CHAPTER 3: THE STOLEN MASTERPIECE
CHAPTER 3: THE STOLEN MASTERPIECE
The gallery owner suddenly stepped between them.
"This conversation is over."
Her voice had lost every trace of confidence.
The famous artist narrowed his eyes.
"Why are you nervous, Victoria?"
Her expression hardened.
"I'm protecting my gallery."
"No."
He held up Lena's sketch.
"You're protecting your secret."
Whispers spread through the room.
The artist walked toward the gallery's centerpiece—a celebrated masterpiece displayed beneath soft white lights. Critics had praised it for years. Wealthy collectors had fought to buy it.
He pointed toward one small corner.
"Remove the frame."
The owner immediately objected.
"Absolutely not."
But several guests had already begun recording with their phones.
One of the gallery's investors stepped forward.
"Remove it."
The frame came off.
Hidden beneath the wooden border was the exact same symbol Lena had drawn from memory.
The room erupted.
The artist closed his eyes.
"I knew this painting wasn't finished when it disappeared."
May you like
He turned toward Victoria.
"You stole it before Daniel could sign his name."
