Liliana came with a smile on her face. Innocently, she brushed her hand against his arm as a close friend would. Klaus allowed her to do so, smiling as if everything was fine, though he was well aware of her intentions. Since learning the truth that Liliana was genuinely involved with his enemy, he realized that the aunt he had known all along was a sham. Klaus wouldn't trust anything that came out of her mouth anymore.
After greeting Klaus, Liliana exchanged cheek kisses with Julia. They knew each other through Anna. Knowing the mother also meant knowing the daughter. She hugged Olivia and did the same thing, although Olivia seemed uncomfortable. Then, she shook hands with Isabella Wilson.
"Ah, so you're Liliana Liebert. I didn't expect to meet the founder of LR Cosmetics here," Isabella praised Liliana.
Liliana laughed and waved her hand. "Haha, please don't overpraise me. I'm just a shareholder. My husband manages everything."
The two of them chatted briefly, laughing and complimenting each other. Klaus grew suspicious as he observed their interaction. He knew Liliana well. She wasn't the type to easily warm up to someone she just met. If she was doing so now, it meant she wanted something from Isabella.
His best guess was that Liliana was trying to recruit Isabella. However, it was just a speculation.????????????????????????????????.????????????
Amid their conversation, Liliana rolled her eyes at Klaus. "As far as I remember, you've never been interested in anything other than books. What changed your mind, Klaus? Is it a business venture?" She asked curiously.
Because of her, those around Klaus felt the same way. And Julia was the most obvious example.
Of course, Klaus couldn't tell them. There were two reasons for that.
First, he didn't want Liliana to know that he had the same plan as her. Richard hadn't registered as a candidate yet, so she didn't have any clues.
Second, he didn't want to involve Julia in his affairs. When Klaus asked Julia to introduce him to Isabella Wilson, he only mentioned having a business matter with her but didn't provide specific details.
In other words, Klaus wanted to keep it a secret.
Nonchalantly, Klaus put his arm around Olivia. "I'm not really into art. But my girlfriend is. She said she wants to buy 'The Starry Night' by Van Gogh."
Naturally, Julia's jaw dropped. She wasn't aware of their relationship. Meanwhile, Olivia stared at Klaus wide-eyed, and he simply nodded his head, telling her to follow his game.
Holding her breath, Olivia said, "We didn't discuss this beforehand, 'honey'!" The last word sounded strained, enough to make Isabella and Liliana curious.
"It's okay. We can explain it later, alright?" Klaus gave Olivia a confident look, trying to reassure her.
Klaus could have come up with another excuse, like involving Isabella in an art business or something else, but it wouldn't be the right move. It would only create false expectations for Isabella and tarnish his first impression. If Klaus succeeded in recruiting Isabella but lied at their first meeting to avoid suspicion from his enemy, then she would forever see Klaus as a liar.
In every aspect of life, first impressions determined everything.
Julia held her head. "Wait a minute, wait a minute. You two are dating? Why didn't you tell me about this?"
"Oh, so you're dating. Then who was the woman you were dancing with yesterday?" Liliana grew suspicious.
Julia snapped her fingers. "Exactly! I saw you dancing with that red-haired woman. I thought she was your girlfriend, Klaus. And now you're with my daughter? Really?" She gave Olivia a piercing look, suspecting that her daughter was a relationship wrecker.
Olivia couldn't help but cringe. After what Klaus had pulled on her, she had agreed to come here solely to help him, to repay the favor. There was never any discussion about pretending to be a couple. She never expected the situation to escalate to this extent.
The only one looking confused was Isabella. The woman furrowed her brow as the awkward situation dragged on.
Faced with a pair of suspicious and curious eyes, Klaus simply burst into laughter, trying to control the situation with his cheerfulness.
"Calm down, ladies. I'm just kidding. Why are you all so serious? I came here to buy a painting as a gift for my mom. You know, I'm pretty clueless about things like this. There's no way I could come alone. So, I brought Olivia."
Nonsense after nonsense spilled from Klaus, and the women nodded along as his lies took root in their minds. Liliana and Isabella seemed to believe him, while Julia displayed her annoyance on her face.
Klaus winked at Olivia, and she sighed in response.
"Seriously, Klaus! You shouldn't have done that. You know how much I despise cheaters, right? Especially if my daughter is involved," Julia shot Olivia a stern look.
"Hehe, sorry mom. I was just kidding," Olivia replied, swallowing hard.
Secretly, Klaus grinned. Besides successfully concealing his true intentions from Liliana, he managed not to ruin his first impression.
As the awkward situation began to subside, the sound of elegant footsteps drew the women's attention. A handsome man in a black suit approached them with a confident smile. His glossy brown hair caught the light, and his hazel eyes radiated warmth.
Klaus grinned as he saw the man before him.
"Ladies, it seems you've been having fun. Am I missing out on something?" the handsome man remarked.
Julia widened her eyes. "Ah, Jonathan. Thank goodness you're late. It's better that you don't know, trust me."
Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "Hey! Come on. Tell me!"I think you should take a look at
Yes, the handsome man was the second-highest electable candidate for the position of Lieutenant Governor in New York City—Jonathan Thompson.
Isabella lit up as Jonathan stood before her, as if his presence ignited a spark. "Well, Johny, don't tell me you're eyeing the 'Impression Sunrise'? Too bad, Julia doesn't want to sell it."
The handsome man in the black suit chuckled. "You think I don't know that? I contacted Julia long before coming here. Isn't that right, Julia?"
The gallery owner nodded, leaving Isabella puzzled.
"Julia! I thought we were friends. Why didn't you tell me earlier!"
"Sorry, I've been busy lately." Julia offered a guilty smile.
Observing Isabella and Jonathan's interaction, Klaus realized there was a closeness between them. It wasn't hatred, but more of a competitive spirit.
Klaus hadn't anticipated their rivalry. It was slightly different from what he knew.
Based on the information Sheila had gathered, Isabella Wilson and Jonathan Thompson came from different backgrounds.
Isabella Wilson was the daughter of a nickel mining magnate. Living the life of a wealthy heir, she grew up as a beautiful princess with a silver spoon in her mouth. None of her wishes went unfulfilled. However, a life of luxury had made her a spoiled girl.
This Belgian-blooded woman pursued higher education. Her strong passion for art led her to appreciate many things. She possessed a high social conscience and above-average intelligence. She often hit the streets to solve various problems in New York City without expecting anything in return. She founded organizations to protect non-awakeners, established legal institutions to assist the general public, and much more.
On the other hand, Jonathan Thompson was somewhat different. He had aristocratic blood as the heir of an English baron. Like Isabella, Jonathan never exploited his privileges. After the complete devastation of Western Europe because the first dungeon breaks, his family fled to the USA to start anew.
He began his career in line with his interests, which was writing. He authored numerous fiction books that became bestsellers. After gaining popularity as a writer, he transitioned into journalism. Throughout his career as a journalist, he had exposed thousands of corruption cases. His name soared even higher after revealing the bribery scandal involving the Morning Star guild master.
Neither of them had ever been involved in or had political experience. And this was their plus point.
Klaus didn't know how they had become acquainted, but he could see an opportunity to recruit one of them through their relationship.
"By the way, who's this sweet couple? You both look so young and harmonious," Jonathan praised Klaus and Olivia.
"This handsome young man is a friend's son of mine, Klaus. And this rebellious young lady is my daughter, hehe," Julia replied.
"Seriously, mom?" Olivia rolled her eyes.
Jonathan laughed heartily. "Don't be mad. Your mom's just joking. She often tells me how proud she is to have a daughter like you."
Isabella sighed. "Stop buttering up. You're not going to get anywhere. She's still young."
The handsome man snorted, while Olivia chuckled.
The atmosphere lightened, and people seemed to be getting more comfortable with each other. Klaus saw an opportunity to advance his plan.
"Jonathan, right? Do you have any targets for tonight? Maybe Julia gave you a hint about what item will be auctioned off," he asked.
"Coiled Dragon. A painting from the 1540s," Jonathan replied.
"Ah, a work by Meng Xi," Olivia added.
"I heard the Coiled Dragon was destroyed after the first dungeon break. Turns out you've had it all along, Julia," Liliana quipped.
Julia simply giggled.
"Damn, Meng Xi. I own a few of his works," Isabella glanced at Jonathan, giving him a sly look. "Sorry, Johny. But tonight, I'm going to get it too."
Jonathan snorted. "Like you would get it."
Watching them chat so casually, Klaus simply covered his mouth while smiling. He had no idea who Meng Xi was or how valuable the Coiled Dragon truly was to make everyone around desire it. What he did know was that he had to disrupt their lovely evening.
"Coiled Dragon, huh? I don't know how good the painting is, but it looks like you all like it a lot. How about we make a game out of it?" Klaus suggested.
Naturally, the people around him raised their eyebrows in curiosity.
"What kind of game, Klaus?" Liliana asked.
Klaus grinned. "Let's make a bet. Whoever gets the Coiled Dragon, we have to fulfill their wish."
