Chapter 13: Ms. Lawrence Left with Mr. Baxter

Magnus nodded. "Will you be attending the event in person?"

Zane fell silent for a few seconds before asking, "Mr. Duncan, are you well acquainted with Miss Thompson?"

Magnus was taken aback by Zane's question. He looked at Travis, who was sipping his tea, and replied, "I've met her a few times at various painting competitions, and we've had pleasant conversations. Besides, she is..."

Before Magnus could finish his sentence, Travis coughed, interrupting him.

Zane glanced at Travis.

Travis placed his teacup down, met Zane's gaze, and inquired, "Mr. Lawrence, are you dissatisfied with the portrait?"

Zane raised an eyebrow. "No."

Travis looked at Zane and continued, "If you don't like them, I can paint one for you and Miss Bennett."

Travis paused for a moment and added, "You have purchased so many of Yanis' paintings, Mr. Lawrence. I assume you have good taste in art. These portraits might be simple, but they hold a unique charm. Especially when Yanis painted them for you, it was as if she could capture your essence without even looking at you..."

Magnus suddenly stopped and asked in confusion, "It's odd. Yanis doesn't know you at all, but she managed to finish these portraits so quickly."

Magnus looked at Zane. "Have you two met before?"

As Magnus finished his question, Travis looked up at Zane, waiting for his answer.

Zane's eyes were still fixated on the portraits as he replied in an expressionless voice, "Actually, I..."

Before Zane could finish his sentence, the ringing of his phone cut him off.

He glanced at the caller ID and excused himself, "I have to take this call."

Magnus nodded understandingly. "Sure, go ahead."

Instead of stepping outside, Zane answered the call in the lounge.

It was Albi on the other end of the line.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Lawrence, Mrs. Lawrence has signed the divorce papers," Albi's voice came through.

Zane's face darkened upon hearing the news. He asked in a cold voice, "When did this happen?"

"Just now."

"Did she say anything?"

"No, Mrs. Lawrence left with Mr. Baxter after signing."

Zane frowned upon hearing this and after a brief pause, he instructed, "I understand. Bring the papers to me later."

"I'll wait for you downstairs."

Zane hung up and put his phone in his pocket. He looked back at Magnus and said, "Excuse me, I have some urgent matters to attend to. See you on the day of the bidding."

Magnus nodded. "Sure, go where you are needed. See you then."

Zane gave a slight nod to Travis and left.

Once Zane was gone, Travis muttered, "What a bastard!"

Confused, Magnus looked at Travis and asked, "What's going on with you tonight?"

Travis sighed as he glanced back at Magnus. "Never mind. I'm leaving."

Left perplexed in the lounge, Magnus couldn't make sense of Travis' behavior.

Meanwhile, as Travis walked out, Zane was still waiting by the elevator.

"Mr. Cooke," Zane greeted him respectfully as Travis approached.

Travis nodded without much expression.

As they waited for the elevator together, Zane glanced sideways at Travis and asked softly, "Excuse me, Mr. Cooke, have I offended you in any way?"

Hearing this, Travis turned to face Zane. "This is the first time we've met, Mr. Lawrence, so why would you think that?"

Zane's tone remained composed. "But your animosity towards me is quite evident."

Travis nearly pointed his finger at Zane in frustration but refrained from doing so. "It's just your imagination, Mr. Lawrence. I'm too old to hold grudges."

At that moment, the elevator arrived.

Travis stepped in first.

Zane followed, holding the portraits that Yanis had painted.

As the elevator doors closed, Zane glanced at the portraits, then at Travis, and asked gently, "Mr. Cooke, are you dissatisfied with Miss Thompson's paintings?"

Travis fixed his gaze on the portraits. "What do you think of them, Mr. Lawrence?"

Zane paused for a moment before replying, "They are very good."

Travis snorted, a hint of pride in his voice, "Yes, whatever she paints turns out to be exceptional."

"Are you well-acquainted with Miss Thompson, Mr. Cooke?"

It was a trap, and Travis almost fell into it.

"I've known her for many years through the art world, so yes, I am familiar with her."

Zane didn't say anything.

He wondered when Yanis had the time to paint, considering she spent every day serving him.

The paintings he had purchased through his agents were all landscapes, which typically took at least half a month to complete.

Those paintings were so vivid and immersive.

Thus, Zane couldn't have imagined that Yanis had painted the enchanting portraits himself.

As he was lost in his thoughts, the elevator reached their floor, and Travis stepped out.

Zane snapped out of his reverie and followed Travis, still holding the portraits.

Before Travis took a few steps, he stopped and turned back to Zane. "Mr. Lawrence."

Zane looked at Travis with respect. "What can I do for you, Mr. Cooke?"

Travis gazed at Zane, his tone more serious. "Mr. Lawrence, I can see that you appreciate art, and I think you should also appreciate the person beside you."

Although Zane didn't fully grasp Travis' implication, he nodded earnestly. "You are right, Mr. Cooke. I will certainly take your advice to heart."

Travis nodded back and was about to say something else but thought better of it. He turned away and left.

Zane watched Travis' retreating figure with a furrowed brow, wondering what Mr. Cooke had meant by his words.