Sensing an awkwardness in the atmosphere, I was just about to persuade Remington, when we were interrupted by Crystal’s dreary voice.
“Spencer, please do not be upset with Remington over me. It was my fault. I was worried about Yvonne and so I said something offensive. I’m sorry, Remington.
Harumph! Julian snorted and left in a huff, perhaps offended by Remington.
I was fortunate enough to be treated as a distinguished guest because of Christopher and was seated at the main table with Remington. Unfortunately, Crystal was also at the main table which irritated me.
There was a live exhibition as one of the artists sketched the scene of the mingling guests with just a few strokes of the pencil. I quietly stole a glance at Remington and then glared at him rather angrily. With a tone of displeasure, I said, “You can see quite normally, so why you pretended to be blind?”
“Not long ago, I had an eye infection. The doctor told me to avoid sunlight by wearing sunglasses. I did not deceive you on purpose.” Remington smiled at me apologetically.
He was so quick to apologize that it made me seem rather petty. Immediately, I felt embarrassed. In a low voice, I said, “I’m sorry that I have misjudged you. It was my fault that you got a tongue lashing from Crystal. Thanks to your kindness, I did not have to make a quiet exit.”
“That was nothing. Please don’t mention it.” Remington replied calmly.
“It is possible that this molehill would turn into a mountain.” I had to warn Remington. “Just now, we were photographed by reporters. It is possible that the write-up in the papers would make it into something serious. I have a bad reputation, so you have to be mentally prepared.”
“That bad?” Remington asked curiously. “Do you have a bad name?”
“Well, not that bad, but quite terrible!” Nobody has ever written nice things about me. Even my family members say that. “If the reporters ask you for comments. Just put all the blame on me. Haha.”
“I can only tell the truth. As a man, I cannot put all the blame on a lady to avoid getting into trouble. That would be unbecoming of a man.”
It was because of these words of his that Remington earned my utmost respect. He was truly a man of high morals and great talent, also someone beautiful, inside and out.
“Mr. Fowler, it’s your turn to exhibit your skill. Please come with me!” A staff member of the organizers came close to Remington and whispered to him.
“Who will be doing the show with me?” Remington asked.
“It’s Ms. Yates!” The staff member replied rather awkwardly.
“Oh, really?” Remington smiled as he glanced at Crystal who was ready and on standby near the easel. “Ms. Yates’ skills are beyond mine. Can I invite someone else to complete the Four Seasons Collection with me?”
“Well…”
Lost in thought, I had a glass of water in my hand. Christopher had gone out for a long time and had not returned, so I was wondering what he was up to. Suddenly, Remington walked up to me and invited me to paint with him. I was initially taken aback and then, excited. “Can I? I might do badly and affect your painting.”
“I trust my judgment.” Remington led me right up to the easel and pointed at the canvas. “I’ve seen your paintings and I know you are imaginative. I’m sure you’ve seen the Four Seasons Collection before. All you have to do is paint on the left side and leave the right side to me.”
I felt really lucky. Vigorously, I nodded my head. “Mr. Fowler, don’t worry. I’ll make you proud.” Crystal stood glued to the spot with the paintbrush in her hand. She looked awkward and must have felt awful. This was probably what I meant when I quoted that “people who set traps for others get caught themselves”.
I held the brush, feeling excited as I stood next to Remington, thinking about how I should start after he had painted his first stroke. Suddenly, my mobile phone started to ring. I picked up the phone and saw that it was Sabrina calling me.
“What’s the matter, Sabby?”
“Eve, something terrible has happened. Monica killed herself at home just now. She caused such a stir. You hurry over, or else, I fear my idol will be moved by her persistence.”
What? Monica committed suicide? My mind went blank and I asked anxiously, “Is she safe now?”
