Chapter 4A Muse to Astonish the World

I sighed, my voice heavy. "Warwick, this is the last time."

As a show of his resolve, Warwick deleted all of Luna's contact information right then and there. In the following days, he came home on time every evening. He even started learning to cook to please me. Our relationship seemed to return to the warmth of our early years.

I believed the chapter with Luna was closed, and I threw myself into preparing for my studio's annual exhibition. After countless sleepless nights perfecting the new series, everything was finally ready. I told my team the official opening was in three days and sent them home to rest.

The next morning, Faye, one of my signed artists, called me.

"Kathy… I… I've been replaced."

I was stunned. "But the exhibition isn't for two more days."

Faye's voice broke. "Mr. Vance… he moved the opening to today!"

My mind went blank. I grabbed my car keys and bolted out the door.

When I arrived at the gallery, Warwick was on stage, confidently answering questions from the press. And standing beside him, glowing under the lights, was Luna Jiang.

The paintings hanging behind her were Faye's new series—the work she had poured her heart and soul into.

Shaking with rage, I stormed the stage. "Warwick! What is the meaning of this?"

He flinched when he saw me, a flicker of panic in his eyes, but he quickly composed himself. "Kathy, Faye wasn't feeling well and couldn't make it. I asked Luna to fill in at the last minute."

The words were barely out of his mouth when Faye emerged from the crowd. "I am not sick! Mr. Vance's secretary informed me that I had been replaced!"

A wave of murmurs swept through the audience.

I pointed at Luna, my voice dripping with ice. "Take down her paintings and get her out of here. This is my exhibition. Who the hell is she to display the work of an artist from my studio?"

Tears welled up in Luna's eyes. "Ms. Sterling, I didn't know anything about this, please, don't do this to me…"

Warwick pulled her behind him protectively. "Kathy, this was my decision. Don't take it out on Luna!"

I laughed coldly. "Warwick, you've crossed every line for her. This project was my baby, and now you're interfering with this, too? Have you forgotten how you knelt and swore to me?"

Luna's sobs grew louder as she clutched Warwick's sleeve. "Mr. Vance, please don't fight with Ms. Sterling because of me… It's all my fault. I'm just not worthy of your kindness…"

Seeing her tear-streaked face, Warwick glared at me. "Kathy, this project might be your work, but it belongs to my company! As the president, what's wrong with me replacing one artist?"

Before I could argue, he cut me off, his voice rising in accusation. "You're too controlling! You cut off her funding over something so trivial and had the gallery suspend her work! You even hired people to harass her! She's just a child, fresh out of school, and you've pushed her to the brink of a depressive relapse! I wouldn't be helping her if it weren't for that! I'm cleaning up your mess!"

I was so furious I laughed. "My mess? Warwick, you're a master of self-deception! How dare you be so self-righteous about your affair!"

His nerve was struck. He flushed with anger. "Kathy, if you cause any more trouble, I will have you removed from your position immediately! You can be a stay-at-home wife!"

CRACK!

I had reached my limit. I slapped him, hard.

He clutched his cheek, his face dark with fury, and called for security. "Get these two crazy women out of here! Don't let them ruin the exhibition!"

Faye and I were brutally dragged out of the gallery. Staring at the closed doors, I let out a cold, sharp laugh.

I took out my phone and dialed the director of my family's investment group.

"Immediately cease all investment in Vance Industries and sever all partnerships. Recall all our personnel. Three days. I want Warwick Vance to have nothing left."