Chapter 154 The Sealed Painting

    Leslie’s POV

    I slept like a baby through the night.

    When morning light streamed into the room, I stretchedzily and got out of bed.

    Finished

    My butler and chauffeur arrived to take me to the opening ceremony of the International Relic Exhibition Center.

    On the ride over, I flipped through a stack of briefing documents. Before long, we arrived.

    The exhibition hall’s opening was simple yet grand, attended only by an elite circle of specially invited guests.

    As soon as I got out of the car, I headed straight for the ancient art section with my butler.

    Most of the paintings on disy had been excavated from ancient ruins, making them even more precious and rare.

    I paused to admire nearly every single piece, taking my time with each one.

    Until the final painting.

    It was covered with a ck clothced with sealing magic, hiding its contents from view.

    I paused. Was this an oversight by the staff?

    Beside it was a stand holding a dispelling tool. I picked it up and gently lifted the cloth. The massive canvas shifted, slowly revealing its true form.

    What greeted my eyes was a vast, endless darkness. At its center stood a towering gate iid with gold and moonstone.

    The gate was slightly ajar, and a sliver of sunlight pierced through the crack like a de, cutting through the night.

    In front of the gate stood the silhouette of a girl. Her back was to us. She wore a crimson gown, her figure graceful, long hair cascading in loose waves over her shoulders. Her dress nearly melted into the shadows.

    The sheer weight of the image–its suffocating tension, its breathless anticipation–poured from the painting like ink that wouldn’t dissolve.

    Heavy and resplendent all at once. It was almost surreal.

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    Chapter 154 The Sealed Painting

    My hand froze midair, my gaze locking on the image.

    It looked… familiar.

    “Leslie?” a soft voice called from behind me.

    I turned instinctively–and smiled when I saw who it was. “Melina?”

    It was Eric’s mother.

    She had been vacationing in the overseas territories. Judging by her expression, she had returned in high spirits.

    “I knew it was you. I recognized your back right away.”

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    Finished

    I stepped forward to hug her lightly–and that’s when I noticed who was standing beside her.

    Lyana.

    My smile widened. “Smoke Pack Alpha? What a coincidence.”

    Lyana gave a forced, perfunctory smile. After what happenedst time–and everything I said- she clearly wasn’t about to pretend it never happened.

    Still, with Eric’s mother present, she had no choice but to keep things civil.

    “Rogue Pack Queen, what a surprise. I didn’t expect Her Majesty to take such interest in ancient

    art.”

    I smiled, hearing the chill behind her words.

    “What, in the Smoke Pack Alpha’s mind, am I only allowed to be interested in wealth?”

    Melina blinked, sensing the tension between us.

    She was just about ito /ispeak when the gallery director came trotting over in a rush.

    “Frost Pack Luna, Rogue Pack Queen–please forgive ourck of hospitality. Is there any painting that’s caught your eye?”

    Lyana immediately spoke up. “This one’s not bad. Melina likes it as well. How about I buy it for her as a gift?”

    Melina paused, her face softening into a pleased smile. “There’s no need for that. You’re a guest…”

    But Lyana, generous as ever–and clearly trying to curry favor with Melina–wasn’t about to let

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    Chapter 154 The Sealed Painting

    the chance slip by.

    She turned to the gallery director. “This one, please. Wrap it up.”

    The director immediately shook his head.

    “I’m afraid that’s not possible-”

    Send Gifts

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    (1

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    Finished

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    Burn in the Alpha Princess’s Wrath