Chapter 468
Tara opened the door, and Nia stepped into the study, approaching Aivina's side. She lowered her head and said, "Miss Aivina, Miss Isabella is at the front gate... it seems she just arrived."
What a coincidence?
Aivina exchanged a glance with Charles. After catching the look in Charles's eyes, Aivina turned to Nia and said, "Let the butler bring her in."
...
At the entrance of Aivina's estate, Isabella leaned out of the carriage window, gazing at the seven or eight carriages lined up ahead, and took a slight breath of cold air.
She had come bearing gifts, choosing to arrive just before Aivina's banquet, hoping to make an appearance or perhaps shamelessly request an invitation.
Even though Aivina had long since distanced herself from the high society of Ansu City, the resources she possessed were still beyond Isabella's reach. For instance, Princess Windsor had publicly stated she would attend Aivina's soirée.
Isabella had initially thought that her brief acquaintance with Aivina in Boren City might help her blend into Ansu's social scene again. However, now, seeing the grand spectacle before her, she felt a twinge of hesitation.
So many wealthy merchants, nearly as affluent as my family... Maybe I should just hand over the painting to Aivina and slip away... After all, I’m here on my own, not my father's representative; my standing isn’t enough to compete with the others...
In the Westminster District of Ansu City, one could throw a brick and hit a factory owner or a nobleman. While that might be an exaggeration, it reflected a part of the truth.
Just as Isabella was about to make her escape, the butler approached her carriage after overhearing the maid mention something.
"Is this Miss Isabella Stuart?" the butler inquired respectfully.
"Ah? Yes... that's me." Isabella nodded, nervously asking, "Am I blocking the way? I can..."
"Oh, certainly not, esteemed miss. You are a friend of Miss Aivina," the butler said with a faint smile. "Miss Aivina mentioned that since parting ways in Boren City, she hasn't had a chance to catch up with an old friend. It's perfect timing that you’ve come by; you can reminisce together."
"Me?" Isabella's mouth fell open, momentarily taken aback.
While she and Aivina were indeed friends, their relationship wasn't quite at the level of "old friends" or "catching up." The butler's words left her feeling somewhat flustered.
With a mix of anxiety, she followed the maid into the estate, and under the butler's guidance, she arrived at the study. Upon entering, she spotted two familiar figures.
One was Aivina, and the other was Miss Charles, whom she had spoken with in Boren City.
"Come in, have a seat," Charles smiled, waving Isabella over. She gestured to the steaming cup of red tea beside her. "It’s quite chilly outside. Have some tea to warm up. Just treat this place like your own home; no need to be so formal."
Isabella's eyelids fluttered. She felt like a thief sneaking in, tiptoeing to the sofa and taking a sip of the red tea.
Why does this feel a bit surreal? There are so many people outside who can’t get in... How did I get in?
Could it be that my luck has turned?
But are they being a bit too welcoming towards me...?
If this weren’t Aivina’s home, Isabella would definitely think she was being lured into a trap.
After some contemplation, Isabella realized that the only thing about her that might catch their interest was the painting back home.
Could it be that one of them has taken a liking to one of our family’s artworks?
"Congratulations on your new home, Miss Aivina. Welcome back to Ansu City," Isabella began, then turned to Charles. "And welcome, Miss Charles, to Ansu City... I had no idea you were here; otherwise, I would have visited sooner."
"I live quite close to Aivina's place. If you don’t mind, feel free to drop by anytime for a chat," Charles replied with a polite smile, squinting her eyes to avoid direct eye contact.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Isabella, unable to find a topic, finally blurted out, "Miss Aivina, I really appreciate your invitation to visit... If there’s anything I can help with, I’ll do my best."
"Help isn’t quite the right word; it’s just a matter of friends assisting each other..." Aivina calmly shook her head, then directly recited the lines she and Charles had briefly discussed earlier. "Charles has recently taken an interest in painting and is looking for a good teacher. Since you know a lot about this, she wanted to ask for your advice."
The word "advice" made Isabella feel a bit overwhelmed. She quickly waved her hands and said, "I wouldn’t say it’s advice, but there are indeed many excellent artists at the art center. I can recommend some for you..."
"Does Teacher Pikeman take students?" Charles asked with a smile.
"Pikeman?" Isabella paused for a moment.
He was an artist hired at great expense by her father, a very reclusive painter whose works were rarely appreciated. Isabella had thought that aside from her father, no one else would be interested in such bloody art.
"Well, he could... He practically lives at the art gallery, and he’s painting right now..." Isabella nodded, though she felt a bit uncertain.
Pikeman seemed to have significant ties to the occult, and she wasn’t sure if introducing them to this artist, who had a deep understanding of mysticism, would offend him.
"Is he painting right now?" Charles leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "What’s he working on? A life model?"
"Yes..." Isabella nodded, curious. "How did you know?"
Charles instinctively wanted to ask for the model's name but quickly realized.
Isabella might still be under the influence of Mond's substances; directly asking for the model's name could lead to her mentioning "Mond," which might raise suspicions.
"I’ve met Pikeman once," Charles said with a smile. "You could say I’ve crossed paths with him."
Even though she later blinded him.
"Mr. Pikeman certainly has a charm," Isabella remarked. "Many noble ladies seek him out for portraits."
"Is this model also a noble lady?" Charles continued, following her lead. "No need to mention her name; that’s her privacy."
"Uh... yes, a noble lady from abroad," Isabella nodded. "She often visits Pikeman, sometimes staying late into the night. She really appreciates his art."
It’s Mond.
"Since we’re here..."
Charles looked at Isabella and slowly said, "Why don’t we go see Teacher Pikeman right now..."
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PS:
200.25 (overdue) - 2 (extra) = 198.25 (overdue)
Sorry for the late update.
Today, the copyright editor contacted me, saying that a comic collaboration company is interested in the adaptation rights for the zombie novel, and there’s a chance for a comic adaptation, so I need to prepare an outline.
But as my old readers know, the outline and settings for the old book were completely lost during a computer reset, so I have to reorganize everything...
This might take a few days, but I’ll do my best to ensure updates before midnight and guarantee at least 4,000 words.
I hope the copyright for Lin Jiayao can be sold! And that Charles can also be adapted into a comic!
Thank you all for your support!
Good night!
Chapter 247: The Ghost of a Horror Film, Charles (4,000-word chapter)
In Ansu City, in the West District, at the entrance of the Stuart Art Exchange Center.
"This... this is the Stuart Art Exchange Center, the core of art exchanges from all over..."
As Isabella stepped down from the carriage, her heart raced. She pointed at the elegant building ahead and continued her introduction, "In the evenings, more people come to stroll and view the art, so it’s quite lively... Miss Charles, is this your first time here?"
"Sort of. Could you give me a tour?" Charles nodded, smiling in response.
"Sure, Miss Charles, Miss Aivina, this way please." Isabella sighed in relief upon hearing Charles's answer.
Miss Charles is much gentler... Aivina has been almost expressionless the whole time, making it hard to gauge her feelings about my words.
In contrast, the friendly Miss Charles often smiled back at her, preventing any awkward silences, and her smile was so infectious that just seeing it made Isabella feel a bit more at ease.
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