CH 85

Ines greeted the VIPs politely.

“Thank you so much for coming to my solo exhibition, Kaldorov’s distinguished guests. It’s an honor to be able to do my first exhibition in Kaldorov.”

It was a clear voice that was just right to hear, and an impeccably polite attitude.

The eyes of the distinguished guests were slightly likable.

Ines continued calmly.

“The theme of this individual exhibition is ‘Return’.”

The affectionate gaze slowly fumbled on the wall of the exhibition hall.

Countless pictures hanging on the wall.

At one time, those paintings were all published under Ryan’s name.

She filed for divorce from Ryan and regained it, proving it was her own paintings.

“Because the paintings displayed in this individual exhibition themselves are proof that I have regained my life.”

Ines’s voice was energized.

“I hope my paintings can reach you with a single echo. Thank you.”

As soon as she finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted from the corner of the exhibition hall.

Clap clap clap clap!

Ines looked back reflexively.

Looking at her round belly, the woman looked well past her mid-pregnancy.

Nevertheless, she was a noble lady who somehow kept the feeling of a young girl.

“Oh, that person.”

For a moment, Ines felt her heart rattle.

She couldn’t help but know.

“You’re the Marquees of Attlee.”

The mastermind of inviting the management team of the exchange exhibition to Kaldorov, and the lady who once had a relationship with Enoch.

“…….”

Ines tried to suppress her complex mood.

She put her hand on her chest and bent her knees to show courtesy.

It was a polite greeting that was common on all continents.

Then Marquees Attlee’s expression brightened.

Facing the bright face, Ines fell into a confused mood.

‘…… Marquees Attlee is definitely a person to thank.’

She gave her a golden opportunity to hold an individual exhibition in Kaldorov.

So she was grateful.

‘Why does my heart become so heavy the moment I face the Marquees…?’

Meanwhile, starting with the applause, a thunderous applause broke out.

Ines, who came to her senses, once again showed courtesy to people.

“Thank you very much for this hospitality. But the reason why I was able to come this far is.”

She glanced back at Enoch.

“His Highness, the Duke of Sussex has been very helpful.”

Their eyes met.

Looking into his lake blued eyes, Ines continued clearly.

“If he hadn’t supported me, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to take my painting back and present it to the Kalodovs.”

Ines concluded her words with sincerity.

“Thank you very much, Sir.”

Once again, a big round of applause broke out.

Facing countless people applauding her, Enoch smiled faintly.

Unlike his usual smooth smile, he had a rather clumsy smile.

That was really strange.

He certainly didn’t like being a center of attention.

“I am honored to be the first to recognize the Countess’s talent.”

Enoch politely gave credit to Ines.

Ines bit her lip gently.

“…….”

It was certainly a blessing for Enoch to take her seriously.

And yet…

‘I’m confused.’

Ever since she encountered the Marquees of Attlee, it had been difficult to calm down.

Ines, who was forced to smile, turned her head.

Under the shadow of her lower eyelashes, her dark green eyes trembled slightly.

Like a summer forest swept away by strong winds.

* * *

A little time has passed.

The atmosphere of the individual exhibition was ripe to the fullest.

“Nice to meet you, Countess of Brierton.”

“I really wanted to see the Countess this time, and I’m very happy to have this opportunity.”

Ines was surrounded by people in an instant.

The most surprising thing was that not only the ladies but also the gentlemen tried to talk to Ines somehow.

Of course, just like in Lancaster, no one openly said anything about Ines’s divorce.

However, there was also a negative view of saying, “How dare a woman divorce?”

In particular, the view was more prominent with the gentlemen than with the ladies, and some of the gentlemen were somewhat reluctant to Ines.

“I just crossed the border, but I didn’t know the atmosphere was so different.”’

It was a bit of a daze but not a bad feeling.

In fact, it can’t be good to be ostracized by someone.

Ines was pleasantly absorbed in the conversation.

On the other hand, there was a gaze on her.

‘Countess of Brierton, really…… She is very popular.’

It was Enoch.

There was a deep crease between his brows.

Rationally, Enoch knew clearly why Ines was so popular.

She proved her ability in the exchange exhibition and was also excellent as a painter.

Kaldorov’s aristocrat, who had long been Lancaster’s rival, paid attention to Ines and held her first individual exhibition abroad.

In addition, aside from her artistic talent, Ines was pretty enough to attract men’s attention.

It was an objective fact, not because of Enoch’s favor with Ines.

No wonder, Ines was also secretly popular in Lancaster.

Although there were some people behind the scenes who were secretly talking about her because of the fact that she was divorced once.

Ines, who was young, beautiful, rich, and even had a title, was still one of the best brides candidates in the kingdom.

Ines was so hurt by Ryan that she drew too many lines around her that she didn’t notice the interest.

Though he knew how men show their interest just by the look of it.

‘……Do you need to be that popular?’

Strangely, he felt his stomach twisted.

And then.

“The Duke of Sussex.”

Just in time he heard a voice calling for him.

Enoch looked back at his opponent with an elegant smile.

A beautiful noble lady was looking at Enoch with sparkling eyes.

She had just made her debut in society, but she was still close to an adolescent girl.

“It’s such an honor to have this opportunity to meet the management team.”

“I can’t help but thank you enough for appreciating our exchange exhibition at Kaldorov.”

“Oh, my… How can you be so humble?”

The aristocratic lady chattered, her cheeks turning red.

“I really wanted to go to the exchange exhibition. I was really sad that I couldn’t go because my parents didn’t allow me…….”

Her eyes folded in a gentle way.

“I’m so happy to meet the famous Duke of Sussex like this.”

“I’m flattered.”

“No! Your reputation is also very high in Kaldorov.”

The lady had a rather shy face, but nevertheless she was articulate.

“Actually, I’ve been wanting to see your face for a long time.”

In that excited voice, Ines glanced back toward Enoch.

She stared at Enoch, wondering who was the noble lady talking to him.

‘It’s the same thing in Kaldorov, as people say, he’s Lancaster’s most popular.’

Looking at Enoch surrounded by the ladies, her heart somehow became stuffy.

Of course, Enoch’s popularity remained to be understood.

A handsome and rich unmarried royalty was bound to be popular everywhere.

In Lancaster, the ladies used to line up to try to talk to Enoch, so it was natural that it was a similar reaction here.

In addition, the age difference between that lady and Enoch looked significant at first glance.

Ines didn’t have to be conscious of that lady.

‘I know him well, but…’

“…….”

Ines pulled her lips unconsciously.

Sometimes, whenever she saw Enoch like that.

She felt like he was far away.

Because he was the man everyone wanted.

Twinkling far away, out of reach of her hands.

‘I don’t think I should dare cross the line…….’

“Hello, Countess of Brierton.”

Just in time, a cheerful voice greeted Ines.

Negative thoughts break apart.

Ines, who reflexively looked back, opened her eyes wide.

‘Oh, that person…’

That person with a gentle smile.

From Lancaster to Ines’s complicated mind…….

“It’s really nice to meet you like this. I’m Margaret Attlee.”

……It was the Marquess of Attlee, the lady who once had a relationship with the Duke of Sussex.