Chapter 83 This Painting is a Fake
Charles, the big boss of Evergreen Group, was always swamped. He had to jet off to check on some gold mine, and the plane was about to take off.
But hanging with Catherine? Way more important. She was so sweet and gentle; she'd totally get pushed around if she hit up the music store and gallery solo.
Charles couldn't chill until he saw Catherine wow the music store manager. Only then did he bounce, feeling all good about it.
As soon as he stepped out, he hopped on a motorcycle parked right outside.
When Catherine turned around, she saw Charles in his sharp suit, riding a sleek punk motorcycle, tearing off towards the airport so fast it looked like the wheels were sparking.
Charles was worried about her, which is why he took the time to be with her. Thinking of this, Catherine felt all warm and fuzzy inside.
Just as she stepped out of the music store, her phone buzzed. It was Vincent.
"Catherine, some idiot just offered a ton of cash for that busted violin I made ages ago, saying it's a gift for his sister. Isn't that nuts?"
Catherine paused for a sec and then grinned, "Do you know who's buying it?"
"Hold up, let me check. The Windsor family from Imperia City. Wait, isn't that your fam? Are they buying that old violin for you? No need! The one I gave you before is way better!"
Vincent thought he had a sucker on the line and could make bank, but it turned out to be Catherine's family.
Vincent, a total perfectionist about his work, also loved his creations. The violins he put on display were ones he thought were flawed, but outsiders treated them like gold.
"I've fixed it; it's a good violin now. You can sell it if you want, but if the Windsor family wants it, cut them a deal," Catherine said.
Vincent was so stoked to hear Catherine had fixed the violin that his smile wiped away his wrinkles.
"If the Windsor family says it's for you, you could've just taken it. They treating you well?" Vincent asked.
"Pretty well."
Vincent knew what kind of rough life Catherine had before and was relieved to know the Windsor family cherished her. "That's good. If they don't treat you right, come back, and the Galactic Aurora Collective will have your back."
"Hey, I have an event in Imperia City next month. Will you come and hang with me?" Catherine asked.
Vincent's voice had a hint of excitement; he hadn't seen Catherine in forever and missed her a lot.
"Sure," he agreed.
The elders of the Galactic Aurora Collective were all Catherine's mentors, having taught her all sorts of skills since she was a kid. To them, Catherine was like their own child, just like the other prodigies of the Collective.
"Awesome, remember to prep my favorite food. See you then," he said.
"I'll remember and make sure everything's ready," Catherine said.
Vincent hung up, feeling good, and immediately called Philip.
Philip, who had been waiting forever, picked up right away. "Vincent, have you decided? My sister really loves that violin. Name your price and sell it to us!"
"Nope, that violin is not for sale," Vincent said.
Philip was freaking out, pacing around his office with the phone in hand, and said sincerely, "Please reconsider. We'll pay any price!"
"It's not about the cash; I don't need it."
Vincent, with his status, couldn't care less about the money for a violin.
"Then name your terms. Whatever it is, we'll make it happen. Trust in the Windsor family's capabilities," Philip said.
Listening for a bit, Vincent realized the Windsor family genuinely cared for Catherine. Feeling reassured, he said, "I have one condition: the girl who wants that violin must become my student!"
Philip's eyes nearly popped out of his head!
'Vincent is willing to take Catherine as his student?' Philip thought.
Holding back his excitement, Philip kept his cool, "No problem, but I need to ask my sister first!"
Vincent nodded.
Not jumping the gun and still caring about Catherine's feelings showed the Windsor family's good upbringing.
Philip quickly called Catherine.
Catherine was a bit taken aback by Vincent's request but then agreed.
After all, Vincent was already her mentor.
"Catherine, think it over. If you don't like it, I won't push you," Philip said.
"It's fine, I'm down," Catherine said.
"Alright, Vincent will be in Imperia City next month for an event. He wants you to join him and do the apprenticeship ceremony together."
"Okay."
Philip happily called Vincent back. "Vincent, we'll handle your accommodation and travel. Don't worry about a thing."
Vincent nodded, feeling good about the Windsor family, and said,
"That violin is a gift for your sister; no charge. Next month, I'll bring her a better one."
"Thank you!" Philip said politely.
Meanwhile, Catherine stepped into the gallery.
Samuel's gallery was more like an art exhibition center, with dedicated spots for paintings and sculptures.
After what went down at the music store, Elijah didn't dare disrespect Catherine. He gave her a tour of the gallery, saying, "Miss, our gallery has eight floors. These two are rented out to artists for exhibitions. Upstairs, we have dedicated exhibition areas and some exclusive pieces."
Catherine nodded, following Elijah around the gallery.
Stopping in front of a painting, Catherine paused.
"Miss, this is a work by the famous painter Dominic Chambers. Our gallery dropped three hundred million dollars to snag it; it's our crown jewel," Elijah explained.
Catherine frowned slightly as she looked at the painting.
'If I remember right, this piece should still be in Dominic's bedroom. How did it end up here?' she thought.
"Who was responsible for buying this painting?" she asked.
Elijah thought for a moment and then called out, "Sawyer, come here."
Sawyer, wearing a fisherman's hat that covered most of his face, strolled over nonchalantly, eyeing Catherine.
'She must be some clueless rich girl,' he thought, wondering what kind of trouble she was about to stir up.
"I bought it. What's the matter? I went through a lot to get this painting at auction," Sawyer said proudly.
Catherine's gaze was calm but had a piercing intensity that made Sawyer break out in a cold sweat.
Elijah couldn't quite grasp Catherine's intentions and asked, "Do you have any instructions?"
Catherine withdrew her gaze and coldly said, "This painting is a fake."
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