Chapter 26

Gasps echoed through the room. It was an exorbitant price for a painting by such an unknown artist. Everyone turned to see who had placed the outrageous bid. As Annabelle spotted Samuel two rows away, she pursed her lips. Leonard saw him too, and a cold gleam flashed through his eyes. With a bid that high, no one else dared to raise their paddle. Just as everyone thought the hammer would fall, the auctioneer suddenly paused. The crowd turned toward a spot in the room, only to see a handsome man casually raise his hand to signal a closing bid. Samuel followed everyone's gaze, and the moment he saw Annabelle, joy surged in his chest. He had come specifically for this painting because he knew how much she loved the artist. He believed Annabelle was only angry with him, and he wanted to use the painting as an apology for what had happened the day before. To his surprise, he ran into Annabelle here. However, when he noticed the man beside her, he frowned. The ring on that man's ha