Chapter 28 Crashing the Exhibition
The others exchanged looks but didn’t say anything more.
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Francesca bit her lip. She wasn’t looking to make enemies on her first day, but Jessica was pushing it. As she thought about how to defuse the tension, Jessica suddenly stood up, clearly flustered,
“Sorry, Mr. Denvers. I lost my cool. I respect the company’s decision and I’ll work with Francesca to help her get up to speed,” Jessica said quickly.
Raymond didn’t let it slide. “It’s Miss Anderson. She’s your vice president,” he said, correcting her.
Jessica’s face went red, and after another apology, she sat down. The room stayed quiet, clearly feeling the weight of Raymond’s presence. No one dared to make a move against Francesca.
Francesca wasn’t bothered. She knew it was more important to prove herself than to argue. The meeting wrapped up, and Jessica let out a long sigh of relief. Shane followed Francesca back to her office.
“Miss Anderson, just let me know if you need anything,” Shane offered.
Francesca nodded. She knew Shane was solid, thanks to Raymond’s guidance. “Can you pull together a summary of the company’s new projects?” she asked.
“Got it,” Shane said with a smile.
When the day of Suzanna’s art exhibition arrived, Francesca got all dressed up.
She put on a bit of makeup, slipped into a white dress, and styled her hair in a loose bun with a pearl clip. She threw on a white knitted sweater just before she left.
Hugh was already waiting by the door, a full ten minutes early. When he saw Francesca walking toward him, he stopped dead in his tracks. Even with all the beautiful women around, Nina hadn’t been exaggerating, Francesca was in a league of her own.
Elegant with an effortless, sensual charm. She was mesmerizing. Hugh couldn’t help but think the event was already worth it just to spend time with her.
Francesca greeted him with a warm smile. Hugh was polite, witty, and easy to talk to, making the ride to the exhibition enjoyable.
Before they met, Francesca had checked him out online. The buzz about Hugh was real, he was the latest rising star. His skin was smooth and glowy, and his features were flawless, almost too perfect.
His sharp, eagle–like eyes were mesmerizing, and his features were so perfectly defined, it was like he had been sculpted from stone. His lips, red like cherries, only added to his almost unreal beauty.
No wonder her sister–in–law and mother–in–law were so smitten.
The art exhibition was being held at Suzanna’s private gallery. Hugh’s new sports car, flashy and eye- catching, immediately grabbed everyone’s attention as it pulled up.
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Chapter 28 Crashing the Exhibition
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She grabbed Hugh’s hand as they walked in, and the security guards stopped them for the usual check.
Hugh leaned in and said quietly, “Apart from Suzanna’s work, here are a bunch of famous paintings on display today. Some of them have never been shown before.”
Francesca raised an eyebrow. “Like Marley’s?”
The Mitchell family might not be the richest in Rediff City, but they were still wealthy enough to command respect, so people turned out for Suzanna’s exhibition.
Francesca casually scanned the paintings hung on the walls. She wasn’t sure if they were any good or not, but the decorations themselves were decent.
In fact, it seemed like the decorations made more of an impression than the art itself. She spotted a vase that looked like it could be a signature piece from a famous artist.
The Mitchell family had gone all–in for the exhibition. Every media outlet had been contacted, and their verified account was already set to post a glowing write–up. It was all very on–brand for them.
Suzanna had made an effort to match the vibe, too. She had swapped her usual flashy outfits for a white blouse and black skirt, her hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, and even added glasses to complete the “artsy intellectual” look.
It worked so well that Hugh didn’t recognize her at first.
Francesca strolled leisurely up to the second floor. Suzanna, meanwhile, kept glancing at the entrance, clearly looking for someone. Benedict, most likely. Upstairs, the atmosphere was much calmer, with a cozy rest area offering drinks and snacks.
Hugh handed Francesca a glass of orange juice. “Take a break with me?”
“Thanks.” She accepted it and sat down.
As they chatted, Francesca couldn’t help but notice that Marley’s work was nowhere to be seen, despite the hype. She was still mulling it over when a small group walked in, helping themselves to drinks and chatting.
Most of the conversation was the usual–gushing over Suzanna’s talent and impeccable taste. Hugh joined in, throwing in some funny anecdotes from the entertainment world.
Francesca was just about to change the subject when a sharp, accusatory voice rang out. “How did you get in here?”
Hannah appeared out of nowhere, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Francesca and Hugh. The jealousy on her face was impossible to miss.
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