Chapter 233 Luna's Creations
Vito Curtis put his phone down.
"Strange, where did Grace run off to?" he wondered aloud.
Luann Weaver gracefully approached and sat down next to Myron Curtis. Myron reached out with his large hand, and their fingers interlocked. The couple looked very much in love.
Vito Curtis, with a smile, asked Luann, "Have you seen Grace?"
Luann shook her head with a smile. "She's probably had too much to drink and went upstairs to rest. Just a moment ago, I saw a whole line of people waiting to toast with her."
"That girl..." Vito Curtis's smile faded a bit. "I was planning on having her come up on stage to say a few words. With so many guests today, she can't just leave without saying hello."
Vito Curtis gestured to someone nearby.
"Go fetch the young mistress," he instructed.
"Certainly."
Luann Weaver lowered her gaze, leisurely sipping her juice.
"Myron!"
A somewhat aged voice suddenly broke the chatter. Luann turned to see an old gentleman, around Vito Curtis's age, approaching, followed by four people carrying some mysterious item.
Myron's voice sounded in her ear, introducing the newcomer.
"This is Grandpa's good friend, Randy Torres. He's a frequent visitor and well-connected."
"The Millers may not be one of the top four families, but they're long-standing elites of the Upper West Side," Myron explained.
The surrounding crowd respectfully made space for Randy Torres.
Miller strode forward, his spirited face beaming with a smile. Vito Curtis immediately rose to his feet with the aid of his cane.
The two men heartily clapped each other on the shoulder.
Miller teased, looking at his friend, "Oh, you're using a cane now. Will you need a wheelchair in a couple of years?"
Without offense, Vito Curtis replied, "Don't worry, I'm sure I'll outlast you."
"Ha ha ha!" laughed Miller heartily.
He gestured with his hand and said mysteriously, "I've brought you a fine item today."
Everyone's gaze was drawn in anticipation.
Myron Curtis added, "Randy Torres is known for his taste in collectibles. Anything he gives is bound to be exquisite."
Upon hearing the news, Luann Weaver’s interest was piqued.
Vito Curtis was somewhat excited, "What is it?"
Miller's aged hands made a pressing motion in the air.
The four of them carefully placed the object on the ground and slowly unwrapped it.
It was a framed painting.
Emma was the first to react with excitement.
"Luna!"
"It's a Luna piece!"
"Heavens!"
"Miller, you actually managed to get a Luna painting!"
The people around gasped in astonishment.
Even those who weren't art connoisseurs had heard of Luna.
Securing a Luna painting at a world-class auction was no small feat.
It must have cost a fortune!
Vito Curtis's gaze grew warm, his hand on his cane trembling slightly.
"Excellent!"
"Outstanding!"
"You old-timer, you've got quite the collection of treasures!"
Miller tilted his chin up slightly, a touch of pride coloring his expression.
"I remembered your big birthday is coming up soon, and my dutiful daughter will be taking me overseas for a trip shortly. I might not be able to attend."
"So, I thought I’d bring your gift over now!"
"Consider it an early birthday celebration."
Vito Curtis was overjoyed and could hardly contain himself.
Luann Weaver glanced at the signature ‘Luna’ at the corner of the work, her mouth twitching slightly.
Myron Curtis moved closer to her and asked with a light smile, "It seems everyone really loves your piece."
"I didn't expect..."
Luann Weaver suddenly fell silent.
Was Myron Curtis trying to coax her into revealing more?
His lips curved lightly as he touched her hair.
"Fantastic."
Luann Weaver sighed.
Life had been so tough for her!
Ever since her marriage to Myron Curtis, she had been swamped with petty issues and targeted by many people.
Whether intentionally or not, the false fronts she'd been keeping up were being exposed one after another...
"Thank you!" Vito Curtis laughed heartily.
Conversations erupted among the crowd.
"So generous! Buying a Luna masterpiece like that must have cost a pretty penny!"
"It's not a matter of money; it's about rarity! Luna only releases three pieces yearly and is only seen at global auctions."
"Ah, if only Luna would release more pieces. I'd love to have one of his paintings to hang in my house."
"Keep dreaming!"
"Hey, speaking of which, isn't the global auction starting soon? Won't we be able to see Luna's pieces again?"
"That's just looking at pictures online... We won't see the actual pieces."
"Yeah, yeah, I think it's next month, right? It’s coming up soon! I’m so excited!"
Luann Weaver listened to their chatter, head bowed as she fiddled with her fingers.
Miller glanced around, "Where's Grace? I came here to congratulate her."
"Someone has already gone to look for her."
Miller acknowledged the update with a grunt and turned his attention to Myron Curtis and Luann Weaver.
Luann Weaver stood up politely, "Randy Torres, it's good to see you."
Myron Curtis greeted him coolly, "Hello."
Miller nodded, his gaze calm and withdrawn.
There was no particular warmth in their interactions, no closeness, nor any deliberate indifference.
He had seen a lot about Luann Weaver online.
Indifferent.
Neither a fan nor a detractor.
And with Myron Curtis, their relationship was nothing more than a casual hello.
After all, the guy was a bit icy and didn't like to talk much, certainly not as sweet-talking as Grace.
"Vito Curtis, the young mistress can't be found."
Someone soon came to report.
Vito Curtis furrowed his brows, wondering where Grace could have run off to.
Miller was here, and it seemed only proper for her to show her face.
When the guests heard this, those who were aware of what had just transpired immediately said, "Ms. Curtis's dress got stained with drink. She might have gone to change."
Vito Curtis, leaning on his cane, retorted, "How long does it take to change a dress? Never mind, I'll go call her myself."
In good spirits, Miller said, "Let's go together."
After all, the party was really centered around Grace.
If the Curtis family members all left, there wouldn't be much point for the guests to stay.
So, they all followed suit.
Luann Weaver's expression remained calm, betraying no emotion.
She looped her arm through Myron Curtis's, accompanying the group.
In contrast, Holly Weiss was extremely excited at the back of the crowd, "I can't wait! I really want to see what kind of a mess Grace is now! Come on, let's go join the excitement!"
Eddy offered no resistance and let Holly Weiss pull him along.
The group quickly arrived at the rest area.
The door was firmly shut.
It didn't look like anyone was inside.
Through the door, they could faintly hear some noise.
Vito Curtis released his hold, realizing the door was locked.
He knocked forcefully.
"Grace, are you in there?"
No one responded from inside.
Vito Curtis's brow furrowed deeper, "Why is this door locked? Where's the key? Where is it?"
A member of the staff came forward and unlocked the door.
As the door was pushed open, the staff member instinctively hit the light switch on the wall.
With the lights suddenly bright, they saw...
