Chapter 32 They''re friends


    As Liz pulled away the cover, revealing the painting beneath, a collective gasp of admiration swept through the room.


    The artwork was indeed breathtaking, capturing the essence of beauty and emotion in its strokes and colors. Apuse filled the air. mingled with whispers of praise for Mary''s talent. Among the guests, ire couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride and joy. She had seen this very painting just two days ago at the art club


    when Liz gave her a tour.


    Witnessing the guests'' genuine appreciation and the murmur ofpliments brought a soft smile to ire''s lips.


    People around herplimented Mary''s painting. She is grateful that Liz decided to showcase her mum''s beautiful artwork.


    Deep down, ire can''t help but feel a little sad. She wish her mum''s with her to witness this moment. She knows her mum would have love it especially heating all thepliments.


    Her eyes glistened with unshed tears of happiness, but she quickly blinked them away, not wanting to draw attention to her emotions.


    Matthew, who had been observing ire''s reaction, noticed her teary eyes. He ce aa reassuring hand on her shoulder. With a warm smile, he whispered, "Your mother''s painting is very beautiful. I know she is proud of you, ire" ire nodded, grateful for Matthew''s understanding gesture. "Thanks, Matt. Her painting is beautiful indeed." she replied softly.


    ire joined in the apuse, genuinely admiring the painting, and feeling a sense of pride for her mum.


    Once the auction concluded and guests began to mingle, Alex approached Liz to discuss the payment for the auctioned painting. Liz expressed her gratitude to Alex for his generous bid, acknowledging his appreciation for art. "Thank you for supporting our art club." Liz said with a warm smile as she shook hands with Alex, finalizing the deal.


    Alex nodded in appreciation. "I have a deep appreciation for art,"


    With a firm handshake, the deal was settled to both parties satisfaction. Alex excused himself and made his way to the bustling hall, intending to meet with Lisa, however a certain someone caught his attention. The woman in a red dress stood facing a painting by Mary Peterson.


    Alex''s gaze lingered on her back. He hesitated, unsure if he should approach her, but curiosity nagged at him, prompting him to take a step closer.


    "The painting is captivating, isn''t it?"


    The woman turned slightly at his words; Alex''s breath caught in his throat.


    Turns out, Alex eyes didn''t y a trick on him. The woman he saw earlier was indeed ire, but he lost sight of her.


    "ire?" Alex''s voice held a mix of surprise and realization. "What are you doing here?"


    ire maintained aposed facade, though inwardly, she was taken aback by the unexpected encounter. "I could ask you the same thing." she replied evenly, her eyes assessing Alex with a hint of curiosity. "Are you following me again? I can''t believe this."


    "Wait...me following you? You got to be kidding me.''


    Their exchange underlying with tension.


    "I was here for the auction not you." Alex said his tone was firm.


    Realization dawned on ire as his voice remind her of the man bidding Annalise painting.


    "Are you the man who bid on Annalise painting?" ire asked incredulously.


    "And you were the one bidding against me for her painting." He stated, a note of recognition coloring his words.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ire scoffed in disbelief, "I can''t believe I let you win "


    Feeling taken aback, Alex argue. "Excuse me? You let me win? First of all, you did not let me win, second, I have much more money than you


    Their gazes shooting icy res at each other. It was a familiar dance of hatred that seemed to rey every


    timen


    they crossed paths.


    ire''s


    ''s anger simmered as she prepared tounch into a heated argument with Alex, but then she caught hersell. This event was


    dedicated to her mother''s memory, and she couldn''t tarnish it with unnecessary drama.


    Taking a deep breath, ire closed her eyes briefly before opening them with a calm demeanor


    "Fine, Allex. Do whatever you want. I don''t care," she stated tly, her voice devoid of the usual edge it carried in their interactions.


    Alex was taken aback by ire''s sudden calmness, but before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him with a mix of frustration and bewilderment. Meanwhile, ire approached Anna White, a famous actress, who was admiring one of the paintings


    "Anna, it''s so wonderful to see you here," ire said genuinely, extending a hand.


    Anna returned the smile, her eyes sparkling with appreciation. "ire, thank you for inviting me. This event is beautiful."


    They exchanged a hug, and ire expressed her gratitude for Anna''s presence at the charity event. Anna waved off the thanks, acknowledging ire''s role in her career. "It''s an honor to be invited by someone like you, ire Peterson,"


    "Oh, it''s nothing. Anna. 1 just do what feels right."


    As they spoke leisurely, Lisa approached them eagerly, calling out Anna''s name.


    "Anna White! Oh, my goodness, I''m such a big fan!" Lisa eximed; her enthusiasm palpable.


    Thank you so much. I appreciate your support."


    Lisa''s eyes widened in surprise as she recognized ire standing with Anna. Her initial excitement dimmed slightly, reced by a forced calmness.


    You know, Anna, you should be careful who you associate with. Some people can tarnish your image, especially mean girls like her,"


    Lisa gestured towards ire; her wordsced with thinly veiled disdain.


    ire couldn''t help but roll her eyes at Lisa''s attempt to stir the pot. She remainedposed, curious to hear what else Lisa had to


    say.


    "Oh, really?


    "Yes, Anna, you should surround yourself with educated and kind people. Like me for example"


    ire couldn''t help but chuckled.


    Lisa turned to her frowning as she felt offended by ire.


    "What''s so funny?"


    "When you say educated and kind, does a homewrecker included?"


    Lisa red at ire and turned to Anna.


    *This is what I mean. A girl like her can only sprouting lies."


    Anna who can sees passed Lisa chimed in.


    "I''m sorry but what you said earlier contradict with your current behavior. My friend and I really have to go, it''s really nice to see you Lisa, have a good night."


    Anna and ire walked away leaving Lisa standing alone looking like a lost puppy.


    Her purpose to ask Anna for a photo and autograph went down the rabbit hole. She med ire for causing this. Lisa stormed out of the event, balling her fist up in anger. She can''t believe that she lost to ire again. Alex, who noticed her girlfriend, caught up to her.


    "Lisa?"


    ed to hi


    Lisa turned to him face red with humiliation.


    "Are you okay?"


    "No! I''m not okay. ire she is here a-and she ruin my chance with Anna White."


    "What did she do?"


    "She humites me again, Alex. Lean''t stand this anymore." Lisa started crying which make Alex embrace her to soother her crying


    Chapter 32 They''re trends.


    "Turns out Anna is friend with ire."


    "What? They''re friends?"


    Lisa nodded as she continue to sobbed.


    Alex can''t help but remember Liz words.


    "Anna White is here because the event organizer is friends with her."