Chapter 132: Best in Bloom
Outside the private museum, everything looked polished to perfection. The pavement gleamed, framed by manicured hedges and bright seasonal flowers. Well-spaced trees along the stone path, while a small fountain bubbled quietly near the ticket counter.
Cars glided smoothly through the well-maintained parking area while Theodore Marston faced Aveline.
"Ms. Laurent, I’m truly sorry for what happened," Theodore said, his voice formal and laced with regret. "I arrived late, and things clearly spiraled out of control. I take full responsibility for the chaos earlier. It shouldn’t have happened to any participant."
Aveline nodded lightly.
"If I may..." he continued, "I would appreciate it if you stayed until the announcement. It would truly help with the atmosphere."
There was no humility in his tone, just calculation wearing politeness like a tailored coat. The media wouldn’t take her absence well, and they both knew it.
Aveline paused. She wasn’t fond of people suddenly going out of their way unless they had something to gain. Damage control and good PR. It wasn’t hard to guess what Theodore wanted.
"I’ll be around," she said simply. "I’ll appear during the announcement."
"Of course," he replied, stepping aside. "And thank you, truly."
Aveline nodded once more and got in her car.
Theodore stood watching her leave, his expression shifting as her Maserati pulled away. He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and let out a low chuckle.
"She handled the mess without uttering a damn word," he muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing with both admiration and amusement.