Some Ruins Can Never Be Rebuilt

Chapter 4

That night's event was both the Preston family's centennial gala and the formal debut of the newly established cultural foundation's chief art officer.

In the center of the ballroom, Vivian wore an elaborate gown and projected the delicate fragility of someone only recently recovered from a long illness.

Countless prominent guests surrounded her with praise.

"You look so much better, Miss Duffy. I heard Mr. Preston demolished half a street to inspire you?"

"Mr. Preston certainly dotes on his sister."

Vivian lowered her eyes shyly. "It's all because Alexander indulges me. I truly feel terrible about it. I'm sorry, Sylvie..."

Before she finished, a stir rose beyond the crowd.

Sylvie had arrived.

She wore no jewelry and no brilliant gown.

Yet as she passed through the crowd, her innate elegance and composure made everyone else fade into the background.

Alexander was speaking with two senators.

The instant he saw Sylvie, he strode toward her.

He held out his arm naturally, expecting her to take it.

Sylvie didn't move. She simply stopped half a step away.

His arm hung awkwardly in the air.

The two senators exchanged knowing smiles and tactfully walked away.

"Sylvie, we're in public. Watch yourself," Alexander warned in a low voice.

At events like this in the past, Sylvie would always take his arm with effortless grace, fend off drinks for him, and gaze at him with open admiration.

Now she stood within arm's reach, yet she seemed separated from him by a glacier.

"Dad! Aunt Vivian!"

Lucas came running over. "Dad, the unveiling is about to start!" He ignored Sylvie completely and threw himself into Vivian's arms. "Aunt Vivian looks so beautiful today, just like Snow White. I'm going to hold her hand when we cut the ribbon."

Vivian stroked his hair and said gently, "Be good, Lucas. Today is a big day for your mom and dad. Your mom should cut the ribbon."

"I don't want her to!" Lucas shot Sylvie a look of disgust. "She's dressed like an old witch. She doesn't understand art at all. All she does is fight with Dad over a stupid old building."

Several society women who overheard him covered their mouths and laughed as they looked Sylvie up and down.

Alexander's face turned ashen. He yanked Lucas behind him. "Lucas, shut your mouth and apologize to your mother!"

"No!" Lucas threw a tantrum and began shouting. "You're the one who taught me that! You said Mom was stubborn and that Aunt Vivian was the true pride of the Preston family!"

The words struck Alexander like hammer blows.

Panicked, he looked at Sylvie.

He wanted to explain that those had been casual remarks and that he had never meant to belittle her in front of their son.

But there was no expression on Sylvie's face.

No anger, no humiliation, not even the pain of betrayal.

She merely glanced at the boy and gave a faint laugh.

"Alexander, it's time," she said, as though reminding a stranger. "You need to go unveil it."

The enormous screen lit up behind a massive curtain.

The host announced, "Tonight, Preston Group is launching its most ambitious cultural revival initiative yet. Under the direction of our chief art officer, Ms. Vivian Duffy, we are about to unveil a modern art center themed around 'Sunlight.'"

Thunderous applause filled the room.

Vivian walked onto the stage on Alexander's arm, with Lucas following proudly beside them.

Sylvie stood in the last row.

"Now, let us count down three seconds and witness a miracle!"

"Three, two, one!"

The ribbon was cut, and the curtain slowly fell away.

What appeared on the screen, however, wasn't the concept art for Vivian's so-called modern art center.

The control system suddenly went black.

When the screen came back on, it was playing a video.