chapter1369

The color of the clouds in the distance needs to be deeper and softer. It might create a more harmonious effect."

Leonard froze for a moment.

This painting was the last piece he had created before becoming the head of the Lerman family. He had spent an entire night on a mountain, finally deciding to give up his paintbrush to fight for the family's leadership. He painted this final piece as a farewell to the life he loved.

But after finishing it, he always felt it wasn't as perfect as his earlier works. He had even discussed it with Aurora, who suggested that perhaps his state of mind had changed, which was why he found the painting flawed. He could never pinpoint the reason and gradually came to believe she was right-that his perspective had shifted.

A few days ago, while putting Aurora's gift away in the storage room, he stumbled upon the painting again and found himself thinking of Summer. What would she think of it?

He never expected Summer to give him such a specific and insightful suggestion.

Though Leonard could no longer paint, modern technology made it easy to have his work reproduced. He picked up his phone and arranged for it to be done. Two hours later, he stared at the re-colored artwork, his dark eyes filled with a deep intensity.

"Summer is truly one of a kind," he murmured to himself. "She sees things differently than any other artist."

He took a photo of the revised painting and sent it to her. "Thank you for the suggestion. It was incredibly helpful."

Stella Cameron smiled faintly as she looked at the image of the repainted piece. It was indeed far more harmonious than the original. She replied, "You're welcome. I'm happy I could help."

On the other side of the screen, Leonard felt a strange sense of unreality as he read her response. She was happy just because she could help him?

He had grown so accustomed to cold calculations and transactional relationships that he could hardly remember the last time someone had helped him without weighing the benefits Exen his own sister Simone, only helped and cared for him because he provided her with security and support.

...

Just as Stella sent the email, a soft knock sounded on her office door. "Come in,"

she said. Joshua Gardner entered, holding an invitation.

He paused, noticing the faint,

lingering smile on her lips. His eyes darted to her laptop before settling on her face his gaze deep and searching. "Who were you chatting with, Star? You look happy

Stella didn't hide anything. "It was just a girl who used to buy my paintings. She

asked for my opinion on one of her pieces, so I gave her some advice."

Hearing it was a girl, Joshua visibly relaxed. He handed her the invitation. "Star, this

is for Old Mr. Chapman's birthday gala this weekend."

As a top-tier family, the Williamses were expected to attend such a significant event, especially since the Williams and Chapman families had already agreed to an alliance, with only the official engagement date left to be set.

Stella glanced at the invitation and nodded. "Alright, I've got it."

Normally, Joshua would have left immediately after delivering something, but today,

he lingered by her side. "Is there something else, Joshua?" Stella asked.

He looked down at her, his dark eyes reflecting her image. "You'll need an escort for this gala, Star. Have you thought about who you'll ask?"