Chapter 60

Chapter 60:

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Andrew shifted, rising slightly in his seat as his profile emerged from the shadow. He made a small, dismissive gesture toward Ethan. “I don’t care for taking what others cherish,” he said. “Since this piece means so much to you, I’ll give it to you.”

For a heartbeat, Cathryn forgot to breathe. “You would truly part with it, Mr. Brooks?”

A low chuckle unfurled from him, dry and knowing. “Part with it? That’s putting it rather strongly. My family already owns several works by Louis Marquet.” Most of them now hung in Cathryn’s own bedroom.

Relief—and a sudden, buoyant joy—flooded Cathryn’s chest. She fumbled for her phone, eager, almost trembling. “I happen to have thirty million on hand,” she said quickly, words tumbling out. “I can transfer it to you right now.”

Andrew didn’t answer at once. If he refused the money outright, she would grow suspicious. No one simply gifted a thirty-million-dollar painting to a stranger. Better to accept—to play the gracious collector—and leave her coffers empty. Then, when the time came, she would have no choice but to turn to him again.