Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 215

Chapter 215 

Strand pasted the door open 

ana turnd her bead so look at bum 

1r gand right an er 

“You look beautiful,” he said, holding up the shoes in his hand. “I picked these out for you.” 

They were a pair of flat shoes. 

She was pregnant, so high heels were a no–go 

Briana looked confused. “Why are you will here? 

I 

headed on to Carter Group early this morning. When she was half–asleep, she’d heard him quietly get up from the couch, riproring around and trying not to make a sound so he wouldn’t disturbs here. 

What’s he doing back here now? the wondered, 

“I came to pick you up.” Shaped said ‘Best you going to the art show forday? 

The K with mer” Bima aukerf 

“Of course, Shepard repitent 

Birtama set down her lipstick and pusat for a moment. “So, who are you going au?” 

“As the artist Beluma Land’s Bushunch,” he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. ‘Not the CEO of Caster Groups, and definitely not the guy manning the event. 

He was more than happy to play soond fidille, letting Eviana shine as the star of the show 

“The moment you show up everyone will know exactly who you are, Briana trased. 

“Lex them,” shepard said with a smile. Td much rather be your husband than anything else. 

As he spoke, Shepard cane right over to her 

fe bend downs, got down on ose knee, and personally slipped the shoes onto Beland’s feet. 

Is bad closed around her an 

Butane mustiactively tried to put her foot back, bu his grip only tightenest 

the carefully sipped the shoes on for her “How do they feel 

“We did you weak in a pair of shows for me? Briana askerd, reising an eyebrow 

“I had them custom–made just for you. Shepard replied. “The soles are slip–resistant, and the insoles have there layers of lambskin. They are extra soft and comfortable, so you’ll be able to walk around with ease 

Once he was done, Shepard admired her feet for a moment, clearly pleased with his work. 

Briana looked away, drew her foot back as she stood up, and grabbed her perfume. 

With a gentle spray, the sweet, luxurious scent instantly filled the room. 

Shepard stood nearby, smiling softly as he watched her. 

The art show was held on the top floor of the most luxurious hotel in Belaris. 

Security guards were everywhere, earpieces in, eyes sharp and watchful. 

Everyone had to pass through strict security checks, and without an invitation, one had zero chance of getting 

This was a high–profile art exhibition 

Today, priceless masterpieces and famous artists were all brought together for this event. 

Naturally, only Belaris’s elite and powerful had been invited 

And not just any elite, these were the ones who truly loved art and collecting 

Leonard was hanging out with a branch of friends, cracking jokes and having a good time. 

That was unul Briana walked over and called out, “Mr. Dean 

“Hey, Briana, you made it Leonard’s smile grew even brighter. “Come on, let me introduce you. Everyone, this is my student, Briana Lane. She’s got three pieces on display today. 

“Go ahead and check them out, give her some feedback, and feel free to share your thoughts and mingle.” 

The people around him chimed in. “If you picked her, she must be the best of the best.” 

“She really has that artist vibe, calm and collected” 

“Mr. Dean, better watch out. The student might just surpass the masterf 

For my next exhibition, I’m booking Dreamscape Callery for sure!” 

Briana felt a little shy from all the compliments. 

Tm still a newcomer, so I really appreciate your advice and support,” she said. “I hope to visit each of you in the future. Today, I’m here to admire your work and learn as much as I can” 

She was humble, gentle, and very courteous 

I made her all the more endearing 

Chapter 215 

56 vouchers 

Leonard looked at her and said, “These are all my old friends. I’ve known them forever. Just think of them as your teachers as well.” 

“Sure, Mr. Dean,” Briana replied. 

Just then, someone asked, “Briana, who’s the guy with you?” 

These artists didn’t run in business or finance circles, so they didn’t really know Shepard at all. 

But the way Shepard held himself, and the vibe he gave off showed that he was definitely not some ordinary 

person. 

Briana glanced over at Shepard. 

Shepard chimed in with a smile, “I’m her husband. Just call me Shep.” 

Briana was taken aback. 

Even Leonard was stunned. 

He thought, ‘Did he just say Shep? 

‘Who dares to call him by that name? 

‘Everyone else is always so formal, calling him Mr. Carter!‘ 

But the other artists had no idea who he really was. 

So they started chatting with him like old friends. “Hey, Shep, you’re pretty good–looking!” 

“Tall and strong. Shep’s exactly the kind of guy girls love.” 

“Leonard, your student’s got great taste. She locked down a keeper before anyone else could!” 

Briana felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment from all the teasing. 

But Shepard just flashed a smile and said, “Out of all the beauties in the world, I only have eyes for her.” 

Once everyone had scattered to check out the paintings, Briana leaned in and whispered to Shepard, “Shep?” 

Just saying it made her scalp tingle with embarrassment. 

“Yeah,” Shepard replied, a playful glint in his eyes. “Do you like calling me that?” 

“I…” Shepard stammered, at a loss for words. 

Shepard grinned, raising his brows playfully. “Call me whatever you like,” he teased, “but honestly, I’d love it if 

you called me ‘honey” 

Briana shot him a flustered look, then turned away and went to enjoy the show. 

nad time for Shepard’s cheesy flirting. 

uisplay, Briana was completely absorbed. There was no way she 

She paused in front of each piece, studying it closely. 

Admiring and learning from every painting. 

‘Someday, I’ll be a rising star in the art world, and my work will be loved and recognized by many admirers, Briana thought to herself. 

Shepard stayed by her side, taking in the art with her. 

He said casually, “Honestly, I think your paintings are the only ones that really speak to me.” 

Briana didn’t respond. 

“Maybe I just understand your art, but the others? I just don’t get them,” Shepard added. 

Briana still didn’t say a word. 

Just then, a staff member with a name tag walked over to Briana. 

“Excuse me, are you Ms. Briana Lane?” the staff member asked. 

“Yeah, that’s me,” Briana nodded. “Is there something I can help you with?” 

“There’s a buyer who’s got their eye on your painting, Beneath the Waves. Would you mind heading over to the VIP room to work out the details?” the staff member said. 

‘Wait, someone actually wants to buy my painting?‘ Briana thought, her eyes going wide in disbelief. 

For Briana, this was huge. Seriously, the best news she’d gotten all day. 

Instinctively, Briana glanced at Shepard. 

“Is this your doing?” she shot him a suspicious look. 

‘I’m just a rookie, not even famous yet. How could someone want to buy my painting already?‘ Briana couldn’t help but wonder, feeling totally baffled. 

“I did think about it,” Shepard admitted, “but Briana, I promise, I didn’t set this up.” 

He’d even considered hiring someone to pose as a buyer and purchase Briana’s paintings. 

Just to give her a confidence boost and help her get noticed. 

It was all about marketing. 

These days, knowing how to package and promote yourself was absolutely crucial. 

But after mulling it over, Shepard let go of the idea. 

Chapter 215 

Briana locked eyes with him, her expression dead serious. “Don’t lie to me.” 

“Promise, I’m not lying,” Shepard said, his voice gentle and sincere. 

With that settled, Briana followed the staff member to the VIP room. 

565 vouchers 

‘Who’s actually buying my painting?‘ Briana wondered, her heart pounding with curiosity and nerves. 

With a mix of curiosity and nerves, she pushed the door open and peeked inside. 

On the couch sat a man in his late forties.

the picture of a cultured, successful gentleman. 

“Mr. Sharp,” the staff member said, “this is Ms. Briana Lane, the artist behind Beneath the Waves.” 

The man rose to his feet and offered his hand. “Hello, Ms. Lane. I’m Raiden Sharp.” 

“Mr. Sharp,” Briana said, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you.” 

“Please, have a seat,” Raiden said. 

Briana nodded and sat down. 

Raiden smiled warmly. “I’ve decided to buy your painting and display it at home. But before making the purchase, I wanted to meet you in person. You’re even younger and more refined than I expected.” 

“Mr. Sharp, I’m still new to painting myself. May I ask, what is it about Beneath the Waves that caught your eye?” Briana asked. 

Raiden said, “Out of all the paintings here, Beneath the Waves is the only one that truly makes me feel like I’m right there beneath the waves. 

“The colors are bold and striking, and your technique is truly one of a kind. Trust me, it won’t be long before the whole world knows your name.” 

“You’re flattering me,” Briana said with a shy smile. “Maybe it’s just because I’m new to all this, so the colors come out so vivid and raw.” 

“That’s exactly the feeling I love,” Raiden replied. “Once you get famous, you start worrying too much, and suddenly you hesitate. You lose that fearless touch, and it’s hard to paint what you really want.” 

Raiden kept the conversation lively, every word full of genuine appreciation for Briana. 

They talked for nearly half an hour. 

In the end, Beneath the Waves was sold for 300 thousand. 

“Thank you for appreciating my work, Mr. Sharp. If you ever have the time, you’re always welcome at my gallery,” Briana said. 

Raiden laughed heartily. “I can guarantee you, it won’t be long before Beneath the Waves is worth several times what I paid. For me, this painting is both a treasure for my collection and a smart investment.” 

Raiden didn’t even hesitate. He made a generous offer and bought Briana’s painting on the spot, making her believe in herself more than ever. 

Her art was recognized, and it actually had value in the market. ,

AD