Chapter 5

Julian and Claire left to fetch the painting, and the room finally turned its attention back to my family.

My uncle spoke up. "It's not a holiday. Why did you call everyone together?"

My parents exchanged a look, then took my hands. "We actually have some wonderful news to share."

I was just about to speak when the doors violently burst open.

Claire stormed in, her face dark with fury, and marched straight up to me.

"Evelyn, did you ruin Julian's painting?!"

"That piece was going to auction! It's worth a million dollars!"

Julian walked in right behind her, holding the canvas. The look he gave me was pure rage.

"I gave you cash because I pitied you! I can't believe you went out there and destroyed my work! Are you out of your mind?!"

My eyes fell on the canvas. Right in the middle of the vibrant composition was a massive, jarring smear of black paint.

I looked at the two of them screaming in my face, feeling nothing but profound exhaustion.

"I've never even seen that painting. Instead of screaming at me, go check the security cameras."

I had been on my feet all day. All I wanted was to announce my engagement and go to sleep.

Claire coldly shut me down. "The painting was left at the front desk."

"You're the only person who left this room. Who else could it be?!"

Panic rippled across the relatives' faces. They immediately turned on me.

"Evelyn, you're the only one who went out there. Just apologize! We're family, they won't hold it against you."

"That's a million-dollar painting! If they make you pay for it, you're ruined. Swallow your pride and admit it!"

Claire tilted her chin up. "Since we're family, beg me in front of everyone, and I might let you pay only half. Five hundred thousand will do."

Julian set the painting aside, his jaw tight. "Apologize properly, Evelyn, or I'll see you in court."

I rubbed my temples. "I already told you I had nothing to do with it. Call the cops."

The shouting had drawn the club's staff. But none of them were looking at us.

Every single employee, from the waiters to the managers, was standing at attention by the entrance, greeting the man who had just walked in.

A second later, I was pulled into a warm, familiar embrace.

"Baby, what's going on?"