Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rowan Vale 44

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Briana was just about to start the car when she caught a glimpse of Shepard in the rearview mirror. 

He stood on the villa’s front steps, hands clasped behind his back. 

Tiffany was beside him, saying something to him before handing him an item. 

He took it, weighed it in his hand, and then started walking toward Briana. 

Shepard knocked on her car window. 

Briana rolled the window down just a crack. “Need something?” she asked. 

Shepard said, “Tiffany made you an herbal pouch. She said to drink it after lunch.” 

Only then did Briana roll the window down further and take the pouch. 

It looked dark and felt heavy in her hand. 

“Make sure you get rid of it. No traces,” Shepard said. With that, he turned and walked away. 

Briana drove to Dreamscape Gallery. 

She gripped the herbal pouch like it was a live grenade, headed straight for the restroom, tossed it into the toilet, and flushed it without a second thought. That sick, queasy feeling still clung to her, refusing to go away. 

Briana honestly didn’t know how much longer she could keep pretending. She was about ready to just have it out with Evelyn. 

Suddenly, the delivery guy called out from outside, “Briana! Your big package is here. Can you come sign for it?” 

“Coming!” Briana called back. 

Briana didn’t have the time or the headspace to get caught up in all that drama. The gallery’s renovation was almost finished, and they’d be ready for a soft launch. Her main focus now was just getting the gallery off the ground. 

***** 

The day Dreamscape Gallery opened, the place was absolutely buzzing, unlike anything the city had seen before. 

Leonard himself showed up to cut the ribbon. 

His 

presence brought in tons of young fans, along with a swarm of reporters and media crews. 

The entrance was jam–packed, so crowded that the police had to step in just to keep the chaos in check. 

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Chapter 44 

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As the gallery owner, Briana looked stunning in a white evening gown. She looked graceful and dignified as she stood beside Leonard, ready for the media interview. 

She held the microphone, speaking with ease and warmth, captivating everyone listening. 

Briana said, “I opened this gallery because I wanted to inspire more young people to get into art. Leonard is the artist with the biggest young fanbase in the art world. I think many of us dreamed of being artists when we were kids. 

“Dreamscape Gallery is here to make that dream a reality. The gallery is divided into several areas: viewing sections, exhibition halls, painting studios, and learning spaces. 

“Everyone’s welcome to drop by and experience it for themselves, and we also invite artists from around the world to hold their touring exhibitions here.” 

With the cameras rolling, Briana showed not a hint of nerves. She was totally relaxed, her gentle smile lighting up the room. That white dress made her look like a goddess: graceful, stunning, and impossible to ignore. 

The internet worked its magic, spreading the news like wildfire. 

It didn’t take long for Briana’s video to go viral. In less than half an hour, it had already racked up over 100 thousand likes, and the likes just kept pouring in. 

People online were blowing up the comments section. 

One commented: [This is exactly the kind of grown–up I dreamed of becoming when I was a kid.] 

Another commented: [She’s drop–dead gorgeous, I’m losing it.] 

Someone commented: [She’s so gentle but so strong. Listening to her is honestly like a breath of fresh air.] 

One commented: [Let’s hit up Dreamscape Gallery this weekend.] 

In the Carter Group, James pushed the door of the CEO’s Office and immediately heard Briana’s voice coming from the computer. 

Shepard was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, watching Briana’s interview clip with a cool, unreadable look on his face. His gaze was dark and impossible to read. 

James said, “Mr. Carter, your afternoon schedule has been adjusted. Here’s the updated itinerary for you to 

review.” 

Shepard didn’t take the paper. Instead, he asked, “Do you think Briana is any different from how she used to be?” 

James hesitated. 

“Just say it,” Shepard said. 

James replied, “Honestly, Mrs. Carter hasn’t changed at all. She’s the same as before.” 

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Chapter 44 

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Shepard gave a faint smile. He said, “Oh? Really? Keep going.” He thought, ‘How come Briana feels like a totally different person to me now?’ 

James said, “Mrs. Carter is the definition of a modern woman. She’s got class, and she’s practical. She graduated top of her class from Aetherton University, just like you. And she switched majors from art to humanities and still got in. That’s no small feat. 

“After graduation, she chose to be a full–time wife, putting all her energy into running the household and supporting you. But every time she showed up with you at a big event, she stole the spotlight. 

“She was the talk of Belaris high society, and every socialite had nothing but praise for her.” 

Briana was sharp and emotionally intelligent. To the outside world, she was the perfect Mrs. Carter. At home, she was still Briana, the woman who had loved Shepard for years. 

Shepard didn’t blink, his eyes glued to the screen. He thought, ‘Did I really never see Briana’s brilliance before?‘ 

When she was by his side, he always thought she was completely unremarkable, maybe even a drag. But now that she was out there on her own, surrounded by the crowd, he finally saw how she truly shone. 

Shepard said, “Push back my afternoon schedule. I’ve got something else to take care of.” 

“Yes, Mr. Carter,” James replied. He didn’t dare ask any questions; he just followed orders. But he knew exactly where Shepard was headed: he was going to Briana’s gallery. 

James thought, ‘Does everyone have to lose something before they finally realize how much it meant to them? Mrs. Carter is such an incredible woman, and only now is Mr. Carter finally realizing how much she matters. 

Meanwhile, Briana was so busy that she barely had time to breathe, let alone check her phone. 

That morning, she was cutting the ribbon, doing interviews, and showing Leonard around the gallery, explaining all the details of the layout. 

At noon, she was personally greeting every guest at the entrance, making sure everyone felt welcome. 

By the afternoon, Briana finally had a free moment to catch her breath and sat down in the break room, only for Shepard to walk in. 

Briana blinked, not expecting to see him. She asked, “You?” 

“Why? Can’t it be me?” Shepard shot back. 

Before Briana could say anything, she caught sight of Vivian trailing after Shepard. She felt a lump stuck in her chest, neither up nor down. 

Of all days, the two people she couldn’t stand most had to crash the one day that actually mattered to her. She grumbled inwardly, ‘Just my luck! 

Briana snapped, “What are you two doing here? You’re not welcome.” 

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Chapter 44 

Shepard dropped himself onto the couch across from her. He said, “Your gallery’s opening. How could 1. as your husband, not show up?” 

“Ex–husband,” Briana corrected. 

“Even an ex can come to cheer you on,” Shepard replied. 

Briand said, “Fine.” Then she gestured toward Vivian and sneered, “So, is she here to show support for her lover’s ex–wife?” 

Shepard replied, “Vivian and I had lunch together, so we swung by. She specifically ordered two grand opening floral stands for you.” 

Briana thought, ‘Great, just what I needed. Like I care about Vivian’s stupid floral stands 

Vivian cozied up next to Shepard. Her voice was all soft and syrupy as she said, “Congrats, Briana. Seriously, you’re something else: managing a whole gallery on your own. Guess I should take notes from you? 

Briana snorted. She thought, “These two are just here to mess with me. Whatever, no point getting worked up over it. It’s my body, I make the calls. 

Briana suddenly softened her tone as she replied, “Thanks for the compliment. Since you’re already here, you’re my guests. How about some coffee?” 

With that, she leaned in, poured the coffee, and set a cup down in front of Shepard and Vivian. 

Vivian picked up her cup and just kept staring at the coffee, not drinking. 

Briana sneered, “What, you think I’m trying to poison you? Don’t bother then, I’ll just get you some bottled 

water.” 

Vivian quickly shook her head and said, “No, you’ve got it all wrong. Seriously, you’re overthinking it. See? I’ll drink it right now.” 

Right there in front of Shepard and Briana, Vivian picked up the cup and finished her coffee. 

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