Chapter 8 Framing

Arthur grunted in acknowledgment but didn't say anything further.

Seraphina, listening on the other end of the line, sensed his distraction. "I'll head back home and wait for you."

After hanging up, she slipped her phone into her small handbag, smoothed her clothes, and the subtle smile on her lips faded away.

She couldn't help but think about the woman who appeared at that exhibition.

Sarah's steady hands didn't mean much—it was a basic requirement for artists.

Sarah's ability to handle emergencies might just be a coincidence; perhaps she had learned it somewhere.

Seraphina reminded herself repeatedly—regardless of what Arthur was thinking, her position within the Collins family was unshakable.

Over the years, she had mastered the elders' likes and dislikes. As long as she kept their favor, she wouldn't be easily replaced.

She looked ahead, her expression unchanged.

The bronze knocker on the Collins family mansion's front door glimmered faintly in the twilight.

The butler saw her approaching and greeted her warmly, "Everyone's waiting for you in the hall."

Seraphina handed her bag to the butler and quickly walked inside, then knelt beside Elizabeth. "Mrs. Collins, this shawl's color suits you perfectly; it makes you look so vibrant."

Elizabeth touched the shawl and nodded with satisfaction. "You have a good eye. This one you chose is better than the previous ones."

Seraphina smoothed the corner of the shawl, speaking gently, "It's getting colder. I'll have someone prepare some nourishing supplements. Arthur seems to have some new work developments; I'd like your advice."

Elizabeth smiled, "You're always so thoughtful. Out of everyone, you're the least worrisome."

At that moment, cousin Dorothy Peterson sauntered over, fiddling with the jade bracelet on her wrist.

"Seraphina is always considerate. It's rare for a young woman to be so attentive; it's what makes her thorough."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement, "She's been by my side all these years, and I know her well. Seraphina, thank you for your hard work."

Seraphina replied softly, "As long as you're happy, it's not hard at all."

Before she finished speaking, footsteps echoed from the entrance.

The butler quickly went to greet them, "Mr. Collins is back."

Everyone in the hall looked up to see Arthur entering with two children by his side.

James looked energetic, clutching a comic book, and his eyes lit up as he called out, "Great-grandmother!"

John followed closely, his arm wrapped in a thick bandage, moving carefully, his face pale.

"What happened to his hand?" Elizabeth immediately beckoned him over, looking at John with concern.

"It's nothing," Arthur explained in a low voice, "He had a small accident earlier today. The hospital took care of it, and the doctor said he'll be fine in a few days."

John nodded and smiled obediently, "Don't worry, Great-grandmother, I'm okay."

Elizabeth sighed and pulled John closer, inspecting the bandage, murmuring, "It's good for boys to be tough, but they shouldn't be reckless. James, you need to look after John."

James straightened up immediately, "Got it, Great-grandmother, I'll take care of him."

Dorothy chimed in with a smile, "These kids are really sensible, much better than those spoiled ones outside."

The atmosphere at the table relaxed as dishes were served one after another.

Arthur served the children, his movements swift and efficient, his expression remaining calm.

"I heard the art exhibition in town today was quite lively, even made the news. Did you go?"

Seraphina nodded. "Yeah, they invited a bunch of media outlets, but the real talent comes from the seasoned artists. No matter how good the young ones are, they can't match decades of experience."

"Good," Elizabeth said, patting Seraphina's hand. "You get me. Those exhibitions are just for the new names; they'll fade away once the hype dies down."

"Mrs. Collins, your favorite artist is having a joint exhibition next month. I'll go with you to see it."

Elizabeth nodded. "With you by my side, I'll feel much more at ease."

Arthur put down his chopsticks and added calmly, "If that's the case, I'll make time to join you."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

This was the first time Arthur had voluntarily offered to participate.

Usually, Elizabeth would have to persuade him.

"It's good for the family to go together."

James asked curiously, "Dad, what's a joint exhibition?"

Arthur explained calmly, "It's an exhibition of artworks by various artists, different from the art books you usually see."

John added quietly, "Will Mom's paintings be there too?"

The air suddenly became tense.

Elizabeth's expression darkened. "Mom? She doesn't know how to paint. Don't listen to those nonsense rumors outside."

Her tone was cold, full of obvious disdain and disapproval.

John's face turned red instantly. He wanted to speak but didn't dare, lowering his head and biting his lip.

The atmosphere became awkward.

Seraphina, seeing this, maintained her smile and gently persuaded, "Mrs. Collins, they just heard some rumors outside and asked out of curiosity. John didn't mean anything by it; don't take it to heart."

She then turned to John, her tone soft. "Don't worry, eat slowly, and be careful with your injury."

John hesitated, then looked up at her. "Thank you, Seraphina."

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Seraphina's eyes, quickly concealed. "They probably miss their mom. I'll spend more time with them."

Elizabeth grunted, her expression softening. "Alright."

Arthur watched the scene unfold, his face composed, remaining silent.

Seraphina handed Elizabeth a bowl of warm soup, her tone perfectly gentle. "Have some soup, it'll help you relax."

This exchange soothed Elizabeth, and the tense atmosphere at the table gradually eased.

Dinner soon came to an end.

James pulled John aside to play, and Elizabeth was escorted back to her room to rest.

Arthur spoke briefly with his uncle about business matters before heading to the study.

Seraphina maintained her smile as she saw the guests off, only letting it fade once they were out of sight.

In the hallway, she took out her phone and dialed a number marked "Michael - PI," speaking quietly, "I need you to look into someone named Sarah. Urgently!"

"What kind of information?"

Seraphina's eyes gleamed with determination. "Everything you can find. Background, mentors, schools... especially her study abroad history. See if anyone can remember her plagiarizing someone's work. I need evidence, not necessarily concrete, but enough to spread."

"Understood."

She added, "Move quickly, and don't let anyone from the Collins family catch wind of it."

The person on the other end agreed and hung up.

Standing under the dim light, Seraphina stroked her phone, a cold smile playing on her lips.

"Just an artist."

She said, scrolling through her contacts until she found another number.

"Hello, I'd like to report an artist named Sarah."