The Predator’s Contract Partner
chapter-232

“Elisha, is there a painting you like among these? Take your pick.”

“I am fine. I’m already enjoying myself enough.”

“You really only know how to decline. Do you know how much the other granddaughters-in-law wanted to come here? You should know that I find you cute and favor you this much.”

The patriarch spoke while she was looking through the pictures. And as always, Lucerne paid no attention to anyone else.

“Why do you find someone else’s wife cute? It’s unsightly and weird, so be careful what you say. Moreover, isn’t Elisha the only person in this family who is similar to the Head’s daughter-in-law? Does my woman even have a worthy rival? Don’t even bring it up in places where there is no need to fight for affection.”

“Ha, this rascal, really…..”

The lord shook his head. But he wasn’t truly angry. Originally Gaju was fond of Lucerne, for he was his most outstanding grandson.

However, Lucerne’s attitude was so overbearing that they could not get closer. It was only recently that Lucerne’s attitude had been relatively moderate. So, the relationship between them was more cordial without any intervention.

“Is there a picture you like? I’ll buy you anything.”

Elisha knew that Gaju was paying attention to her. Half of his intention was to give her a gift, but the other half was to enhance her discernment. She chose a painting without difficulty.

“The popularity of ancient, classical painting styles is on the decline. I’ll go with this art piece. People are getting tired of pictures of ancient goddesses. I’d like a more modern painting.”

“This is a fairly abstract painting. You really like this?”

“Yes. I am sure this artist’s works will fetch a high price at the auction this year.”

Elisha easily spotted a piece by a painter who died 100 years ago among the artworks. The artist’s works were famous for their bizarre depictions of objects.

However, their style started gaining momentum from this year’s auction, and it was a painting expected to reach the highest price next year. She remembered her previous life because it was one of the paintings she had purchased on Carola’s orders.

“You have a great eye. This painting is currently the artist’s most notable painting. Although he was not recognized during his lifetime, only recently has his genius been recognized. Plus, there are a lot of pictures he painted while he was alive. When a painter has a large number of works, it is easy to raise the price. So once it starts to catch on, it will become incredibly popular,”

the auction employee said. Elisha nodded.

“I like it.”

“If my child wants it, we should get it. The paintings by this artist. Give me everything you brought today.”

The Head also bought several ancient works of art at exorbitant prices.

“Thank you, my lord,”

Elisha spoke calmly. Lucerne looked annoyed.

“The head of the family only bought it because she wanted it. Don’t think of showing off to my wife.”

“This rascal really doesn’t spare a word.”

Elisha smiled very slightly at Lucerne’s attitude.

“Thank you, my lord but I’m already graced by spending my day at the Duke’s House. I am afraid that if I have too many things, I will become greedy for other things.”

Elisha knew the patriarch’s favorite words and actions. This time, too, she handled herself humbly.

“You have to be more greedy. No matter what the world says, you are my grandson and granddaughter-in-law.”

It was only then that Elisha understood Lucerne’s earlier remark.

‘The head of the family made a decision sooner than expected.’

Marco was unusable. It was said that he could not come to his senses even at the estate where he was exiled and continued to cause problems. Reports said that the small branch of the company entrusted to Marco was already on the verge of collapse. There is no doubt that Jacob’s interference was behind it.

But the result would have been the same if there had been no interference. This is because Marco was practically out of his mind. After receiving a report on Marco’s current status, the patriarch was very disappointed.

Jacob seemed to be wandering on his own path and had a talent for business. He would come back after he accomplished some merits. However, he lost favor and was despised because of Carola. So, the head of the family would want to keep Jacob in check through the Lucerne couple.

“Lucerne, have you heard any news about your son yet?”

“None. I’m busy being a newlywed,”

Lucerne answered briefly. Elisha looked away. Indeed, what he said about Gaju was right.

“Hurry and show me your wonderful son,”

urged the Head.

“That will bring you more fortune.”

Lucerne raised the corners of his mouth as if he was dumbfounded. Elisha lowered her eyes.

Indeed, there was no reversal among the Cartier family. The patriarch was hoping for a great-grandchild as a way to keep Jacob in check.