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1003 Words
Ava couldn’t shake the uncanny feeling of their encounter with Alexander. As Martin drove them back to his office, she replayed every scene she had witnessed; from the words Alex spoke, to his well composed demeanor shifting, but it wasn't enough to establish anything yet.
Martin broke the silence. “Alex knows we’re suspicious of him now… He’s going to start concealing his traces.”
Ava stared out the window. “Then we need to act fast. But how? We don't have enough information to go on.”
Martin smiled smugly. “Alex’s gallery records, his client lists, and even his emails might be a lead. I know how to get around this kind of thing.”
Ava raised an eyebrow. “You want to hack his emails?”
He grinned mischievously. “I prefer the term ‘Innovative Exploration.’ Firstly, we need to find out what he’s laundering through your name. Is it money, stolen art, or something worse?”
---
The next morning, Ava met Martin at his office. He showed her the activity happening on his laptop, where multiple screens displayed financial reports, emails, and coded files.
“I started digging last night,” Martin said, looking at the screen. “Alexander has been linked to several shell companies. Most are closed, but one caught my attention: it’s called ArtScape. It’s registered abroad and has connections to recent high-value art sales.”
Ava leaned over his shoulder, frowning at the information. “ArtScape... I think I've heard that name before. Yes! One of my older pieces, Baroque Skies, was sold to that company at an auction a few years ago. I thought it was a private collector.”
Martin went through more files. “That’s not all. ArtScape has been transferring large sums of money between accounts in the Blue Islands. The transactions tally with the sales of your work. Someone’s using your art as a facade to get money.”
Ava’s stomach turned. “This is bigger than I thought. If my name is tied to this, it could ruin me.”
Martin’s voice softened. “Not if we act fast. We’ll expose whoever’s behind this and clear your name. But we need a plan.”
---
The first step was to sneak into Alex’s next auction. Martin found out through his contacts that Alex was hosting an exclusive event at a private estate later that week. Only the wealthiest collectors and dealers would be in attendance, and security was very tight.
“We’ll need invitations,” Martin said, pacing the room. “I can get us in as prospective buyers, but we’ll have to play our part.”
Ava folded her arms. “Play our part? You mean to pretend to be wealthy?”
He smirked. “Well, I don’t have to pretend. But you... we’ll need to work on that.”
Ava glared at him, but she couldn’t rebuff the accuracy. She had a functional wardrobe, not flashy though. If they were going to blend in, she’d have to become a different person.
---
Martin took Ava shopping later that day, insisting she needed to look like a prominent artist. The department store was filled with designer wear and accessories, each price tag more ridiculous than the last.
“I can’t afford any of this,” Ava mumbled, eyeing a beaded dress that cost more than her rent.
“You don’t have to,” Martin said informally. “Consider it like an investment in our mission. Plus, I have enough money.”
Ava rolled her eyes but succumbed. With Martin’s assistance, she chose a classy gray gown that hugged her figure and highlighted her chestnut brown hair. Paired with silver jewelry and silver heels, she barely recognized herself in the mirror.
“You look pretty,” Martin said.
Ava blushed under his gaze but brushed it off. “I just hope this works.”
---
The night of the auction arrived. Martin and Ava pulled up to the estate in a sleek black car, amalgamating perfectly with the fleet of luxury vehicles. The estate was an expensive mansion surrounded by trimmed gardens, with glittering lights emitting a bright light over the scene.
As they entered, Ava felt the weight of the luxury pressing down on her. The guests were dressed in designer outfits, their demeanor laced with arrogance. But she kept her head up high, remembering Martin’s advice: “Be confident.”
Alexander greeted them with his normal allure, but Ava noticed he looked at her with a glint of suspicion when he saw her. “Ava, it's so good to see you again. And Mr. Levine, right?”
Martin extended a hand, his smile gentle. “My pleasure, Alex."
Alex’s gaze persisted on Ava. “I wasn’t expecting you here, but I’m glad you could make it. Perhaps you might find inspiration tonight.”
Ava forced a smile. “I’m always looking for inspiration.”
As the auction began, Martin and Ava moved through the crowd, keeping an eye on Alex. The pieces on display were breathtaking, but Ava couldn’t shake the uncanny feeling off. Each artwork had a story, but the origin details were vague, and the bidders seemed more interested in the transactions than the art itself.
When Baroque Skies appeared on the auction block, Ava’s heart sank. Seeing her work in this ambience felt like a betrayal. The bidding was fierce, with numbers climbing to ridiculous heights before the gavel struck.
Martin leaned close to her. “That was a lot of money for one painting. We need to find out who bought it.”
Ava nodded, becoming more determined than ever. This wasn’t just about clearing her name anymore—it was about recovering her art, her identity, and her future.
As the auction concluded, Alex slipped away from the crowd, heading toward a private room. Martin caught Ava’s eye. “This is our chance. Are you ready?”
Ava took a deep breath, her pulse racing. “Let’s do this.”
- Writer
