The banquet finally came to an end, and the guests gradually dispersed. Miranda let out a long sigh of relief. The chaos of the event, combined with the endless socializing, had left her utterly exhausted.
Eric noticed the weariness on her face and asked with concern, “Tired? Want me to take you home?”
Miranda turned slightly to the side and shook her head. “No need. I’ll just grab a cab.”
At that moment, her feelings toward Eric were complicated. She had assumed he was nothing more than a wealthy playboy, but discovering he was part of the influential Wilson family had changed her perspective.
Moreover, she didn’t appreciate how Eric had stepped in to reprimand Broad on her behalf. The thought made her attitude turn colder, and she decided to leave without further delay.
Just as she was about to go, her phone rang.
Miranda glanced at the screen. It was Gale calling. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly answered, “Gale, is there news about my mother’s final work?”
On the other end, Gale’s voice carried a hint of excitement. “Yes, Miss Miranda. I just received word that one of your mother’s paintings is going up for auction next week.”
Miranda’s heart jolted, and her grip on the phone tightened involuntarily. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely,” Gale confirmed. “I’ve checked with the auction house. This is the last piece your mother completed before her passing. The auction is scheduled for next Wednesday.”
Miranda’s heartbeat quickened. Her mother had passed away years ago, and most of her artwork had ended up in private collections, rarely making their way to market. This auction was significant. No matter what, Miranda was determined to acquire the painting.
“Keep a close eye on it and report any updates to me immediately,” Miranda instructed before hanging up.
Eric had been standing quietly nearby. When she ended the call, he asked, “What happened? Is there anything I can help with?”
Miranda hesitated, her gaze settling on the man in front of her. Eric Wilson, heir to the Wilson family, commanded immense resources and connections. With his help, she would have a better chance at securing her mother’s painting.
She raised her head and met his eyes directly. “One of my mother’s final works is going up for auction next week. That painting means everything to me. I have to get it.”
Eric nodded and smiled at her. “I can help you win the auction. But, what are you offering in return?”
Miranda’s expression turned serious. “If you help me secure the painting, I’ll agree to pretend to be your girlfriend.”
Eric froze for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Then, a glint of amusement appeared in his eyes. He hadn’t expected Miranda to bring up the matter herself.
With a playful tone, he said, “You said it. No backing out!”
Miranda replied firmly, “As long as you help me get my mother’s painting, I’ll keep my word.”
Eric chuckled. “Then wait for my good news.”
With Eric’s promise, a sense of reassurance washed over Miranda. If Eric truly managed to help her obtain the painting, she wouldn’t mind helping him deal with his family in return.
Eric stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them. “How about I take you home? It’s late, and finding a cab might be inconvenient.”
This time, Miranda didn’t refuse.
They walked together to the parking lot, the cool night breeze brushing against them. Seated in Eric’s car, Miranda’s thoughts remained fixed on the phone call. Her mother’s painting meant the world to her, and she couldn’t let it fall into someone else’s hands.
When she got home, unease still lingered in her chest. The auction could be unpredictable, and relying solely on herself and Eric might not be enough.
After some thought, Miranda called Gale again. “Mr. Gale, I need you to handle something else for me.”
“Miss Miranda, I’m at your service,” Gale replied respectfully.
Her expression turned serious. “Notify any companies interested in partnering with us that if they can secure my mother’s painting, we’ll sign a deal with them.”
“Understood, Miss Miranda. I’ll take care of it immediately.”
After hanging up, Miranda exhaled deeply, though her mind continued to wander. Gale was already investigating the auction house, and she had begun preparations to gather the funds.
…
The next morning, Broad stormed into the conference room with a scowl on his face. The company’s executives were already gathered, and the air was thick with tension. Everyone knew that Broad had failed to establish a connection with the Wilson family at last night’s charity dinner and had even been thrown out. It was a significant blow.
The directors wore displeased expressions. As the meeting began, one of them asked sharply, “Broad, how is the project with Sora Group progressing?”
Broad’s face darkened, and he replied in a low voice, “Everything is going smoothly, but to finalize the deal, we need to meet one of their conditions.”
“What condition?” another person asked with a frown.
Broad spoke slowly, “We have to buy Versailles Twilight.”