Chapter 4 A Painting Of Thirty Million

• Angeline stopped short and stared at the man unblinkingly.
• Unbidden, the man swung his gaze at her.
• Their eyes met.
• His icy gaze could seemingly see right through her. His lips were pressed into a thin line, giving off a sense of maturity and reticence.
• He seemed to be on an entirely different level than them, transcending beyond the transient world.
• Angeline nervously averted her gaze. By the time she again raised her eyes, the man had already walked past her and gone to Wilfred.
• At the sight of the man, Wilfred's initially dark expression promptly transformed into joy. He was so thrilled that he almost sprang to his feet. Even Joseline and the others present were over the moon because of Evander Golding's attendance.
• They had all seemingly forgotten the debacle brought about by Angeline earlier.
• “Why are you here, Mr. Golding? As propriety dictates, we shouldn't be washing our dirty linens in public, so my apologies that you had to witness that.” Wilfred eagerly had someone help him to his feet to greet Evander. In fact, his excitement was so great that he couldn't mask it.
• Surprisingly, Evander stepped forward respectfully and motioned for him to remain seated. Inclining his head a fraction, he replied, “As the younger generation, I naturally have to attend your eightieth birthday. After all, you were one of the few friends my grandfather had when he was alive.”
• Mr. Golding?
• As that name drifted into Angeline's ears, she kept an eye on everyone's reaction.
• At the same time, she immediately thought of a person, a man who held Hallsbay's economic lifeline and was also the head of Golding Group who struck fear into all prestigious families—Evander Golding.
• Hence, she couldn't resist taking another glance at him.
• Unexpectedly, his chiseled face gave her a sense of familiarity.
• I seem to have seen him somewhere!
• Taken aback by her thought, Angeline hastily withdrew her gaze.
• As with a man as famous as him, I must have only seen him on television, right?
• When her lovely eyes alighted on Wilfred and Joseline, she was greeted by the sight of them both grinning from ear to ear. That aside, their eyes fixated on Evander gleamed as though they were beholding God himself. A wave of repulsion swept over her.
• Isn't this what they're best at, feigning civility to curry favor with those of high standing and authority? I should leave as soon as possible.
• “Old Mr. Sorelle, this is a gift from Mr. Golding. It's a piece of artwork by Charlie Day.”
• Charlie Day?
• Angeline had just taken a step away when she again stopped because of that name. She turned, only to see Evander's assistant beside the man opening the exquisite wooden box in his hand. He took out a scroll of painting that he then unfurled before everyone.
• It was an oil painting depicting a sunrise.
• Everyone exclaimed over the painting, praising it to the skies. Even Joseline, who had some artistic skills, wore an astounded expression on her face.
• She couldn't help but step forward and brush her fingers over every line of the drawing, not bothering to conceal her admiration toward Evander. “This is too costly a gift, Mr. Golding. You bought this at an auction last month for thirty million, didn't you?”
• Evander didn't even bat an eyelash. His gaze remained placid without giving anything away. “You're pretty well-informed, Ms. Joseline.”
• Thirty million!
• As soon as that figure rang out, everyone went wild. Consequently, they regarded the Sorelle family in a different light.
• Evander Golding is a figure on a pedestal, yet he personally spent thirty million to bid on a birthday gift for Old Mr. Sorelle! Besides, Charlie Day is the most outstanding oil painter of the century. A genuine work of his years after his demise is really priceless!
• In an instant, exclamations rang out everywhere, and incredulity showed on everyone's faces.
• Noting their reactions, Angeline sneered. She initially wanted to leave, but she then retraced her steps.
• Needless to say, Joseline noticed the change in her. Her expression turned wary and hostile at once.
• She watched Angeline's every move. When the latter reached the painting, she stepped forward and intercepted her. “What else do you want, Angeline?”
• Evander's brows knitted together, and his cool gaze fell on Angeline.
• He stood before the entrance of the Sorelle residence for some time earlier. As such, he witnessed the entire debacle.
• Undeniably, this younger daughter of the Sorelle family, who had just returned to the country, is rather intriguing. She's unfazed in the face of trouble, calm and unruffled. I'm pretty curious to know what she's going to do next.