Ch. 966..970
Chapter 966
Sylvia played with the three little ones until the evening.
In the evening, Isabel and Liam both had a piano lesson. Aunt Tonya brought Flint to bed. Sylvia went to the third floor by herself. There was a big room with three walls facing the sun.
At this time of the day, the orange sunset slanted from the west and landed on the neat and clean table, the floor, and the painting and carving tools on the table.
Aunt Tonya had told her about this place, saying that it was a workshop specially prepared for her.
Although Sylvia had no memory of this place, she had a familiar feeling as soon as she stepped inside. She could not help but look at the complete sets of painting tools, and the two paintings hanging on the wall.
The paintings were framed. Both of them were landscapes, and the artist's signature stamp on the bottom read: Sunflower. The signature stamp was placed in a box in a corner of the table.
Sylvia lifted her hand to touch it, but when she remembered that one of these things belonged to her nine years ago, she quickly withdrew her hand again.
Then, she walked around the table, went to the other side where the carving tools were placed, and sat down. She picked up a small wood block with one hand, the carving knife with the
other, and carved aimlessly.
To her surprise, carving came to her quite smoothly. It seemed that she was born to carve.
‘Does that mean that although | crossed over from nine years ago, my body still retains the memory of carving?’ The more Sylvia carved, the more excited she became.
Unknowingly, it turned dark. She did not notice the flow of time and continued to be immersed in carving.
Perhaps because she had not touched a carving knife for too long, as she carved, a painful sensation suddenly shot up her wrist. She had accidentally scratched her hand with the carving knife.
Blood instantly oozed from her finger, and she let out a hiss of pain. “What happened?” A man‘s anxious voice suddenly sounded behind her. Sylvia was immediately startled again.
Before she could turn around and look, Odell walked to her side and picked up her cut finger. After examining it, he took out his cell and made a phone call.
She did not know who he called, but the other party answered quickly. Odell said in a low voice, “Bring the first aid kit to the third floor.”
Almost instantly, Sebastian and a maid came in with the first aid kit.
Seeing that Sylvia only cut her finger , Sebastian and the maid sighed with relief at the same time. They put down the kit and went out.
Odell brought the first aid kit over and took out the disinfectant and Band-aid from inside. First, he cleaned her wound, then he put the Band-aid on her finger and advised her, “Don't touch water today.”
His voice was grim. “Okay.” Sylvia‘s eyes lit up, and she could not help but ask,” When did you come back?”
“Half an hour ago.” He put the kit aside as he spoke, then picked up what she had carved. It was a sunflower that was about to take shape, and it was quite exquisite. His thin lips curled up.” It's quite good.”
Sylvia instantly smiled at his compliment. “I think so too. | originally thought that | wouldn't be able to do it.” Odell looked down at her with deep eyes.
When he did not say anything, Sylvia asked, “What are you looking at me for?”
“Did you know how to carve nine years ago?”
She shook her head. “I liked to carve erasers when | was in school, but | never played with wood carvings.” “So, do you remember anything now?” His eyes burned with anticipation.
She shook her head again. “No.”
Odell's expression darkened for a moment, then he put back the unfinished sunflower.
“Come down for dinner,” he said.
“No need. I'm not hungry. This flower is almost done, so I'll go down later.” Sylvia was still enthusiastic about finishing up. She picked up the carving knife and was about to continue.
The next second, the sunflower was snatched back by a large hand.
Chapter 967 Odell looked at her with a stern gaze. “You're not allowed to carve anymore. Wait until your hand is better.” Sylvia pursed her lips.
Odell frowned again as his expression turned cold. It was clear that his words were not up for discussion, so she had no choice but to put down the carving knife and stood up.
He held one of her hands and led her outside.
When she passed the painting area, she could not help but glance at the two paintings again.
Odell noticed her gaze and looked over.
“Odell, did | really paint those two paintings?”
He looked at her and pursed his lips. “Yeah.”
“I'm really amazing.”
He held back a smile and said, “If you feel your hands itch, you can paint for the next few days and continue carving when your hands are better.”
Sylvia hesitated. “I'd rather not.”
The reason why she could carve so smoothly was most likely because she used to carve erasers for fun when she was in school. However, the two paintings in front of her were in no way something that she could have painted nine years ago. Both the skill and the artistic concept of the paintings had been
beyond her reach nine years ago. She had better not ruin her reputation.
Furthermore, for some reason, she did not dare to touch those brushes. A repulsion seemed to throb from her heart. Odell pursed his lips in silence.
Sylvia did not look at the two paintings again and took the initiative to drag him out.
Although she agreed to stay away from carving for the time being, she still could not help but feel tempted.
Thus, the next morning, not long after Odell left for work, Sylvia arrived on the third floor.
The door was transparent. She looked excitedly at the table with the carving tools inside and raised her hand to press the door handle, but it did not budge.
Frowning, she pressed it a few more times before confirming that it was locked. It was clearly unlocked when she came in yesterday.
She turned to the living room, found Sebastian, and asked him,” Sebastian, do you know where the key to the door on the third floor is?”
Sebastian smiled and replied, “There’s only one key for the third floor, and Master Carter usually keeps it with him.”
‘So, the key is with Odell? He locked the door on purpose? He‘s such a meanie!
Sylvia frowned in displeasure and then asked, “Can you call a locksmith?”
Sebastian looked troubled. “I'm afraid | can't do that. If Master Carter didn’t open the door, then it can't be opened.” “Alright.”
At this time, Isabel and Liam were in class, so Sylvia could only play with Flint.
Fortunately, the little guy was quite interesting. Not only did he not cry or make a fuss, but he was also quiet and obedient. Time with him went by quite fast, and it was the afternoon in a flash. Flint napped for a few hours every afternoon while Liam and Isabel also had to continue their classes.
However, the door of the third floor was still locked. Sylvia was really bored, so she went out. Jacob drove her around. “Where would you like to go?” he asked.
Sylvia thought about it and said, “Let's go for a walk around the Art Academy.”
“Sure.”
Jacob steadily drove the car.
Sylvia put one hand on her cheek and looked outside.
Aunt Tonya said that she had spent some time over at the Art Academy and that the area was a famous art paradise in Westchester, so she decided to go on a stroll there.
Chapter 968 Half an hour later, Sylvia arrived at a pedestrian street near the Art Academy
The street architecture and installations exuded a vintage and scholarly feel. Various stores were interspersed with the galleries and several small art stores, among which were two sculpting studios.
Sylvia went in for a stroll.
Some of the carvings were not very skillful, but they had a distinct design. Sylvia bought two trinkets to carry in her hand and then continued to stroll inside.
Unknowingly, she reached the end of the street and entered an open painting exhibition. In front of her was a moderately-sized square filled with paintings of all kinds. Sylvia was confused for a moment, but her steps did not stop as she walked toward the paintings.
Some of the paintings were mature, some were childish, some were introspective , and some were cheerful and with a lot of personalities. It did not seem like they were the work of students of the Art Academy. Instead, they looked like they were painted by a professional.
Sylvia did not think much about it. She drank the lemonade she had just bought and weaved in and out of the aisles to admire the painting.
Then, when she turned the corner at the end of the row, she saw a young woman heading in her direction. The woman wore a white Aine skirt and had long hair. Her makeup was not thick but very delicate, and her posture was elegant.
When Sylvia looked at her, the woman seemed to be staring at Sylvia as well. The woman‘s gaze was cold and haughty, as if she wanted to smile but could not bring herself to do so. In short, her expression was very unnatural.
Sylvia turned her head to look behind her, but there was no one there. ‘Is she looking at me? But | don't know her.’ Sylvia looked over toward her again.
The woman was walking toward her with her eyes straight forward. It was obvious that she was going to walk past Sylvia.
‘| guess | was mistaken then.’ Sylvia did not think much about it and turned around to continue looking at a painting beside her. Lily, who was about to walk over, instantly turned ashen. Then, she coldly snorted and walked away quickly. Sylvia admired painting after painting and did not leave a single one behind.
If something caught her eye, she would look at it a while longer. If it did not catch her eye, she would just glance past it. She did not stop until she had seen all the paintings in the square.
At that moment, she also came to the end of the exhibition, where a group of people with work tags on their chests, seemingly the staff of this painting exhibition, were discussing something. The atmosphere was very lively.
Sylvia threw the cup of lemonade into the trash can next to her and was about to turn around and leave.
However, at that moment, someone in the crowd suddenly called out to her. “Sylvia?”
At once, all of them stopped their discussion and looked at her.
Sylvia also looked over curiously. The man who called her looked like he was in his thirties or forties, with a beard and hair that went past his ears. He looked very scholarly and somewhat unapproachable, but he was looking at her with a glowing gaze. It was clear that he knew her.
However, Sylvia could not remember who he was.
The group of people around him were also staring at her. It seemed they all knew her.
She could not remember any of them. She only recognized the young woman beside him as the one who was staring at her when she was admiring the paintings earlier.
Out of politeness, Sylvia smiled at him. Simon immediately walked up to her and asked with a smile,” Why didn't you tell me you were coming here?” “| was just going on a stroll and happened to come in here.”
After she finished speaking, she saw the woman from before walking up to her. The woman smiled at Sylvia.
Chapter 969
The smile was polite and graceful, but it was also condescending.
Sylvia felt awkward, so she did not look at the woman and continued to look at Simon instead.
Simon also looked her up and down. “Sylvia, why do | feel that something's different about you this time?”
Sylvia pursed her lips and was just about to say that she lost her memory when an unpleasant female voice rang out. “Ms. Ross, even if we had some misunderstandings before, you don't have to ignore me, do you?”
Lily‘s expression still maintained its politeness and elegance, but her gaze was cold and contemptuous.
The air instantly fell silent.
Simon‘s expression changed, and everyone else was quiet.
Sylvia paused and looked at her. “Do we know each other?”
The atmosphere froze in an instant.
Lily turned ashen. “Sylvia, do you think you can act all high-and mighty now that you have Master Carter to protect you?” ‘How dare she talk to me like this in public?! Act high-and mighty?‘ Sylvia asked directly, “Do you know me?”
Lily glared at her. “What are you talking about?”
Sylvia said, “So, you were looking at me earlier, right? Why did you ignore me then as well? | thought that we didn‘t know each other.”
As soon as she spoke, the atmosphere around them stiffened even more in awkwardness. Everyone looked at Sylvia in disbelief and could not help but look at Lily.
“So, they already met earlier, but Ms. Springsteen ignored her.’
Lily‘s face turned purple again. She thought that Sylvia was deliberately saying that to make her look bad in public. “Sylvia, it seems that you've been living a happy life with Master Odell lately.”
‘How dare she trap me like this?!
Her expression changed, and she smiled and said, “You should be recovering well, right? We were just saying that none of the paintings on display today are outstanding. Why don't you paint one for us in public and boost our exhibition‘s popularity?”
Except for Simon, although everyone else knew that Lily was deliberately making things hard for Sylvia, they still cast expectant looks at her.
Someone echoed, “Yes, Ms. Sunflower . You haven't produced any works for a long time. If you paint on the spot, it'll definitely attract a lot of people.”
“Ms. Ross, I'll prepare the brushes and paper for you.” In just a few seconds, someone ran to set things up for her.
Sylvia hurriedly backed up and waved her hand. “No, no, | haven't painted for a long time and can't paint well anymore, so | won't make a fool of myself.”
“Ms. Ross, all of your paintings in the past were masterpieces. Even if you haven't painted for a long time, your skills must still be extraordinary.” Lily smiled at her. “Besides, you're obviously in better shape now than before, so your paintings will definitely be better now.”
“Don't be so modest, Ms. Ross. Hurry up and paint.”
Sylvia continued to wave. “Thank you for the compliments, but | will pass.”
Seeing this, Simon also came over to help her, but he was interrupted by Lily‘s cold voice. “Ms. Ross, you repeatedly refused so many of us. Is it because you think we don't deserve to see you paint on the spot?”
The air was silent at once as the group of people all stared at Sylvia.
Simon also choked on his words.
Just when everyone thought that Sylvia had no way to refuse, she showed a smile as fake as Lily‘s and said, “It's not that you're unworthy. It's me that's unworthy.”
Then, without giving Lily and the others to organize their reply, she turned around and ran. She fled directly toward the way she came from. She escaped quickly, as if afraid that they would tie her down and force her to paint.
Lily was speechless, and Simon and the others were also at a
loss for words. They all stood where they were, stunned.
Chapter 970 Sylvia ran all the way out of the street.
Jacob had been following her from the shadows. When she started to run, he went after her and caught up with her when she finally stopped.
He asked anxiously, “What's wrong, Madam? Did you meet someone who wants to harm you?” Sylvia panted from exhaustion. “N.—no.” “Then, why are you running?”
“| met a group of difficult people.” Thinking of the young woman who led the group in heckling her earlier, she looked at Jacob and asked, “Do you know who the people who just talked to me were?”
“| know a few. Except for Ms. Springsteen, the others should be from the Westchester Art Association.”
‘The Art Association? So, the man who was warm and cordial to me earlier was my good friend Simon Foster? As for Ms. Springsteen...
She asked, “Is Ms. Springsteen the woman who stood in front and talked to me?”
Jacob responded, “Yes.”
Sylvia frowned. ‘No wonder she was acting strangely toward me. She's Lily Springsteen, the eldest daughter of the Springsteen family who had a fake engagement with Odell before.’
“Madam, did Ms. Springsteen say anything to you?”
“Well, she tried to encourage me to draw in public.”
“And then?”
“And then | ran.”
Jacob looked at her righteous appearance and felt his lips twitch.
It was already dark when she returned home.
Liam and Isabel were still having piano lessons. Flint had also just woken up and flapped his lips, wanting to drink milk. Sylvia fed him and held him in the living room to play.
Ding!
Suddenly, the phone in her pocket rang.
She held Flint with one hand and took out her phone with the other. It was a message from Simon. “Sylvia, are you okay?” Sylvia typed with one hand. “I'm fine. What's wrong?”
Simon replied, “That's good. | just feel that you seemed a little off.”
She laughed and replied, “I forgot to tell you, but | have amnesia.” Simon typed, “...”
She continued, “I'm sorry. | didn't mean to not recognize you just now.”
“So, you really don't know Lily?” “Yeah.”
They went on to talk about her memory loss.
After an unknown amount of time, when Sylvia was getting carried away by the conversation, she was suddenly slapped on the head.
“Ow!” She cried out in pain and looked up to see Odell.
He wore a black shirt and slim pants carrying his jacket in one hand. He looked at her somberly. “Who are you chatting with?”
Sylvia replied honestly, “Simon.”
“What are you two chatting about so happily?” She did not even notice him after such a long time. “We're talking about my memory loss.”
He narrowed his eyes, his expression still unhappy. “How did you get to that topic?”
Sylvia told the story of her meeting Simon in the afternoon. “I went near the Art Academy this noon and met him at an outdoor painting exhibition. Lily and the others kept trying to get me to paint, but | ran away directly, so he sent me a message because he was worried.”
Odell's eyes flickered.
He lifted Flint up and handed him to Aunt Tonya, then sat down beside Sylvia and wrapped his long arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his arms. Then, he asked, “Lily and the others tried getting you to paint?”
“Yeah, but they didn't succeed.” “Oh?” Looking at her somewhat smug expression, he smiled and asked, “How did you escape?” “lran away.”
When she said those words, she raised her brows as if she was very proud of herself. It was like she did something very clever. Odell could not help but curl his lips. “Then what?”