Chapter 5 The Art Exhibition

In the evening, Miley and Harold were, as expected, asked to stay the night.

"Your mother's hinting at us to have a baby. How do you feel about that?"

Miley handed Harold a glass of water and whispered the question.

Harold accepted the glass. After a sip, he looked at her with narrowed eyes and said, "Didn't we talk about this a long time ago?"

This response was not surprising to Miley.

Their marriage was unstable at best. How could they even entertain the thought of having a child?

"You're right."

Remembering the child they had lost, Miley's lips tightened, and she looked visibly distressed.

To this day, Harold remained unaware of that child's existence.

When Miley lost the baby, Harold had been accompanying Leyla for her allergy treatment.

As Miley lost herself in these thoughts, Harold suddenly scooped her up and placed her on the desk.

He squinted his eyes and began loosening his tie, desire evident in his gaze.

"But we can still enjoy each other's company."

His deep, raspy voice made Miley's heart race.

She blinked but didn't resist. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Harold kissed her back with intensity.

The two of them moved from the table to the bed.

Harold gently bit her lower lip and ran his hand along her thigh. When he was fondling her, his eyes glowed with increasing desire.

Miley untied his tie skillfully.

Harold's brow creased as he felt an overwhelming desire, his instincts telling him something wasn't right.

Miley's lips curved into a smile. She bound his hands with a tie, positioned herself on top of him, and gazed down with a sly expression.

"Miley!" Harold said through gritted teeth.

He realized Miley must have slipped something into his drink.

No wonder he felt weak and feverish all over. At this point, he had no choice but to let her have her way.

Sitting on him, Miley stroked his private parts on purpose and flirted with him in a seductive voice.

"Don't be scared, darling. I won't harm you. I just have a tiny favor to ask. I heard you spent a fortune on a piece of art. Since we're married, that artwork belongs to both of us now. I'd appreciate it if you'd hand it over to me as a gift."

Harold was well aware she meant "The Girl by the Seine River," a painting by her mother. Wanting it back was understandable.

Yet, he was caught off guard by her claim of it being shared property.

Fighting his rising desire, Harold scoffed. "We've got a prenuptial agreement, Miley. I'm not handing over something valuable for nothing. You're living in a fantasy!"

Miley thought to herself. Harold had purchased it for Leyla, but he couldn't give it to her? That was ridiculous.

Miley let out a mocking laugh.

She boldly tapped Harold's cheek and grinned. "Dear, it's going to be a long night. I doubt you'll be too comfortable. Losing money is one thing; you can always make it back. But any damage done down there might be permanent."

She cast her gaze downward and murmured softly, "Besides, that painting was rightfully mine."

Her mother had created that artwork for her, yet her father had secretly taken it and given it to a friend.

Harold caught the fleeting sadness in her eyes.

Silence fell in the room for a moment.

Harold's face hardened as he said, "Fine. You'll get the painting. Now, untie me!"

Satisfaction briefly flickered in Miley's eyes. She switched off the recorder, grabbed Harold by his shirt, and yanked him close suddenly.

"Untie you?" Miley sneered, "I'd happily play the doting wife if you treated me right. But using my mother's artwork to boost Leyla's status? Be thankful I didn't leave you permanently damaged! Just sit back and enjoy the torture now!"

With that, Miley clapped her hands, turned around, and strode out without a second glance.

She didn't add too much medication to the water.

Harold would be on his feet before long.

Miley breathed a sigh of relief.

She was convinced this ordeal would serve as a lifelong lesson for him.

Slipping quietly away, Miley hailed a cab and departed from the Wheeler family's house.

She headed to a safe house under Karina's name.

Thirty minutes later, Harold managed to escape his binds. His thoughts of Miley were shadowed with anger.

He was well aware of Miley's vengeful nature over the slightest grievance.

Yet, he hadn't anticipated her resorting to such dirty tactics.

She wouldn't be able to hide from him forever.

He was curious about her next move.

And as for the painting...

Harold reached for his phone and asked his assistant, "Where is the painting 'The Girl by the Seine River'?"

The assistant was shocked and replied, "Miss Pearson took it. I assumed it was for her, wasn't it?"

"When did I ever say it was for her?" Harold responded coldly.

The assistant explained awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Wheeler. The items from the auction were usually delivered to Miss Pearson. So I assumed..."

"Get the painting back," Harold cut him off, adding with a hint of sarcasm. "That painting is valued at three hundred million. Does she think she's entitled to it?"

Early in the morning on the next day, the housekeeper informed Eric that both Miley and Harold were gone.

Miley seemed to be avoiding the situation, not returning to the villa for almost a week.

The next time she saw Harold, it was at Leyla's art exhibition.

Although Leyla's painting skills were average, the exhibition was grand.

The venue was a prestigious gallery in the city. Thanks to Harold's influence, it attracted a crowd of notable painters and art enthusiasts.

Upon Miley's arrival, Leyla was the center of attention, surrounded by elegantly dressed women, all eyeing her with jealousy.

"Leyla, you're incredible. This gallery is typically exclusive. It's surprising you managed to host your exhibition here!"

As the woman finished talking, another guest, Wendy, laughed and commented, "We have Harold to thank for this. His generosity secured this splendid venue and brought together all these influential guests. Leyla, Harold really looks out for you!"

Leyla blushed and responded, "Harold simply sees me as family. Please, don't read too much into it."

"I've never seen anyone treat a family member like this. To me, he seems to favor you more than Miley!" Wendy changed the subject and smirked. "What's the use of being his wife anyway? She might have the title, but she certainly doesn't have his heart."

After Wendy's remark, Miley stepped forward and retorted with a scoff, "It seems the world's moral compass is failing more each day. Not only do you not feel embarrassed about Leyla being the other woman, but you also encourage her to chase after my husband. Disgraceful!"