Chapter 22
I saw Barrett mingling with a few guests and sipping champagne. I took a deep breath before confronting him.
“Can we talk?” I asked him as I approached.
He turned his scrutinizing gaze in my direction and plastered a smile for his viewer’s sake.
“Miss Stormwind, you made it,” he said in greeting. “We were just talking about your incredible art piece at the auction and how you’ll be painting more for your fans soon.” I pressed my lips together.
“I already told you; I’m not painting anymore using that model, Mr. Anders. I’ve made a promise I intend to keep,” I told him firmly, causing murmurs to erupt around us.
Barrett gave a fake, and slightly nervous laugh as he glared at me.
“And I told you, I expect more from my exclusive writers,” he said, his fake smile never leaving his face.
“Then why exactly did you reject the paintings I sent you yesterday?” I asked him, raising my brows. “I’ve worked hard on those, and they were well done in my opinion. Did you reject them out of malice?” His face turned red at my accusation.
“Are you saying I’m not professional, Miss Stormwind?” He asked through his teeth. “As my worker explained, your paintings simply did not fit the gallery’s theme p>
“That’s funny because I made sure to match the theme properly before painting those pieces for the gallery,” I said, raising my brows at him. I was wholly aware of our gathered audience and the growing silence around us. “If you ask me, I will say you rejected my paintings because you were upset that I wouldn’t cooperate with your demands p>
“How dare you walk into my cocktail party and insinuate such nonsense,” Barret growled, pointing his long finger at me. “If it wasn’t for me, you would be nothing right now. You needed my auction to put your name out there and it was my gallery that is getting you the recognition that you have now. The least you could do is cooperate with my requests p>
I folded my arms across my chest.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” I said with finality.
“Then I guess there’s nothing more for us to discuss, Miss Stormwind. If that’s your viewpoint, it would make better sense to just terminate the contract and forget this exchange ever happened p>
He said, waving his hands in defeat. Just as he did though, a waiter walked by holding a tray of champagne and Barret’s hand whacked the tray, causing all the champagne to fall and crash to the ground. I felt the liquid before I saw the giant stain on my gown.
Gasps erupted around me but before I could react, a strong hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me away from a very angry Barret. I looked up at the figure that stood in front of me and my mouth fell open. It was Elliot and he was fuming with rage.
What was he doing here? I thought he had other plans p>
Whispers erupted around me as everyone took steps away from the scene.
“It’s the gallery owner p>
“He’s the big boss p>
“It’s never good pissing the boss off p>
The gallery’s owner? I thought to myself as I stared up at Elliot’s back as he continued to glare at Barret who was now trembling in fear.
“Alpha Crown. It’s an honor to see you,” Barrett said, showing his head in respect.
Elliot took off his suit jacket and to my surprise, he turned to face me, draping it over my shoulders.
He spoke loud enough for Barrett and everyone else to hear, the anger evident in my voice.
“I came here as a surprise to my wife but imagine my own surprise when I arrive and see her being treated with such disrespect p>