Chapter 74

• The soft hum of conversation filled the gallery as I arranged a new piece on the center display, a vivid abstract painting that seemed to pulse with life under the afternoon sun.
• I could hear murmurs of admiration from a small group of visitors behind me, their awe giving me a fleeting sense of pride. At least my work wasn’t falling apart here.
• “Excuse me, miss?” one of my staff members called out, her voice laced with excitement. “There’s someone here asking about that piece in the corner. Should I let him know it’s reserved?”