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    b208 /bChapter 208 Protective Departure

    208 Chapter 208 – Protective Departure

    Finally, his protective instincts won the internal battle. “My apologies, Edricb, /bbbut /bbI /breally must step out briefly.”

    Isaac straightened his tie importantly. “Allow me to present Mr. Harris. He’s bconnected /bto the Winchester family through business rtionships.”

    Their families moved in ovepping circles. When one appeared at such gatheringsb, /bothers inevitably followed.

    “He’s currently entertaining some major collectors in his private study. The discussion might continue for quite some time. Please, make yourselvesfortable.”

    Protocol demanded he wait for a proper audience with Neal Patterson Senior. Leaving prematurely would be considered a significant breach of etiquette. Yet his concern bfor /bVeronica’s welfare in the presence of her enemies was eating at him.

    Her confidence wasn’t misced. Both families valued their social standing above petty revenge. In such a prestigious venue, surrounded by the city’s elite, they wouldn’t dare create a scene that could damage their carefully cultivated reputations. The offer hung in the air like a golden opportunity. Meeting her artistic hero face to face would be a dreame true for any art enthusiast. But Mary’s weathered features softened into a gracious smile as she declined.

    “Mr. and Mrs. Crystal, what a pleasant surprise to see you here tonight.”

    “Good to see you made it tonight.”

    Dario lifted his crystal tumbler in mock salute. “Likewise.”

    Mary’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Let’s begin with whatever’s closest and work our way through. I want to savor every single brushstroke.”

    Edric waved dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. Handle whatever you need to.”

    Maverick settled into the offered chair, but Dario remained visibly agitated. He checked his expensive watch repeatedly, his leg bouncing with barely co…dined nervous energy.

    Edric settled back in his chair with practiced ease. “iMy /igrandfather could be upied

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    for another hour easily. You’re both wee to mingle outside if byou /bprefer. The evening air might be more pleasant than waiting in here?

    Maverick watched the hasty departure with knowing calction. The target bof /bbDario’s /bconcern was obvious to anyone paying attention.

    Kolton took an instinctive step forward, clearly intending to approach her. But Maverick’s hand shot out, gripping hispanion’s arm with subtle force. His expression had hardened into disapproval.

    “Which piece shall we admire first, Grandma?” Veronica asked, offering her arm for

    support.

    The magical mention of the Winchester name transformed both women’s demeanor instantly. Their smiles became genuine, their postures more deferential.

    Isaac’s chest puffed with pride at being recognized. “Indeed, we wouldn’t miss such a cultural event.”

    Her decision was final, and Dario recognized the quiet dignity in her refusal. Stillb, /bthe presence of both hostile families made his protective instincts re. He cast a worried nce toward where the Crystal and Mack lingered.

    She had expected this confrontation. If the Crystal and Mack could anticipate her arrival, then surely she could predict their presence as well. The art world in their circles was surprisingly small.

    Edric emerged from a side room, carrying a delicate porcin teacup which he handed to Dario with practiced hospitality. His attention shifted to Maverick with polite recognition.

    After exchanging the requisite pleasantries and business cards, Maverick and Kolton excused themselves to fulfill their primary obligation. They navigated through clusters of guests toward the inner sanctum where gifts were being received.

    Dario ran a hand through his hair, clearly torn. “Not exactly, but there’s a situation iI /ishould probably monitor.”

    Maverick epted the acknowledgment with a curt nod. “Absolutely. Where might we find your grandfather? We have gifts to present.”

    Mary’s hand remained steady as she gently patted Veronica’s fingers. “Everything’s

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    bfine/bb, /bbdear/bb./bb” /b

    –

    b“/bIsaac, Dora, you must introduce us to your acquaintances, Jade bdemanded /bbwith /bsharine sweetness.

    Inside the more intimate space, they discovered Dario lounging in a leather barmchair/bb, /blooking characteristically at case among the wealthy and powerful.

    Dario was already moving toward the exit before the words finished leaving Edric’s mouth.

    Veronica deliberately turned her back on both men, guiding Mary toward the nearest painting without acknowledgment.

    Mary epted the exnation without prying. She understood that some associations were better left in the past.

    “Dario? Should have known you’d be here too,” Maverickmented without surprise.

    Veronica caught the concern in his expression. “Please, go handle your business. We’ll be perfectly fine here.”

    Edric’s perceptive gaze didn’t miss the anxiety. “Is there somewhere else you need to be, Dario?”

    Reluctantly, Dario nodded and disappeared into the crowd of distinguished guests.

    up the two younger Before the conversation could develop further, Sophia and Jade Mack glided over with predatory grace. Their eyes glittered with curiosity as they sized

    men.

    Momentster, Isaac and Dora Crystal made their grand entrance, dressed in their finest evening wear. They approached Maverick with calcted smiles, ready to expand their socialwork, when he preempted their introduction.

    Dario stepped closer, his voice carrying a note of genuine warmth. “Mrs. Jayden, I’d be honored to introduce you to Mr. Patterson Senior personally. He’s inside greeting guests right now.”

    They had barely taken two steps when Maverick and Kolton materialized at the gallery entrance. Maverick’s sharp/gaze immediately located Veronica among the gathered art lovers, while Kolton’s face lit up with poorly concealed hope.

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    “We’ve crossed paths professionally. Nothing more significant than that.”

    “Simply being surrounded by so many of his masterpieces under ione /iiroof /iis blessing enough. I wouldn’t dream of imposing on his time during such an iimportant /ieveningi./i”

    “Those two gentlemen seem familiar with you,” Mary observed quietlyi, /iiher /iartist’s eye

    missing nothing.

    bComment /b