CHAPTER 26: CHAPTER 26: AUDREY

Sienna Monroe pursed her lips, her gaze slightly darkened, with indifference and composure reflected in her eyes.

No matter, if you want to sell, just sell.

It might even be good to sell.

When the time comes, she’ll reclaim the villa at Rippling Crest Estates and the three hundred thousand she lent out—what kind of predicament and mood will Vivian Nash be in then?

Penniless?

Destitute?

She was actually quite looking forward to it.

Sienna rested at home for two days, and Caleb Sinclair stayed close by, never leaving her side, cooking and washing her hair with attention and care.

Auntie Miller praised him multiple times.

His attentiveness to her never faltered over the years; she never sensed any negligence.

From dating to marriage, he filled her with security.

Perhaps his love was genuine, but the betrayal and infidelity were equally real.

Thus, Sienna couldn’t see through him.

Experiencing firsthand what it truly meant—a sincere heart is something that changes instantly.

No one can truly fathom it.

Once her complexion truly improved, and the doctor said there was no problem, Sienna finally went to the art museum.

Audrey’s solo exhibition was already fully decorated, with a total of one hundred and eight paintings.

Locations for several smaller paintings were chosen, but the main pieces for the four exhibit areas were decided upon yet not installed.

However, only a week remained before the exhibition day.

Luckily, on the last day of October, Audrey returned to the country.

Sienna went to the airport to pick her up.

Although winter was approaching, Audrey, pushing the luggage cart, was dressed very lightly—green blouse, black wool coat, with an above-the-knee leather skirt.

She’s striking, with fox-like eyes that are aggressive, and the innate strong aura and sense of oppression made those around instinctively keep their distance.

In contrast, Sienna, with striking features and phoenix eyes, created an approachable and gentle presence, making her appear more friendly.

Sienna waved with a smile, "Audrey."

Audrey approached with the luggage cart, smiling gracefully, "Monroe, long time no see."

Her way of addressing Sienna differs from others; while others call her "Sienna," only Audrey, like Shane Morgan, calls her "Monroe."

The last time they met was at the funeral for Sienna’s mother, Leah Hughes, last year, when Audrey returned from Elysia to mourn.

"Why does it seem like you’ve lost your glow after not seeing you for a year, have you also lost weight?" Audrey frowned slightly, sizing her up.

Sienna felt a warm sense of closeness seeing her, which stirred in her the desire to confide all her grievances, pain, sadness, and despair from these times to her.

Yet, opening her mouth, nothing came out.

In two days, it’s Audrey’s first solo exhibition in the country; she couldn’t let this affect Audrey’s mood.

"Perhaps it’s because I caught a cold recently."

Audrey noticed her slightly red eyes, understanding her turmoil yet refrained from probing, instead deepening her frown, touching Sienna’s now slimmer face lightly.

"If Teacher Audrey saw you now, she’d be worried; there’s no flesh on your face left anymore."

Sienna smiled, "I’ll slowly regain it. Let’s eat first."

"What’s for dinner?"

"Um... Meat?"

Audrey raised an eyebrow, "Alright, let’s go eat meat."

The two chose a Chinese restaurant, chatting casually while dining. Sienna asked, "Audrey, how long will you be staying in Imperial City this time?"

"Until after the New Year," Audrey said.

"Really? That’s fantastic."

"I haven’t spent New Year here for many years."

"Will you stay at The Monroe Family, or..."

Audrey shook her head, "No need, I had my place cleaned by a housekeeping service before returning, it’s ready to live in."

Sienna fell silent, knowing what Audrey cared about, nodding with a smile, "Alright."

After eating, Sienna initially suggested Audrey rest after the long flight, but Audrey insisted on heading to the art museum first to check the venue setup and choose the main paintings.

Once Audrey arrived, the museum’s staff welcomed her at the entrance, and Vivian Nash sprang from the crowd, joyfully and intimately linking arms with her, "Audrey, welcome back, you’re still so beautiful."

Audrey frowned slightly and nodded casually, "Long time no see."

In the meantime, she had already withdrawn her arm.

Audrey’s nature is rather cold; people often call her indifferent and cold-hearted, yet she warms up to those close and familiar.

Vivian Nash’s acquaintance with Audrey was through Sienna.

Simply acquaintances, meeting a few times, having had one meal—hardly a basis for intimate gestures.

Moreover, Audrey’s solitary nature shies from much physical contact.

Vivian Nash’s hand hung awkwardly in the air, her face flushed, surprised at Audrey’s lack of commiseration.

In her distress, she cast a pleading glance at Sienna, but Sienna disregarded her, turning to the exhibition department head, "Director Dawson, show Teacher Audrey our prepared exhibition area."

"Certainly. Teacher Audrey, follow me this way."

Director Dawson, a prince of the museum, has been there since Leah Hughes founded it.

Without a vice-director role, he holds the highest position at the museum apart from the director.

After Sienna took over the museum, he helped her handle matters efficiently and smoothly.

The group went inside, leaving Vivian Nash awkwardly standing alone.

She bit her lip angrily, glaring at Sienna and Audrey’s retreating forms with resentment.

What’s with the smugness?

What’s so special about them?

She took out her phone and messaged Caleb Sinclair: Darling, I feel so aggrieved, I need your hugs and kisses.

Serena Art Museum is divided into sections A, B, C, and D, covering a total of 6,359 square meters. Upon entering the main entrance, a large geometric crystal ornament rotates with beautiful paintings appearing on its surface.

On the right is a glass elevator, with four large exhibition halls behind it on the second and third floors housing the repository areas, offices, and meeting rooms.

Audrey’s expectations for exhibition area decor were proposed and reviewed by her before implementation began.

After touring the four exhibition areas, Audrey was quite satisfied, making a few lighting suggestions before saying to Sienna, "Those main paintings will arrive tomorrow, send someone over to collect them from my place tomorrow afternoon."

Among the main pieces was a painting that won first prize in an Elysian exhibition earlier this year, which a local offered to buy for a million euros.

But Audrey graciously declined.

Sienna nodded, looking at the preservation department head, "Aria Ford, take people there tomorrow. I’ll send you the address later."

Aria Ford nodded, "Understood."

Audrey stayed at the museum until four in the afternoon, when Sienna lent her car for transportation.

Caleb called earlier, hoping to dine together, but Audrey opted for rest, postponing to the next day.

Caleb obliged, picking Sienna up from the museum later, gently asking, "How was today? Anything uncomfortable?"

Sienna shook her head gently, "No worries, I’m fully recovered, not a fragile doll, no need to fret."

"How could I not worry? The doctor said you mustn’t exert yourself now."

"Mm."

"Dinner at home or out tonight?"

"Either is fine."

"Let’s dine out, then. There’s a Chinese restaurant on Newport Road serving great sweet and sour ribs that you might enjoy."

"Fine."

Newport Road isn’t far from the museum, and without evening rush, they reached in ten minutes.

Upon entering, Caleb suggested, "Let’s sit by the window, enjoy the night view, and around half-past eight, the nearby building features a light show."

Knowing such details, Sienna laughed, "You’ve been here before?"

Caleb replied calmly, "Yes, last night’s engagement ended in a banquet here booked by President Warner."

"Oh, oh."

Sienna nodded gently, sipping water as a text arrived: [Caleb Sinclair and Vivian Nash dined here the night before last, sitting at a window seat.]