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    The day after the art exhibition ended, Cam received the promised painting from Emily as a gift.


    Sitting at her desk, Cam’s gaze remained fixed on the artwork, a troubled expression on her face.


    The painting was undoubtedly valuable, and she felt it was too generous a gift to ept. After much


    deliberation, she carefully cradled the painting and knocked on Connor’s office door.


    “Come in,” came Connor’s voice from inside. Cam gently pushed open the door and entered. She


    approached Connor’s desk and gently ced the painting on it, her voice barely above a whisper.


    “Mr. Connor.”


    Connor looked up, his eyes shing with surprise as he nced at the painting on his desk. How


    did this painting end up here?


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    This painting was a gift from Ms. Emily, and it’s far too precious,” Cam exined.


    Connor’s eyes lingered on the painting, his brow furrowing slightly. He remembered his father joking


    that this painting was a coborative effort between him and his son. It was cherished and meant to


    one day adorn Connor’s child’s room.


    Why would his mother give such an important painting to Cam?


    Once a gift was given, there was no taking it back. Connor was silent for a moment before looking


    up at Cam, his voice calm. “Since she gave it to you, you should keep it.”


    Cam looked distressed. She loved the painting, but its value was more than she feltfortable


    epting.


    “I can’t, it’s too valuable.” She took a deep breath and continued, “I tried to decline Ms. Emily’s


    generosity, but she insisted. Now that I have it, it really feels overwhelming.”


    “Could you please exin to her? Tell her I’m very grateful, but I just can’t ept such an


    extravagant gift.”


    “She might be upset if you return it.” Connor’s voice was thoughtful, almost low. “It was her kind


    gesture. Keep it.”


    “But…”


    “Let’s leave it at that for now. I’ll help you take it back to your ce tonight.”


    Cam nodded. “Thank you.”


    Returning to her desk, Cam felt her life was being pulled in directions she’d never anticipated,


    from a humble neighborhood to now living in an upscale apartmentplex.


    The coincidences and opportunities, like meeting Rita, attending a birthday party held by the elite


    socialite, Logan, and now owning a painting worth millions, all seemed surreal.


    Just as she was lost in these thoughts, her phone rang, snapping her out of her reverie. “Hey, girl!


    I’m back from my business trip! Dinner tomorrow night?” Erica’s voice brimmed with excitement.


    “Of course! I’ll treat you to a fancy dinner!” Cam replied with augh.


    After hanging up, Cam felt considerably lighter. She worked diligently until the end of the day.


    Time to go,” a man’s voice announced. Cam looked up to see Connor standing by her desk with


    the painting, tapping on the desk.


    “Alright.” Cam quickly gathered her things.


    They walked to the elevator, Connor carrying the painting somewhat carelessly, which made Cam


    frown with concern.


    “Mr. Connor, let me hold it,” she offered, reaching for the painting.


    Connor shifted slightly, saying, “I got it.”


    The elevator arrived. Connor stood in the corner as Cam pressed the button for their floor.


    As it was the end of the day, the elevator stopped frequently, filling up with more and more people in


    the confined space.