Chapter 74 Dare to Drink the Toast
Jonathan pondered as he took a sip of tea, fell silent for a moment, and then asked Katherine, "Mrs. Melville, how come you are assisting artists instead of Alex paying you?"
Katherine idly played a solo game and casually replied, "It's a personal interest; it has nothing to do with money."
Jonathan's handsome face turned serious, and then assured, "Katherine, I'm asking out of concern. If you're facing any difficulties, you can tell me. Maybe I can help."
Katherine thought, 'Help me? '
This Jonathan seemed to enjoy approaching with, 'I can help if you have difficulties. '
Katherine raised her eyebrows, a hint of cunning flickered in her eyes.
Katherine quit the game, put away her phone, looked at Jonathan seriously, blinked her bright eyes, and said, "Jonathan, if I really have difficulties, would you really help me? Don't just say it."
Jonathan chuckled and said, "Of course, as long as it is within my capabilities."
"You can do it," she then said.
"Then tell me about it," he asked.
Katherine smiled slightly, but she wouldn't be polite.
"Do you remember the three paintings of Lotus you saw in your gallery last time? Can you help me by selling those three paintings to me?" she advised.
Jonathan's smile froze. He was just curious and wanted to tease her, but he ended up being outwitted by her.
It was interesting.
Jonathan chuckled lightly and asked, "Let's not talk about whether I'm willing to sell. You are a mere artist assistant. Are you sure you can afford to buy those three paintings from me?"
Katherine's gaze was firm, and then she added, "As long as you're willing to sell to me, I’ll make sure to get the money."
"Where will you get the money? Are you asking your husband for it? Are you sure Alex will give it to you? If he gives you the money, why would he allow you to assist others?" he asked thoughtfully.
Katherine could tell that Jonathan was probing into her and Alex's relationship. Jonathan was extremely inquisitive.
Katherine said, "You don't need to worry about where my money comes from. Just tell me if you'll sell the paintings or not."
Jonathan answered directly, "No."
Upon hearing Jonathan's immediate refusal, Katherine's eyes dimmed, unable to hide her disappointment. Those three paintings were works from her mother when she was young, and she really wanted to buy them for her collection.
If he insisted on not selling, she had no choice.
She couldn't just snatch them.
"However, I can give them to you for free," Jonathan suddenly added, with a cheerful tone.
Katherine's eyes lit up, but she immediately became wary, questioning, "Go on, what are your conditions?"
A hint of admiration flashed in Jonathan's eyes, and he couldn't help but chuckle. Katherine looked innocent but was actually very clever. She was quick-witted and not the kind to be easily fooled with a few sweet words.
Jonathan lightly shook the coffee cup in his hand and said with a smile, "It's simple. Would you clink glasses with me? I'll give you all three authentic Lotus paintings. Dare you?"
Behind that smiling face of the man lay a mischievous heart.
Katherine furrowed her brows and replied, "Not now, maybe another time."
Jonathan smiled knowingly and requested, "Why not now? Because Alex is here?"
He nailed it.
It was because Alex was here.
Although Katherine and Alex were not truly a couple, Alex cared a lot about her behavior and didn't allow her to do anything that seemed like infidelity within three months.
If she clinked glasses with another man here, it would be like dancing in Alex's danger zone, and the consequences would be unimaginable.
It was not a good idea.
After some thought, Katherine tried to negotiate with Jonathan and suggested, "How about we change the time? I can have ten drinks with you."
Jonathan remained unmoved and announced, "Not possible. Now or never."
This person was a real tough nut to crack.
Katherine was in a dilemma. She glanced over at Alex, who was still facing the other side, drinking his coffee and paying no attention to her.
She looked back at Jonathan, confirming, "So, if I clink glasses with you, you'll definitely give me all three genuine Lotus paintings?"
Jonathan nodded without hesitation and remarked, "If you can do it, I'll have someone bring the paintings to you immediately."
Katherine turned her head again to look at the table. Alex still faced the other side lazily, showing no signs of looking in her direction.
Katherine planned to deal with it in a hurry, thinking she probably wouldn't be discovered.
For the three paintings of Lotus, Katherine decided to take a risk. She picked up the glass of orange juice on the coffee table and said, "Let's do it. I'll drink with you."
Jonathan hesitated slightly and thought, 'Did Katherine really agree with that?'
'Does she really want those three paintings so badly that she agrees to my unreasonable request?
'Who exactly is Lotus to her? '
Jonathan watching Katherine's determined look for the paintings. His eyes flickered with amusement, a smile playing on his lips as he slowly brought his coffee cup closer to the girl's juice cup.
The two cups lightly touched, the rims making a gentle contact.
Suddenly her phone rang.
The abrupt ring startled everyone.
Katherine instinctively withdrew her hand holding the orange juice, looked down at her phone, and found the caller ID displayed—Alex.
It was Alex.
Katherine thought, 'Did he see it?'
Katherine's heart sank. She turned her head and immediately met Alex's stern and angry gaze.
Because her phone rang so abruptly, everyone at the table also looked at her.
Sherry was one of them too.
However, Sherry didn't know who was calling her yet. She was just staring at Katherine with disgust, probably because she found Katherine's phone ringtone unpleasant and embarrassing.
Alex's face was cold and severe. The phone was at his ear, and his threatening gaze was fixed on her.
Not answering would probably not be an option.
Katherine furrowed her brows and had to answer the call reluctantly.
"Come over," Alex ordered.
The voice on the phone was calm but exceptionally terrifying.
If she responded now or listened to him, Sherry would definitely know it was Alex calling her, that they were acquainted, and thus discover their relationship.
If Sherry found out, it would be equivalent to the entire Galatea Family knowing, and Katherine's days ahead would not be peaceful.
Katherine calmed down, turned back to Jonathan, and explained, "I'm Sorry. I need to go out to answer a call."
Then, she put down the glass of orange juice in her hand, got up, and walked out of the coffee shop.
Once outside the coffee shop, she walked a bit farther before replying, "Alex, I don't want to come over. But if you have something to say, come out here!"
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