Chapter 313
That day, Seraphina ran into Andrea at noon, and unexpectedly, she bumped into Patrick in the afternoon.
Patrick popped up in the gallery out of the blue and Seraphina was taken aback, “Are you in the country? Why didn’t I see you at Tania’s engagement party last night?”
At this, Patrick just smirked, “I just got back today.”
“Oh?” Seraphina raised an eyebrow, “Tania’s engagement was yesterday, but you chose to come back today. Was this intentional or just a coincidence?”
Patrick just threw a casual smile, “Nobody would care whether I attend a Martin family event or not, so I’d rather spend my time doing my own thing. I’ve got a gift for you.”
“For me?” Seraphina asked, puzzled, “Why are you giving me a gift?”
“You’ve thoroughly investigated the Jones family case and even took down a crime syndicate, avenging my friend and countless others who were wronged. Yet, you refused the job offer I made.” Patrick replied, “So, I can only give you a small token of my gratitude.”
With that, Patrick made a “please” gesture. “You’ve already paid me a hefty reward and bonus. You don’t owe me anything.” Seraphina followed him towards the gallery entrance as she spoke.
At this moment, Patrick’s assistant walked in carrying something. Seraphina could tell from its shape that it was a painting.
“I stumbled upon this painting overseas and thought you’d like it.” Patrick said.
Seraphina approached and unwrapped the packaging on the frame. She was stunned.
It was a painting by Carney. The brushwork and style were unmistakably his. However, she had never seen this Jasmine painting before.
“This….” Seraphina stared at the painting in silence for a long while before speaking, “This must be one of my father’s early works. I’ve never seen it.”
Hearing this, Patrick chuckled, “Looks like I didn’t pick the wrong gift.”
Seraphina smiled slowly, stood up and said, “Thank you. I love this gift.”
With that, she carefully packed up the painting and invited Patrick upstairs.
When they entered Seraphina’s office, the papers on her desk were still scattered. The moment Patrick sat down, his eyes fell on a document labeled “the Martin family”.
Seraphina noticed his gaze but didn’t bother to hide it, she just gave him a slight smile.
“Are you still investigating the Martin family?” Patrick asked outright.
Seraphina nodded, “Why wouldn’t I? The Naylor syndicate may have been destroyed, but there could still be other bad guys behind the scenes.”
At this, Patrick looked at her silently for a moment, then slowly nodded and laughed, “I knew I didn’t misjudge you.”
Seraphina suddenly thought of something, “You must know quite a bit about the Martin family over the years, right?”
Patrick pondered a moment and laughed again, “Didn’t expect we’d be on the same side again so soon. Even though you’re not working for me, it seems there’s no difference.”
“Yes.” Seraphina replied, “In the future, I might need the help of some of your people.”
“Anything you need, all my resources are at your disposal.” Patrick responded..
Seraphina looked at him quietly for a moment, then pushed the documents on her desk towards him, “So, can you tell me about the Martin family now?”
The Martin family rose to prominence recently. Despite some shady dealings behind the scenes, they’ve kept their business legitimate and grown rapidly through real estate, becoming one of the top ten corporations in Sunburst City. And it’s all thanks to Simon.
Simon appeared refined and friendly, but he’s actually tough and decisive, never going easy on rivals.
Everyone in the Martin family respected Simon.
The eldest son, Maurice Martin, lived a mundane life and stepped down from the company management long ago;
The third son, Lionel Martin, handled the company’s legal affairs. He’s steady, deep-thinking, and quite cunning;
The fourth son, Teagué Martin, Tania’s father, was always causing trouble. But with the Martin family backing him, he’s become quite arrogant.
Seraphina smirked at this, “Like father, like son.”
Patrick just gave a faint smile, not commenting.
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