The First Heir

Aiden, who had been looking cheery, was now in a daze. What was going on? Mr. Clarke was upset, so the gallery was not to be opened to the public. Could there be any other reason more random than this? No, he must have done something wrong.

“What’s wrong Addy, did something happen?” Charles and Martha found Aiden’s expression a little odd.

“Oh, it’s nothing, nothing at all. They’re just reporting the gallery’s situation to me.” Aiden forced out a smile then added, “Uhm, Uncle Johnston, I have some urgent matters, so I will be leaving now.” He then stood up to leave.

“Oh, Addy, is it really urgent? Won’t you be staying for dinner?” Martha followed closely behind him and saw him out the door.

“Maybe next time. Goodbye, Uncle Johnston, Aunt Martha.” Aiden hurried away. Of course, he would be in a rush. If something happened to the gallery booking, he would lose all face in front of his future father-in-law. He had to rush over to the gallery to see what was going on.

After seeing Aiden off, Martha came back inside with a smile on her face. When she saw Wynn carrying Mila, she suddenly burst out scolding, “I won’t be raising this little bastard.”

“Mom, what are you saying? Isn’t Mila still your granddaughter?” Wynn was vexed. She had been coaxing Mila to sleep in her arms. How could her mother say something like that? This was her daughter’s flesh and blood, after all.

Charles, too, felt that Martha was going overboard. He removed his reading glasses and interrupted. “That’s enough from you. Clean this up quickly and bring me the painting from Aiden. I’m going out for a spin.”

Charles was heading out to show off, of course. He wanted to let his friends take a good look. He carefully hugged the gift box, hummed a joyful tune, and went out the door. He was feeling delightful, very delightful, indeed!

***

After he left the Johnston family house, Philip hailed a cab to Civil Gallery. Since he had already bought over the company and no longer needed to make deliveries, he now had time to go over to the gallery and take a look. He did not really plan to close it to the public. He just wanted to teach Aiden a lesson.

Upon reaching the gallery’s entrance, Philip only knew how stylish the gallery was. It was not flashy but luxurious and had a depth to it. The whole structure was designed by line patterns with monochrome as the main color. It looked extremely elegant and stylish. On both sides of the door was a small gallery paved with monochrome cobblestones, giving it a simplistic Western beauty.

Right in front of the door was a black granite sculpture. This was a piece made by the master architect who had designed and built Civil Gallery, Sirius Burton. This internationally famous architect only produced one piece of artwork every year, and thousands of people sought after his work, getting into disputes just to buy it.

host an exhibition in this Civil Gallery would bring about great prestige

the sculpture, stared at it for a moment before mumbling to himself, “To think this is

so

beloved cars of mine. Philip exclaimed internally then headed toward the gallery

a young and beautiful receptionist dressed in a monochrome

stunned before looking inside and said, “I’m looking

The receptionist did not treat Philip any differently

looking for…” Philip was just about to answer when a tall woman walked over haughtily from within and interrupted him. She was wearing the same outfit, but

we’re not open to the public today and not to let anybody in?” The woman with the cold aura got closer and swept a

apparently afraid

the female receptionists at Civil Gallery. She was a proud person and would not hesitate to order her subordinates around. Hence, she

broke wearing an over-washed T-shirt, a pair of faded jeans, and sandals. A typical get-up of migrant workers. He must be one of the

right. I’m looking for…” Philip smiled, revealing his pearly

shoot a vicious glare at Jasmine

head and bowed, apologizing profusely. She then stole a glance at Philip and smiled at him. Philip smiled back. This girl looked young

Philip could not help looking at Allison’s back profile. This woman had a

a sudden, Allison turned back with a frosty glare, staring hatefully at

nothing.” Philip felt awkward. He

let out a cold snort. “I’ve seen enough of you migrant workers with your snooping hands and dirty eyes. If anything goes missing in our gallery, you’ll be

Philip was fuming slightly. Did

a construction site and started ordering him pompously, “Hurry up and get to work. Finish it before sundown. And you guys over there, don’t even think about loafing on the job. I’ll be

upon hearing

They were painting this

I’m not here to…” Philip turned to the woman beside