The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 46

She turned her head, looking at Nora's calm expression with barely concealed excitement.

"Whoever it is, paying double the asking price right off the bat means they're a serious heavy hitter. Nora, you've really made a name for yourself this time."

Nora didn't reply. She walked with steady steps down the intricately carpeted corridor, following the signs toward the VIP lobby on the hotel's south side.

Earlier backstage, Professor Lawrence had texted them to meet in the lobby so they could head back to the studio together.

The VIP lobby boasted a ceiling soaring over forty feet high, with massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city's dazzling skyline. Thick marble columns supported the vaulted roof, and warm wall sconces cast soft pools of light across the polished floor.

As Nora rounded one of the marble pillars, her gaze naturally drifted toward the central lounge area.

Professor Lawrence stood by a set of leather sofas, looking absolutely radiant as he chatted with someone.

The man was tall and impeccably postured, wearing a meticulously tailored, dark textured suit. With one hand tucked casually into his pocket and his head bowed slightly, he listened patiently to the professor.

At the sound of heels clicking against the marble, the man paused his conversation and turned toward them.

The warm lobby light hit the side of his face, tracing his refined, striking features. A perfectly balanced, gentle smile rested in his eyes, giving off an aura that was understated yet impossible to ignore.

Nora's footsteps faltered, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes.

It was the man from the exhibition—the only one who had truly understood her core design philosophy. That dark blue business card bearing the name "Julian Pierce" was still tucked safely in her cardholder.

Janie followed Nora's gaze and also recognized the man who had handed them his card a month ago.

Her eyes lit up, and she tugged on Nora's sleeve, lowering her voice.

Nora's grip on her folders tightened involuntarily. Shocked, she lifted her head to meet Julian's eyes.

Backstage earlier, Janie had run over excitedly to announce that a top-tier collector had purchased her work for a staggering price. At the time, Nora had been entirely preoccupied with the memory of Gideon dropping a fortune on a pink diamond for Giselle. She hadn't bothered to find out who the anonymous buyer was.

She never expected it to be Julian Pierce.

At the art gallery last time, Julian had said her talent deserved a grander stage. She had brushed it off as mere polite flattery.

In this vanity fair, anyone could spout pretty words, but those willing to back someone else's talent with hard cash were incredibly rare.

Meeting Nora's stunned gaze, Julian offered an easy smile.

"Professor Lawrence, there's no need for introductions."