Dead at Heart novel

Chapter 102 Janice continued , " And Zach is now in - laws with the Spencer family . That's a true power match . " Ariel was a little surprised . No wonder the exhibition was so exclusive . Between the Spencers ' elite status and the Quintons ' connections , this wasn't the kind of place just anyone could walk into . No wonder even Jayson had shown up . After finishing the first floor , Ariel and Janice headed upstairs . Each section had its own distinct style , filled with striking pieces from all genres . Ariel had always had a genuine interest in the arts .

With Elena working in the field , she'd grown up surrounded by it . She'd gone through both the first and second floors and still hadn't seen anything related to Elena , which left her disappointed . " These pieces aren't for sale , are they ? " Ariel asked . Janice , ever the know - it - all , shook her head . " Nope . Collecting is just Mr. Spencer's personal hobby . And since he's displaying calligraphy pieces specifically for his grandpa , this kind of event is really just a refined way to expand his network . " That made things tricky for Ariel .

If she did find a painting by Elena here , how would she even get it back ? Up on the third floor , a painting caught her eye almost immediately . She loved the style . But since nothing here was for sale , she had no choice but to walk away . Just as she turned to leave , she heard Nancy's voice behind her . " Jayson , don't you think this painting is kind of interesting ? " Ariel glanced back . Nancy was looking at the same painting she had just admired . Jayson looked down at her . " If you like it , I'll take you overseas to buy a few more from this artist .

" Nancy gave him a sweet smile . " Thank you , but isn't that a bit of a hassle ? " " It's not . " Ariel's steps froze . But after a beat , she turned and walked away calmly . She'd already seen firsthand how good Jayson was to Nancy . He'd make sure Nancy got whatever she wanted . Ariel couldn't even have a single painting she liked . And yet , Jayson could casually offer Nancy an entire collection . That was the difference between them .

On her way to meet up with Janice , Ariel kept scanning the different exhibit areas to find any clues in this gallery known for housing the largest collection of paintings . 1/2 Chapter 102 And finally , a painting tucked away in a corner stopped her in her tracks . Her breath caught . +25 BONUS The moment she stepped closer , she noticed the style matched a half - finished piece by Elena that hung at Halread University . The brushwork , composition , and color palette were all strikingly similar . Ariel immediately flagged down the third - floor coordinator , Peyton Barker .

" I have a question . I really love this painting . Would Mr. Spencer consider letting it go ? " She hoped Peyton could get in touch with the exhibition's real owner , Liam Spencer . But Peyton responded quickly , " I'm sorry , miss . Today's showing is for display only . Nothing's for sale . " Ariel was starting to grow anxious and was just about to say something when Frederick and the others walked over . Seeing that she was about to make an offer , Frederick scoffed . " Ms. Walker , have you been to the market too often ? You think you can haggle here too ? Didn't you hear the rules ?

" Ariel looked up . It wasn't just Frederick and Zach . Even Jayson and Nancy had made their way over . She pressed her lips together , then replied calmly , " There's a reason I asked . I really like this painting . I've been searching for a painting my mother lost years ago . This piece looks very similar . That's why I was hoping to negotiate . " Peyton hesitated , clearly unsure . Then Nancy chuckled softly . " I can understand how you feel . " A trace of mockery flickered in her eyes . " But ... " She paused for a moment before continuing , " I think you're mistaken .

This painting was by my mother . So maybe don't go claiming things that aren't yours . "