Chapter 21: A group of pedantic people
Hatred burned in their eyes.
Not just Roe—every person present, including Mr. Johnson, cast accusatory glares toward John. It was as if Wade's sudden illness had become entirely his fault. A quiet fury simmered among them, the unspoken consensus being clear:
John had ruined the perfect calligraphy and painting exchange.
And that woman—Alice. She was no less culpable in their eyes.
From now on, both of them would be blacklisted from all future art gatherings. Their names were to be permanently struck off any prestigious invitation list.
"Cough..."
A raspy fit of coughing shattered the tension. Wade stirred and slowly regained consciousness, the flush draining from his face.
Everyone exhaled a breath of relief.
Julian calmly withdrew the acupuncture needle and coldly remarked, "I seem to recall someone questioning my skills just now."
He glanced pointedly at John.
Of course Julian had heard him earlier, but he hadn't responded at the time—he was concentrating on the delicate process of acupuncture and couldn't afford to be distracted.