Chapter 246
When he said Bayatten mansion, Macy’s breath caught.
“You had a really hard time. I just wanted you to be free to paint.”
“What use is saying that now? It’s all in the past anyway.”
Macy’s words slipped out sharper than she meant. Her expression was different from her usual sulky replies.
For a moment, a cold draft seemed to sweep through the room, chilling the atmosphere. In the heavy silence, Eren spoke in a low voice.
“You’re right. I was foolish. Still, I want to help you find your name, even now. It’s what you always wanted, isn’t it? To be independent, financially and mentally.”
“…”
“To reclaim your name as an artist, paint the works you want, find a home, start a family… I won’t be in any of it, but I want you to live well.”
A tremble ran through their joined hands. Eren’s hand shook.
When Macy looked at him, he saw his lips pressed into a tight, complicated line.
* * *
Eren and Macy’s Name treatment went smoothly, almost too smoothly — Eren was so compliant it made Macy uncomfortable.
Maybe because Macy said she’d rather endure awkwardness, they stopped talking altogether after that.
The requests to just hold hands and wear a blindfold were respected. Eren came silently, did the treatment, and left when Macy said two hours had passed.
He never mentioned his offer to help reclaim her name again, probably because Macy had made it clear she didn’t want his help.
The problem was Macy realized late that she might need Eren’s power after all.
“Duke Krygen is really going to help?”
“He says he will, but I’m still uneasy about getting his help…”
“Why not? If he offers, take it.”
Kieran said excitedly.
“The trial is all about swaying public opinion. That’s how you rebuild your reputation as an artist. The public opinion about Yannick has turned positive again. If you don’t act cleverly, it’ll be tough. Changing public opinion won’t be hard for Duke Krygen. His family’s lawyers are top-notch. Winning is almost guaranteed.”
“Really…?”
“Of course. What do you think of the Krygen family? The Duke is good at business and can move entire empires with just a word or a look.”
“I see…”
Macy knew the Krygen family was influential but wasn’t familiar with their history or business, or how important Eren was.
Before the Name treatment, Macy had been stuck isolated in her studio. The only news she got was from Anna, who mostly commented on the Duke’s appearance.
It felt a bit awkward to ask for help again…
“Anyway, I’m glad you decided to paint again. Anna said you didn’t want to see paintings at all, so I was worried.”
Kieran said with relief.
“I thought maybe if I showed you your old paintings, you’d want to paint a little.”
“My old paintings? They’re all burnt up, aren’t they?”
“The ones we did together on my canvas. You wanted to practice drawing squirrels.”
“Oh, that… That was fun.”
Talking about it brought back old memories and made Macy smile. But she still had some worries.
“I haven’t painted for a while. What if I’m out of touch? Art trends change. I don’t even look at paintings anymore…”
“Your style never follows trends. It’s not like anyone can copy it. Oh, and about those paintings Yannick Horton is painting again.”
“Yes. Have you seen them? Are they real?”
Kieran had heard the news too.
“Yeah. I saw them at a gallery. They look very similar to your style. People who don’t know might really think you painted them. But the details and brush strokes are a bit different. The mood and feel are somewhat off. I can’t really explain it well.”
So basically, they look convincing on the surface.
“How did he even paint like that? My brother isn’t the kind of person who can do that…”
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