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Chapter 113
Ever since Killian became the committee chairman, the operation to pressure the Giuliano organization had been fully underway.
He cornered Matteo by targeting the one business that only the Giuliano organization ran among the mafia groups.
That business was none other than the illegal prostitution and slave trade.
However, it wasn’t easy for Matteo to counter Killian’s moves.
The Starr organization had hit the Giuliano business by reporting it to the authorities, but attacking the Starr organization the same way was difficult because there was no evidence that they had committed any illegal acts.
Moreover, the other three organizations, including Killian’s, had recently overhauled their operations to appear fully legitimate.
With no openings to exploit, Matteo was enraged.
“Today, DeVecchio and his associates were arrested.”
At Nigel’s report, Matteo threw his glass in anger.
After all, it was the lower-tier members who committed the direct crimes, and Matteo only collected the money they provided, so they could easily be made scapegoats.
But the act of Killian poking at him like this was an affront to his pride.
“Nigel, did you say Killian was an orphan?”
“There’s no information available about his family.”
“Then find him! When did I give you the order, and you still haven’t found anything?!”
Blood ran down Nigel’s forehead from the corner of the book Matteo had thrown.
“I’m sorry.”
“Find everywhere — where he lived as a child, anyone who might know about his past.”
“Yes, sir.”
Nigel hurriedly left the room to avoid further angering Matteo.
Matteo slammed his fist on the desk and stood up, agitated.
He had not only failed to deal with Killian as he had boasted to the crown prince but was now on the receiving end of a counterattack, crushing his pride completely.
“Wait, Killian. I’ll take that committee chairman position from you soon, too.”
Matteo clenched his fists tightly. His nails dug into his palms, drawing blood, but consumed by fury, he felt nothing.
Emily visited the exhibition with Killian.
“If you’re going to keep scowling like that, do you want to head home first?”
At her words, Killian immediately shook his head and adjusted his expression.
“No, I also enjoy viewing art.”
Emily still looked suspicious but said nothing and stepped into the entrance.
Today was the day Louis’s paintings were displayed at the Garnier Salon.
Among artists, having an exhibition at the Garnier Salon at least once before death was a dream, and by that measure, Louis had achieved early success at a young age.
“Emily!”
From a distance, Louis ran toward Emily, but upon seeing Killian standing next to her, he froze.
Apparently surprised that Killian had come along, he awkwardly greeted them with evident unease.
“Here.”
With a stiff expression, Killian handed a bouquet to Louis.
He couldn’t let Emily give it herself, so he brusquely forced it into Louis’s hands.
“Th-thank you.”
Louis forced a smile toward Killian and then turned his gaze back to Emily.
“Thanks for coming.”
“Of course.”
“Shall I explain the artworks?”
Louis cautiously asked, watching Killian’s reaction.
“Won’t you be busy greeting others? Are we taking up too much of your time?”
Louis glanced at his watch.
“There’s still time. The officials only need attention at the appointed time, which hasn’t come yet.”
“We timed it perfectly,” Emily said, smiling brightly at Killian.
“Luckily.”
‘Even the timing is wrong,’ Killian thought with quiet dissatisfaction, forcing a faint smile at Emily before returning his gaze forward.
Paintings lined both sides of the long corridor.
Killian frowned slightly, displeased.
“Why are there so many paintings?”
It seemed like listening to the explanations would take half a day.
“Then this way, please.”
Louis, still cautious of Killian, led them further inside.
But after only seeing a few works, the officials arrived earlier than expected.
“What a shame,” Louis said.
“It’s fine. Go ahead. We’ll take our time viewing the paintings.”
Louis awkwardly greeted them and returned to those waiting for him.
Emily, a true art enthusiast, continued to study Louis’s works carefully.
Killian, not wanting to disturb her, strolled slowly along the opposite wall, viewing other paintings.
Mafia members are usually thought of as only dealing in drugs, violence, or murder, but they had their own interests in art. The difference from ordinary people like Emily was that they treated art as a major source of profit.
“She’s quite talented.”
Louis’s brushstrokes were full of emotion, giving life to each touch. Had he not been involved with Emily, Killian might have even considered supporting him.
As Killian walked, he stopped in front of one painting.
“This painting…”
His eyes narrowed.
On a vast green field, a girl in a white dress wore a flower crown and smiled, looking straight ahead.
Her long, flowing chestnut hair, sky-blue eyes sparkling as if wet, and delicate facial features unmistakably resembled Emily.
How dare he draw her? Killian’s jealousy and anger surged.
“What are you staring at?”
Emily, approaching from behind, asked curiously.
“Nothing.”
Killian moved Emily backward, placing a hand on her shoulder to block the view, trying not to reveal his agitation.
Loosening his cravat slightly to calm himself, Killian asked,
“Any painting you like?”
He had no intention of hanging that painting in his mansion, but buying anything else might allow them to leave this cursed exhibition sooner.
“All right, pick something,” he said.
Emily didn’t hesitate and selected a few pieces, evidently ones she had liked for some time.
As the staff marked the paintings, Killian approached Emily.
“Let’s go now.”
“All right.”
Emily stopped Killian and looked around.
“We should greet them before leaving.”
Killian followed her with his usual dour expression toward Louis, who was surrounded by reporters giving interviews.
“Louis?” Emily tapped his shoulder.
“We’ll be leaving now.”
“Already?”
Louis looked disappointed, as though he wished for more conversation with Emily.
“Oh, and thank you for buying my paintings.”
“Thanks to you, I saw a wonderful exhibition.”
Emily tugged lightly at Killian’s sleeve.
Killian, unsure how to respond, spoke in a cold tone:
“I hope you quickly find a muse suitable for you.”
Cold sweat ran down Louis’s spine. He realized why Killian said that — he must have noticed the painting of Emily in this exhibition.
Louis carefully chose his words.
“Yes, I’m looking.”
Killian’s eyes flickered with a brief hint of menace, unnoticed by Emily but clear to Louis.
“…Very diligently.”
Louis added, trying to hide the tremor in his voice.
Killian’s lips curved slightly.
“Then that’s fortunate.”
It was the most chilling and dangerous smile Emily had seen recently.
Watching the two men, Emily asked with curiosity:
“When did you two get close without me?”
‘Does this look like “close” to you?!’
Louis almost shouted at Emily, who had been his friend, first love, and crush, but Killian, expressionless, lied.
“Your friend is also my friend.”
He extended his hand toward Louis, whose face was sour.
“Anyway, it was a wonderful exhibition. I hope your remaining schedule goes well.”
“…Thank you.”
Louis shook Killian’s hand, acknowledging him as a remarkable man even if grudgingly.
Louis watched the two walk down the corridor together, resolved never to have lingering feelings for Emily again, and returned to the journalists waiting for him.
Emily’s expression seemed brighter and more relaxed than when they last met at the Synope estate.
