. Fairchild. I was only doing what I should."

"Alright, everyone, please take your seats. The auction is about to begin."

Marie shot a smug glance at Natalie. Watch and learn, she seemed to say. This is what a real powerhouse in the business world looks like.

For her entire life, Natalie would only ever be able to look up at her from below.