This painting was indeed haunting, but she couldn't stop herself from looking. The longer she did, the more her soul was being hooked by the image. It was just a dark alley with a few flowing red cloths, but she couldn't help but imagine how those cloths signified the number of people who died in that alley.
She had to stop looking to stop herself from getting into a trance. The woman broke into a chuckle. "I mean, yes, I did ask for a haunting image, but… it was not supposed to be looked at. My, my, you went the extra mile to produce a masterpiece, even if I don't need one."
"…wait! That's really close to that ugly painting I wrecked in half!" Trigger gasped before pointing at Rowan's face. "Hey, you were there, right? That thing shouldn't even be here at all!"
"Yeah, thanks to you, I had to clean fresh paint off the entire house." Rowan suddenly snapped at the blatant action. "I also had to remake a painting someone did for an entire night in five hours. Since you can talk, why don't you apologize to Duke about what you did while you're at it?"
Trigger gasped again, and Locket brought down his accusing finger. The other lady next to them then looked at Rowan. She echoed, "You remade the painting? So, that one is yours?"
Rowan twitched and looked away, hoping not to meet anyone else's eyes. He also didn't want to hear anything from them at this point. After all, the woman buying the painting was not even happy that it was well done. He shouldn't expect anything good anymore.
"Oh, this is your work?" Gwen gasped as the truth sunk in. She then eyed the old man before giggling behind her open fan. After another look at Duke, she sauntered toward Rowan. "Dear, uh, Duke's little companion, is there a chance for you to make another of this? Or just any other of the same quality…?"
"Hmm? Uhm, I guess so—I mean, yes, ma'am." Rowan didn't want to take a look at her, but he had to when she walked up to him. "Uh, do you need another one?"
Gwen chuckled. "Would it be okay for you to pump out ten more in seven days? I mean, of course, I wouldn't impose on your schedule with Sir Wellington here. Then again, I bought one to put up on display. If I want to switch out the others slowly, I'd surely need more, no?"
She then leaned closer, making Rowan pull back a bit. "Of course, they're all priced at a million like the first one. You're not planning to hike your prices now, are you?"
Rowan stared at the woman before Duke used an arm to separate Gwen and Rowan. He laughed as if attracting her attention. "Ms. Dolly, please. If you want to bargain, you should be talking to Reeva. Rowan and I will only deal with the production. Please don't scare him."
"Yes, yes, I just want to know how expensive your new artist is." Gwen laughed as well, stepping away from the man Duke protected. "I'll be happily leaving now to put the painting up in my office instead. I'm looking forward to revisiting this deal again in the future. Sir Wellington…"
"Ms. Dolly…" The old man only nodded with a smile.
With that, some other people entered the hall and packed the painting carefully. Everyone stayed quiet until the whole process was done. There was no meaning in discussing with all those extra people around.
When they were just left to themselves, Trigger quickly stood in front of Rowan and Duke. He huffed and put his arms akimbo. "I don't believe you! There's no way someone so scary and aggressive like you can do something only a gentle person should be able to do!"
"I'm not going to argue with you anymore." Rowan sighed and took something out of his suit jacket's inner pocket. He balanced it on Trigger's head. "Here. Don't lose it again. If you do, I won't give it back anymore. Do you hear me?"
"My wallet! I knew it!" Trigger huffed as he grabbed it off his head. However, he stepped back and stuck his tongue out at Duke. "Beh! Now you won't be able to buy anything you like! What a loser!"
Duke only smiled dangerously at the short man. "You better not get hurt in your missions, Trig. If you do, I can simply cut you and stitch it up just the same. I'm a good doctor, you know."
Trigger froze and ran to hide behind the old man. The old man only chuckled before waving a hand. "Duke, please. Don't take a child's actions to heart. Don't take things from him, either. Trig, remember to be more mindful of your belongings. Duke kept it to teach you a lesson."
"I already learned it…" Trigger made a pout and hugged the old man's arm. "Dad, Dad, where are we going to eat today? Is Reeva going to cook again? I want to eat out. Let's eat out!"
"Sadly, I have something coming up." The other lady pocketed her phone. "Dad, I might have to take a rain check on that lunch. Just let Trigger be a pig outside my sight again."
"Don't forget to double-check whatever you need, Arrow." Reeva reminded her, to which she nodded. She walked off and past Duke and Rowan without a sound. Locket only echoed Arrow and left as well.
Rowan watched them leave through the door, not knowing anything about them. Then again, Duke told him not to be nosy, so he just stayed quiet. He could only speak to Duke and Reeva, and that was all he was going to do.
It's just that… the old man turned to face him. "Rowan, was it? Would you like to eat with us? Reeva had spoken about your unfortunate meeting with Duke. Do you mind telling me more about you? Just so I know a thing or two about my new painter."
Even if Rowan knew better than to say more than what he could learn about them, he still sought Duke's gaze for help. He shouldn't refuse the big boss, right? This old man was the one calling the shots, right? However, Rowan didn't want to tell him anything at all.
"Sir, you might have to excuse Rowan for now. His life might already be ours to claim, but he just escaped a life of servitude. It might take more than money for now." Duke sighed in helplessness. "Even I am being forced to become a slave driver to slowly help him transition."
Rowan glanced at the man again, but Reeva only chuckled. "Oh, my, I should have been the one to pick you up if you want a master. Kidding, I have enough slaves, and I don't want them to feel so free. Please stick to Duke and be his princess."