Chapter 948
Chapter 948:
“You?” Her brow furrowed slightly in recognition.
Yelena possessed a memory as sharp as a blade, slicing through the fog of chance encounters with ease.
She never would have guessed that beneath his refined appearance lurked the persistence of a shadow—one that had trailed her from the Barton estate to this very place.
A shiver prickled down Yelena’s spine, and any inclination to entertain a conversation with him evaporated like mist beneath the morning sun. Without a word, she turned on her heel, the air around her cooling with unmistakable disinterest.
Johan, sensing the misunderstanding thickening between them, stepped forward hastily. “Wait—I swear, this isn’t what you think. I’m not some creep lurking in the dark. It’s pure coincidence that I ended up here and ran into you p>
Yelena flicked him a glance as cold as winter’s first frost, her silence louder than words. Would any stalker admit to their nature, really?
Johan let out a slow breath, raking his fingers through his hair, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. How was he supposed to fix this? Perhaps an introduction would break the ice.
“My name is Johan Barker,” he said, a small but sincere smile curving his lips. “I’m a frequent visitor to this gallery.” His voice softened, holding a trace of admiration. “You have a keen eye for art. It’s rare to see someone who genuinely appreciates paintings rather than just their price tags p>
Extending a business card toward her, he waited. Yelena didn’t take it.
At that moment, Austin walked over. Noticing someone bothering Yelena, he spoke up, his voice tight with displeasure, “What do you think you’re doing p>
Johan couldn’t help but notice Austin’s tall, striking figure, and a sense of competition instantly rose within him.
If this man was the girl’s boyfriend, Johan knew he stood no chance.
A flash of disappointment flickered across Johan’s face.
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The gallery owner, spotting Austin from across the room, quickly made his way over with a warm greeting. “Mr. Barton, it’s rare to see you here. Have you found any paintings that caught your eye? I’d be happy to gift one to you p>
Austin replied, his tone indifferent, “No need. When I see one I like, I’ll buy it p>
Without another word, Austin took Yelena by the hand and led her away, walking past Johan.
Johan’s gaze followed them, lingering on Yelena for a moment before he reluctantly pulled his attention away.
Turning to the gallery owner, he asked, “Who is this Mr. Barton? You seem to show him a lot of respect p>
The gallery owner chuckled softly. “Johan, since you’ve just returned from abroad, you might not know him. He’s the wealthiest man around. His influence is unmatched, and everyone’s eager to be in his circle p>
Johan’s curiosity piqued. “Does he have any sisters p>
The gallery owner nodded. “Yes, he has a younger sister named p>
“Ellen p>
“Yes, that’s right! How do you know her? Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for her p>
Johan’s face flushed slightly, embarrassed at being so transparent. “I find her intriguing,” he replied, sounding casual. “But we’ll see how things go p>
Though his words were light, Johan couldn’t help but feel confident that if Ellen took the time to get to know him, she’d find him far more charming than the rest.
The gallery owner smiled knowingly. “I’d advise you to reconsider. She’s a hard one to impress. Many in this city have tried to win her over, but she hasn’t taken any of them seriously p>