Fourteen Days

Chapter 2 The Stolen Spotlight

The annual Kensington Art Foundation Gala filled the main hall with patrons, artists, and cameras. Arthur's ruby necklace sat heavy against my throat.

Arthur kept one hand on my back as he steered me through the crowd. I moved beside him as quietly as another piece from his collection.

A server appeared with my usual drink. Sparkling water, lime wedge, no ice.

"You forget to hydrate when you're nervous." Arthur straightened the cuff of my gown. A week ago, I would have mistaken that small habit for love.

Tonight, he checked the cuff and turned toward the cameras.

He walked into the spotlight.

"This year, we are dedicating the entire central exhibition hall and our largest creative grant to a singular, visionary talent."

For years, he had promised me that spot. "When you're ready to step out of the shadows, Chloe."

"A true modern muse. Please join me in congratulating Maya Lin."

Applause filled the hall. Arthur had given her my painting, and now he was giving her the future he had promised me.

I slipped away to the VIP lounge. Maya was admiring her reflection in a mirror, turning to catch the light on a massive emerald necklace. Arthur had won it at auction.

"Mrs. Kensington. Arthur insisted. He said it brought out the green in my eyes." Her smile widened. "He's even clearing out a space at the estate. A private studio."

She held up a slim black key card stamped with the gold Kensington crest. "The east studio wing. He said it gets the best light after noon."

The east studio wing. He had promised to renovate it for me, then put the key in her hand.

"Congratulations, Miss Lin. You must be very inspiring."

I turned away before my voice gave me away.

Back at the villa, I waited for him to fall asleep before opening the vault behind our dressing room. I unclasped the ruby necklace and dropped it into a large velvet-lined case.

The diamonds from last year went in next, then the sapphires from the year before. Every piece of jewelry he had given me joined them.

He had bought each one after giving me another reason to ask questions.

I closed the case and dialed a number from memory.

"Hello, Julian. It's Chloe Kensington. I have a collection I need to liquidate. Immediately. Yes, everything. Don't think of them as gifts. Think of them as severance."