Chapter 4
As the car approached the Chasers residence, it left the buzzing city behind and the trees grew thicker on either side of the road. Each of the four great families had their ancestral homies scattered across Seacrity.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
After another half hour of driving, the imposing entrance of the Chambers residence finally came into view. Towering gates, flanked by alert security guards, stood watch. Once the gates swing open, the car continued for over ten minutes before reaching the heart of the estate.
Lucas stepped out and opened the car door for Yvette. She got out, carrying only an old black backpack, ignoring the servants’ whispers that were just meant to make her feel self-abased.
Zachary had gone all out to welcome her back to the Chambers family, yet there was no one waiting for her, even though. they knew when she was arriving. Her so-called father couldn’t have neglected her like this. Who was behind it? It had to be Nellie Yvette smiled, taking in the “kindly welcome.”
Lucas observed Yvette closely, knowing this was part of Nellie’s plan too.
The Chambers family really lived up to their reputation. Even at the bottom of the four families, their wealth was staggering. Every painting on the walls was a unique masterpiece, and even the casually placed vases were rare antiques- hardly found in market.
Standing in the lavish living room, Yvette, dressed casually and with her shabby black backpack, felt completely out of place. Yet, she remained calm as if she was used to it. She pointed at the largest painting in the center, asking, “What’s this?”
Somehow, Lucas felt a flicker of joy. Throughout the drive, Yvette had been mostly silent, barely glancing at him. If he one response, he considered himself lucky. “That’s a piece by Cyanbird, Ms. Zeller, he replied.
got
Yvette was speechless. She recognized it as a work from Cyanbird, but it was just a low-quality replica. The painting lacked emotion and had weak brushstrokes-it was completely uninspired. She had seen way better replicas before
She wondered, ‘Which Chambers has been fooled into thinking this is valuable? It’s absurd that they showcased such as obvious fake in such a prominent spot. Didn’t anyone notice?
Seeing Yvette staring intently at the painting, Lucas thought she must really like it. Sure, this young lady has looks and charm, but developing an eye for art takes time. Besides, she grew up in the countryside. How would she know about the famous artist, Cyanbird, whom everyone in high society admired?’
“Ms. Zeller, the artist of this painting is called Cyanbird, Lucas explained. “Ten years ago, she burst onto the scene with a piece titled Life, which set a record at West Auction House that still stands today. She went on to create a few more works, all collected by royal families overseas. Rumor has it that one of her paintings is even in Mr. Thomas Harrington’s collection
-a master of oil painting.
“After she released ‘Crescent Moon’ a few years back, she disappeared from the spotlight. People are saying all sorts of things -some claim she went mad from love, while others insist she’s hiding away, painting only for the king. The truth is, no one really knows.”
“Mad? Hiding away! What nonsense!’ Yvette’s mouth twitched. She had painted just to pass the time during her cultivation. Joe had stumbled upon one of her pieces and insisted on taking it. She hadn’t thought much of it then. Who would have guessed that painting would create such a buzz?
Eventually, she got tired of all the attention and asked Joe to handle it. ‘So, he made up those wild stories? If that fool were here right now, I’d seriously teach him a good lesson, she thought while asking. “If that’s the case, where did this painting come from
Lucas beamed with pride. “Ms. Winona Chambers went to great lengths to acquire it from Cyanbird, who recognized her talent and gifted her this piece, which really boosted her status in the local art scene. Mr. Griffin, the president of the Art Association, even took her on as a disciple because of this artwork
“Winona sure has some nerve. How could she spin such a tall tale? Anyone with even a bit of talent could see right through that. Who’s this Mr. Griffin anyway? Yvette recalled that a few years back, the Art Association had asked her for a painting. and the president at the time was Thomas Harrington. He seemed decent enough, so she casually gifted him a piece.
Just then, Zachary rushed back from work. He should have been home waiting for his long-lost daughter, but Nellie had a financial issue that only he could sort out. After that, he hurried home and still ended up late.
Zachary walked into the living room with Nellie, and he immediately spotted Yvette’s silhouette, frozen. ‘Even their backs look that similar?
As Yvette turned to face him, Zachary stumbled back a couple of steps in shock, feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions -more intense than anything Lucas had experienced.
Her face is a striking resemblance to Lilian, just like the first time I met her. Zachary was filled with countless emotions, making him overlook the twisted expression flashing on Nellie’s face.