Chapter 15
Oliver looked like he couldn't wait to wrap up this whole ceremony. As soon as the rings were exchanged, he grabbed April's hand and dragged her offstage to greet the guests, almost like he was trying to cover something up.
Meanwhile, Celeste slipped into a quiet corner, her face blank as she hit "send" on a video she'd just filmed on her phone. Lowering her voice, she muttered into the mic, "I've sent over the first half. Once the final payment hits, you'll get the rest."
Minutes later, her phone chimed with a notification-payment received. She checked her balance, then gave a faint smirk and sent over the second half.
Oliver wanted to play both sides-be shady and still look like the good guy? Dream on. He thought a simple wedding could fool people into believing he was still the heartbroken, romantic guy who'd been "searching" for his missing fiancée? Please.
Nearby, a couple of guests strolled past, whispering among themselves.
"This wedding's way too low-key for the Larson family."
"Yeah, but remember? Oliver's 'missing' fiancée just died. One minute he's offering five million on TV to find her, next minute he's getting hitched? If this was some over-the-top celebration, people would call it out."
"Talk about bad taste. And what's the rush, anyway? Taking a risk with this many people watching."
"He might not have had a choice. Word is the bride's already three months pregnant. If they don't do it now, she won't fit into the dress."
"For real?"
"Totally. My friend's one of the bridesmaids..."
The gossip floated over to Celeste. Her fingers tightened around her wine glass as she stared at April smiling and toasting across the room, cold fire glinting in her eyes.
Three months ago. That was exactly when she and Oliver were supposed to be finalizing their engagement.
Across the room, April-draped in her wedding gown-held Oliver's arm while charming the Shaw family.
Celeste slipped her phone away and strolled over with her glass in hand.
As she neared, April's sugary voice drifted into earshot.
"I heard Grandpa loves Lior Kyre's paintings. I actually wanted to gift one for his birthday, but I was still in Viremont back then. When I found out you'd be here today, I made sure to bring it with me."
"There aren't many real originals left," she continued. "The most famous one is the Pine Landscape, but unfortunately, almost everything on the market is fake now. The original's been missing for years."
She and Oliver shared a loaded glance.
"That's the one," Oliver said proudly, wrapping an arm around her. "April pulled a lot of strings for this one. Took her half a year to track it down from a real estate guy in Marisport."
"Really?" Mr. Shaw perked up. "Can't wait to take a look."
As Celeste walked up, someone was already unrolling the painting. Excited guests quickly gathered around for a peek.
But the moment the scroll was revealed, Celeste froze-her nails digging into her palm.
From Marisport? Hardly. That painting had been hanging in her dad's study for as long as she could remember. Just one of many in his collection.
Mr. Shaw studied the scroll closely, his expression growing serious.
"It's the real deal, Grandpa, I swear," Oliver declared, confident as ever. "If this is fake, then there isn't a genuine one left out there."
A few of the more cultured guests nodded in agreement.
"Grandpa, can I take a look too?" Celeste spoke up at last, her voice clear and steady-cutting clean through the crowd's murmurs like a blade.
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