Chapter 28
Hearing that, Dolores was too angry to speak. Finally, she slammed the phone down. Adam can’t say a single nice word. But 60 million dollars in’t a ural amount. How can I get that much money in a short time” she muttered.
Feeling extremely Instrated, Dolores hailed a cal to Gail antique shop. The staff there knew her well and said, “Ms. Sherry, Mr. Quinn is on the second floor.”
“Thank you.” Dolores nodded politely. She went upstairs, familiar with the place. Gail was just seeing a customer out and raised an eyebrow in surprise when she saw Dolores. “What brings you here at this time?”
Later, Dolores slumped weakly on the sofa and explained the situation. Gail was dumbfounded. “Is Adam really that despicable? Is the Walcom Group going bankrupt? Why is he trying to squeeze money from you?”
Dolores had no idea what Adam was thinking. As for the Walcott Group, it wasn’t going bankrupt, it was doing quite well.
Gail asked. “So, what are you going to do!”
“What else can I do? Pay him back, Dolores answered. The divorce agreement clearly stated that this debt was hers before the marriage. It was only right to pay it back.
Gail was still fuming. “But you married him to pay off that debt. Is he trying to avoid the divorce by creating so much trouble?
At the same tune, Dolores felt exasperated. She would rather he just wanted the money back than avoid the divorce.
“Why not stay married: Adam may be a jerk, but he’s good–looking, rich, and gives you a card to spend freely. And you don’t need to sleep with him. Many women would dream of that,” Gail suggested.
Dolores thoughts drifted, but the memory of the exhausting three–year marriage brought a clear look of disgust to her face. “Divorce is my choice. Gail, if you hear of any suitable jobs, let me know”
Dolores needed money now. Her studio paid a fixed salary, and most of the restorations she did were for archaeological finds to be displayed in museums, which had little commercial value. To make real money. Dolores needed to take private jobs.
Gail was silent for a moment, sensing Dolores determination. She thought of something but hesitated. “I do have a job for you, but I’m not sure you’ll want to take it.”
Dolores was puzzled. Is it very difficult!”
“It’s from Alison Dolores brow furrowed at the name. Gail continued, “She’s been asking around for Doreen. It seems she’s contacted other restorers too, but the damage to her painting is severe. No one dares to take it on, and even those who do can’t guarantee it can be fixed.”
Dolores recalled seeing Alison at the studio before. She had been looking for Philip to inquire about Doreen. Dolores had refused then, but now she had to accept.
“How much is she offering? Dolores asked.
Gail held up a number, which was quite a high fee in their field
“Dancing sure is lucrative. Dolores mused, a bright smile spreading across her face. “Contact her and add a zero to that number. I’ll take the job”
Gail, catching on, gave her a thumbs–up. She made some calls immediately, not directly to Alison but to people in the circle, letting the news leak out Alison had been using a lot of connections to find Doreen lately
Soon enough, Alison called, her tone respectful. “Hello, are you Doreen’s agent?”
Gail lowered her voice. “Yes”
After half an hour of negotiation, Gail flashed an OK sign to Dolores and said, “Alison has one condition. The painting must be restored within two
months”
Time was tight, so Dolores arranged a time and place to pick up the painting. She needed to go personally to authenticate it and ensure no issues during the transfer.
Black+1
Dolores arrived at Alison’s place. As soon as she stated her purpose, Alison’s face darkened. “You’re here to pick up the painting for Ms. Black I
don’t believe it. Where is she?”
1/3
d
Chapter 25
drth. Where the painting”
she works there”
hings herself? I’m her assistant, responsible for this” Dolores didn’t w to waste words and asked
ain. “Aren’t you an apprentice at Ethers Studio! When do you become Doreen’s assistant”
udda 1 bother with
the number Garil had used to contact
Alson her checking. Also found it matched
you loading
- id. lifting her chin arrogantly: “One more zero than the market price, Doreen should come personally. What
Dolores snapped, turning to leave
stunned. She hadn’t expected Dolores to leave so decisively. Dolores is just an avistant. How dare she act so high–handed” she thought.
I’m paying for is restoration? You’re just an assistant. How can you make such decisions? Aren’t you afraid that Ms. Black
De vec kno
will fire your Alison shouted
Dolores could care less. Seeing her walk to the door. Alison was furious but helpless. She had to get the painting restored. Because it was a gift for
“War Alison relented finally, taking the painting from its box carefully.
Dolores raised an eyebrow in surprise upon seeing the painting She hadn’t expected the ancient masterpiece “Night Banquet to be in Alison’s hands
The painting had been purchased by a mysterious collector at an overseas auction for forty million dollars. It was displayed in a museum for a month and then disappeared
Seeing the end of the damage. Dolores sighed. No wonder no one dared to take it. It wasn’t just severely damaged; it was almost unrecognizable.
Dolores opened her case, took our her tools, and began authenticating the painting. It took some time.
And Alison watched her, biring her lip. She hadn’t expected Dolores to be Doreen’s assistant. “Philip doesn’t know about your side job, does he
Wouldn’t you get kicked out of the studio?”
Dolores wasnt intimidated. Feel free to try.
Alison buffed. She wouldn’t dare. She wasn’t sure of Dolores position with Doreen and upsetting her might be risky. She could wait until the pating was restored to report this to Philip
“Why didn’t you say you were her asi
only two months left, the thought
t when I visited Ethers Studio!” Alison continued. Then I wouldn’t have wasted so much time. There’s
Dolores raised an eyebrow and asked, “Are we that close!”
Alison watched her examine the painting meticulously, feeling scornful. This apprentice can’t possibly tell if it’s genuine. Real experts in antique restoration have decades of experience. She’s just putting on a show”
Then Alison had a thought and smiled smugly “Restoring this painting is expensive. If it weren’t for Adam giving me his secondary card, I couldn’t
Dolores, who had been cold and indifferent, finally reacted. She looked at Alison, not with the expected anger but with a calm expression. “Ms. Black despises homewreckers. Should I pass that message along?”
Hearing this, Alison remained ulent.
Seeing her silence. Dolores focused on her work again. But thinking about earning Adam’s money, she regretted not charging more. She should have asked for 60 million dollars directly
