207 Chapter 207 Social Collision
207 Chapter 207 Social Collision
Friday dawned crisp and clear when Veronica’s phone buzzed against her nightstand. Mary’s excited voice crackled through the speaker, practically vibrating with anticipation as she begged Veronica to join her at Neal Patterson‘ art exhibition that Sunday morning.
Meeting Veronica and Mary here hadn’t been part of his calculations.
The overwhelming social circus had driven Neal into self–imposed exile over a decade ago. The art world had mourned his absence like a lost treasure.
The moment she ended Mary’s call, her phone erupted again. Sabrina’s name flashed across the screen like an unwelcome ghost from her recent past.
Dario‘ expression shifted, tension creeping across his features like storm clouds.
They understood Mary’s passion for Neal’s work better than anyone. After a decade of waiting, nothing could have prevented her from attending this resurrection of artistic brilliance.
They’d barely crossed the threshold when familiar faces emerged from the
sophisticated mob. Before they could locate a single painting or navigate toward the Patterson family’s receiving area, the Crystal and Mack materialized like inevitable fate.
Neal Patterson commanded respect that transcended mere artistic appreciation. His family name carried weight that made lesser families scramble for his attention. The painter’s exhibitions had become legendary not just for the artwork, but for the social currency they represented.
His expression mirrored hers as he stepped out, clearly not expecting this coincidence. “Ver? Madam Jayden? What brings you here?”
“Something bothering you?” Veronica asked, reading the change in his demeanor.
Mary worshipped Neal with the fervor of a true believer. The legendary artist hadn’t graced the public with an exhibition in over a decade, making this announcement feel like a miracle to his devoted followers.
Dario remembered the chaos of Neal’s previous exhibitions. The venues had resembled
207 Chapter 207–Social Collision
elegant battlefields where New Wins’s elite fought for position and influence. With the Patterson family stronger than ever and this being Neal’s triumphant return, today promised to eclipse all previous spectacles.
Sophia and Jade held court near a dramatic oil landscape, their animated conversation drawing admirers like moths to flame. Neither woman registered surprise at seeing Veronica’s group arrive.
Cullen’s devotion to Niall ran deeper than ocean currents. The image of him embracing Veronica had to be nothing more than a cruel trick of perspective.
The exhibition stretched before them like uncharted territory, filled with
masterpieces and social landmines in equal measure.
Neal’s return to the exhibition circuit after years of silence deserved acknowledgment. Bernard Reid, Dario‘ grandfather, had little patience for crowded social events these days. Instead, he’d dispatched Dario as the family’s gracious representative.
The Reid family had no need to chase favors from anyone, including the Patterson clan. Their relationship stretched back generations, though time had cooled the once–warm connection between the family patriarchs.
Veronica let the call die unanswered.
Mary’s face lit up with curiosity. “I had no idea you appreciated fine art, Dario.”
Dario had predicted correctly. The crowd rivaled any major cultural event in the city’s recent memory.
The rarity of the occasion made Veronica’s decision easy. “Count me in for Sunday.”
Saturday evening found her at the Murray family table, sharing dinner and
Sunday morning arrived with crisp conversation until the evening shadows grew long autumn air as she and Mary set out for what promised to be the cultural event of the
season.
Since Monday’s awkward parent–child event at school, Sabrina had maintained radio silence. Now, suddenly, he wanted to talk.
Which meant Cullen, Niall, and the entire Crystal dynasty would undoubtedly make their appearance.
Industry insiders whispered that Neal’s previous exhibitions had generated billions in
207 Chapter 207 – Social Collision
congratulatory gifts alone. The money meant nothing to the Patterson family, but the gesture of respect meant everything.
“Dario?” She couldn’t hide her surprise.
During Neal’s last exhibition, Veronica had been too young to navigate such sophisticated waters. The years between had offered little news about the reclusive artist, leaving her unprepared for what awaited inside.
“Perfect.”
“I wouldn’t call myself an enthusiast,” he admitted with a slight smile. “I’m here as a family representative, delivering a gift on behalf of the Reid.”
Minutes later, the trio approached the exhibition hall’s imposing entrance. The three–story venue stretched before them like a modern cathedral dedicated to artistic worship.
He forced his smile back into place. “Just thinking ahead. Let me park properly, then we’ll brave this together.”
The exhibition venue buzzed with anticipation even from the parking lot. Veronica had barely emerged from their car when a familiar vehicle pulled alongside theirs.
Inside, humanity pressed together in elegant chaos. Voices created a symphony of cultured conversation while designer heels clicked against polished marble floors.
Comment 0
