Chapter 3

Quint's hand hovered in mid-air, holding the item. After a moment, he stuffed it back. "Dane, Genevieve and I mean well. Considering we used to be on good terms, even if you don't accept, you don't have to respond with such hostility."

His expression was unpleasant, but he maintained his composure due to the crowd.

"How about this? Genevieve has an apprentice who's been gaining some recognition lately. You could be her assistant. It's much better than being a janitor, at least it's more respectable."

Low laughter rippled through the crowd.

"Come on, Dane. You need to think about your future. We're just trying to help you out."

Quint's face was etched with mockery.

I hugged my arms, feeling that the air conditioning in the venue must have been set too low. It was a bit chilly.

"That won't be necessary. My job isn't as deplorable as you seem to think."

Someone in the crowd couldn't hold back their laughter.

"Dane, are you trying to play the 'too good for this' card now? Don't be so pretentious. You might not get another chance like this."

"Genevieve and Quint are being so generous. You're being so ungrateful. It's a golden opportunity to turn your life around. Why don't you seize it?"

I ignored them, turning to look off into the distance, quietly waiting. Genevieve suddenly went berserk, walking up to me with a cold sneer. "Dane, is this how you're wasting away without me? I suggest you get over it soon. I'm about to get married."

"Even with this attitude of yours, I won't change my mind."

In her agitation, she actually tried to grab my hand.

I wanted so badly to shut her mouth. Why was she being so noisy?

"Miss Sterling, please control yourself."

I pushed her away, growing increasingly impatient and wanting to leave.

The assistant came over and handed me the painting. My friend hadn't arrived yet, and I didn't know where to put the artwork.

"Oh, so you're not a janitor after all, just someone helping to hang paintings."

"No wonder you've been lingering here. You're still trying to make some money."

Seeing my friend approaching from a distance, I picked up the painting and walked towards him.

The group didn't follow me, but after I had finished setting up the painting,

Genevieve and Quint appeared behind me again.

"Dane, you used to be above doing things like this. I know you love me, but..."

"Stop!" I raised my hand to cut her off.

If this harassment continued, I was really going to leave this place.

If it weren't for my friend's sake, I would've thrown these two out already.

"Why don't you go? The exhibition is about to start, people like you are affecting the image here."

A man, who seemed to be trying to curry favour with Genevieve, came to my side with a fierce look and pushed me to go out.

"Don't move him," Genevieve snapped, grabbing the man's wrist. Her tone suddenly turned icy.

Everyone present froze, including me. What did Genevieve mean by that?

After a long moment, Quint tugged at Genevieve's clothes. "I think Genevieve means it's not appropriate to use force against someone in public."

Genevieve seemed to snap back to reality and went along with Quint's words. "Right, we shouldn't use force against others."

Quint casually linked arms with Melody, his tone nonchalant. "It's fine, Dane. If you want to stay and see the paintings, go ahead. If anyone asks, just say I brought you in."

Genevieve said nothing more, nodding in satisfaction.