Chapter 37

William was at a business event when Harry rushed over, having seen something online about Victoria.

William's brows knitted together, and he let out a cold snort. "Isn't she always so stubborn? Don't worry about her. Let her stew for a bit. She'll come crawling back once she learns her lesson."

"But what if she doesn't?" Harry asked, unsure.

A sharp look crossed William's face. "She can't stay away from the gallery job. Just wait and see," he said confidently.

Harry felt uneasy but knew better than to argue. Once William made up his mind, there was no changing it.

"I am off now. I'll ensure to keep you informed of any new updates," Harry said.

William waved him off dismissively.

As he glanced at the wine bottle on the table, William remembered Victoria's reaction when she found out about his engagement that morning.

He narrowed his eyes, picked up the wine glass with his long, clean fingers, and took a sip.

He was curious to see how long Victoria could keep up her stubborn act.

Meanwhile, Victoria was wandering the streets, lost and aimless.

Feeling a cool sensation on her face, she wiped away the tears and realized it had started to drizzle.

Her clothes were getting soaked, and the cold rainwater trickled down her collar, making her shiver.

She hugged herself, curled up into a small ball, and squatted down.

As she cried, she suddenly started laughing-a mix of sorrow and despair.

"How useless," she murmured to herself.

Victoria tilted her head back, closed her eyes, and let the raindrops mix with her tears.

Just then, an umbrella appeared over her, shielding her from the rain.

Victoria opened her eyes to see Samuel holding the umbrella. She stared at him, unmoving.

Samuel, dressed in a camel coat and black pants, looked down at her with a mix of pity and concern.

He reached out, his warm hand touching her cold forehead, and asked gently, "Why are you out here in the rain?"

Victoria blinked her wet eyes and gave a bitter smile. "Professor Brown, I have nowhere to go right now," she said, her voice choked and hoarse.

Samuel moved the umbrella aside, squatted down, and looked at her.

"It's okay; you can stay at my studio for a few days," he said.

He took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, then gently led her to the blue Bentley parked nearby.

Samuel had quickly contacted Starry Studio Gallery when he saw the news about Victoria and found out where she had last been seen. It didn't take long to find her.

Victoria's cold hand was wrapped in Samuel's warm one, and she felt a twinge of emotion.

Samuel helped her into the car, fastened her seatbelt, then got in the driver's seat and headed to the studio.

Using his fingerprint, he opened the studio door, and Victoria followed him in silence.

Only then did she realize this was Joshua's studio!

In the middle of the studio was a large canvas, the unfinished portrait of a woman that Victoria had seen before, now covered with a cloth.

Why could Samuel unlock this studio?

Victoria's heart was in turmoil as she stared in shock at Samuel's back, struggling to believe it.

Samuel seemed to sense her surprise, turned around, and smiled at her. "Come on, we'll talk later. Change your clothes first," he said.

He handed Victoria a set of studio staff uniforms and continued, "These are brand new, so feel free to wear them. I'll make you a cup of hot tea to warm you up."

Victoria took the clothes in a daze and responded, "Thank you."

She looked at the gentle and handsome Samuel in front of her, her emotions surging.

Victoria went to the bathroom to change her clothes, washed her wet clothes, and hung them up to dry.

She then slowly walked into the living room, where Samuel had already prepared the cold medicine and placed it on the table.

He urged Victoria to drink it quickly, "Take care of your health first. Don't worry about this matter; I'll help you."

Victoria lowered her eyes to the cup of hot tea, her eyes red and brimming with unshed tears.

"Professor Brown, thank you," she murmured, "but I'll handle this myself. I don't want to trouble you."

Samuel pondered for a moment and said, "If you want to handle it yourself, I won't interfere. But if you need my help, just let me know."

"Okay," Victoria responded. She then drank the steaming tea, feeling the warmth spread through her body and her mind clearing.

She looked around the studio and at Samuel, hesitantly asking, "Professor Brown, why do you have..."

Samuel raised an eyebrow and smiled. He asked, "Why can I open this studio door, right?"

Victoria nodded.

Samuel's smile deepened. He continued, "I'm sorry. I lied to you before. You probably guessed it; I'm actually Joshua."

Her suspicion was confirmed, but she was still taken aback. She hadn't expected Samuel to be the artist Joshua, whom she had long admired.

And to help her stay at Starry Studio Gallery, Samuel had willingly sold his paintings to the gallery.

Victoria bit her lip and said seriously, "Professor Brown, thank you. You've helped me so much. But since you're Joshua, why did you want me to come to the studio once a week?"

Samuel smiled slightly, his expression calm. "I wanted to give you more time, but since someone gave me this opportunity, I had to seize it."

He stood up, walked to the covered painting, and pulled off the cloth, revealing a familiar face to Victoria-it was her own portrait.

Seeing this, Victoria was momentarily stunned.

Samuel took out a brush, dipped it in paint, and carefully outlined the eyes.

He was focused and serious, and each stroke seemingly conveyed his feelings, filled with love and tenderness.

His profile was flawless, his clean face like a precious gem.

After he added the final flourish, the painting was truly complete.

The portrait of Victoria had a slight smile, her eyes full of bright joy, exuding a lively vitality, like a delicate and beautiful flower blooming in spring.

Victoria stared at the painting, her heart racing.

Samuel turned around, his gaze gentle, a smile in his eyes. He asked, "Victoria, do you feel my love for you?"