Chapter 60: Chapter 60: What Does It Have to Do With My Wife?

"Yes, it’s fine."

Tristan Lawson’s tone was flat.

Sophie Hughes lowered her eyes, her voice tinged with grievance. "If you think something is wrong with it, you can tell me. There’s still time to revise it."

"Don’t overthink it. There’s nothing wrong with it. I can’t find any flaws." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

The skill and ability were plain to see.

An average person couldn’t have achieved such a good result.

Talent and inspiration aren’t things you can acquire through hard work alone.

Sophie Hughes’s mood finally lifted.

She smiled faintly. "Tristan, should we get ready and head to the exhibition?"

Tristan Lawson glanced at his watch and nodded.

He left the hospital with Sophie Hughes and booked a room at the same hotel where Noelle Sutton was staying.

On the way, Tristan Lawson called his branch office and had them send a car over.

The previous night, he had his usual tailor deliver a few outfits for him.

He booked a separate room for Sophie Hughes and told her to take both of their suitcases up while he waited downstairs.

After picking up the brooch from the front desk, he went to Noelle Sutton’s room.

He rang the doorbell, but no one answered.

Just as he was about to call Noelle Sutton, a cleaning lady came out of another room.

"Sir, are you looking for the guest in this room?"

"Yes."

"I saw her leave about half an hour ago."

Tristan Lawson put his phone away and politely thanked her.

As soon as he got into the elevator, the person delivering the car called to say they had arrived at the hotel entrance.

Not long after Tristan Lawson received the car, Sophie Hughes came down.

He then took her to Director Ford’s exhibition.

Noelle Sutton had left early, had breakfast nearby, and then took a taxi to the exhibition venue.

The taxi stopped in the parking lot outside the stadium. Just as she was about to get out, she saw Tristan Lawson and Sophie Hughes getting out of their car.

Not wanting to run into them, Noelle Sutton didn’t get out immediately.

’It’s still so early. There’s no way Tristan and Sophie just arrived today.’

’They most likely came yesterday...’

’That night, she had cried out to him for help, but all he gave her was a single phone call and one text message.’

Today, Sophie Hughes was wearing a high-end, light-coffee-colored knit sweater, with the swan brooch pinned to her chest.

Noelle Sutton had seen pictures of it. The swan’s wings were densely studded with top-grade diamond chips, and they were now refracting a dazzling light under the golden sun.

’So blinding!’

Only after their figures had blurred into the distance did Noelle Sutton pay her fare and get out of the taxi.

She pulled up her mask, tugged the brim of her sun hat down, and walked toward the exhibition hall.

The exhibition in Cygnus was even more crowded.

’That was for the best. With so many people, it would be harder for her to be noticed.’

Sophie Hughes and Tristan Lawson had already entered.

Tristan Lawson told Sophie Hughes to look around the exhibition hall on her own for a bit, saying he had a small matter to attend to.

Sophie Hughes didn’t try to stop him.

Sophie Hughes had mentioned to Tristan Lawson that she wanted to study under Director Ford. Although Tristan hadn’t told her he would go find the director, not long after she brought it up, he had become the exclusive sponsor of Director Ford’s exhibition.

’She knew Tristan was handling it, and she understood his personality—he wouldn’t say anything until it was a done deal. He must be going to see Director Ford right now.’

Sophie Hughes understood this perfectly, so naturally, she didn’t ask any questions.

’Tristan is so attentive to my affairs,’ she thought. ’He must have some feelings for me. Noelle is a mute and an orphan. After marrying Tristan, she would never be willing to give up this marriage. Perhaps Tristan is just constrained by his marriage. He can’t be too harsh to Noelle for appearance’s sake, which is why he shows her some concern and attention. His personality might be a bit cold, but he’s still polite and courteous to people, with impeccable manners. Noelle has been his wife for seven years, after all. He treats his own subordinates well, let alone her. I shouldn’t lose my composure over such trivial matters.’

Tristan Lawson found Director Ford in the break room. She was busy preparing her notes for the introduction of the exhibition’s artworks, but despite her haste, she put down her work, rose with a beaming smile, and invited him to sit down when she saw him.

’After all, he was Noelle Sutton’s husband.’

"CEO Lawson, you’re truly a great supporter. You even made a special trip for this exhibition in Cygnus."

"You’re too kind, Director Ford. I came today on business."

Director Ford smiled. "Are you here for Sophie Hughes?"

"It’s always so straightforward talking with you, Director Ford."

Tristan Lawson took out the design file saved on his phone and projected it onto the large screen in the break room.

"Director Ford, this is Sophie Hughes’s work. I’d appreciate your expert opinion."

Tristan Lawson watched Director Ford’s expression closely.

It was just as he had suspected.

A glimmer of light appeared in the director’s eyes, but it vanished just as quickly.

Tristan Lawson then said, "While her talent might not meet your standards, her diligence is extraordinary. Director Ford, you are a professional animation instructor. I believe you can see her sincerity in her work."

’Hard work and skill can often make up for certain shortcomings.’

’Director Ford probably still hasn’t found a protégé to her liking.’

’Naturally gifted candidates aren’t that easy to find.’

’In that case, Sophie Hughes’s chances would naturally be much greater.’

Director Ford averted her gaze and chuckled. "It seems CEO Lawson is quite eager to secure this opportunity for Sophie Hughes. However, there’s something I’d like to ask you."

"Please, go ahead, Director Ford."

"Do you know who created that animated version of *A Renaissance Cityscape Painting* I gave your son?"

Tristan Lawson’s handsome brow furrowed slightly.

He tried to read between the lines of her question but couldn’t quite grasp her meaning.

"Wasn’t it one of your most favored students, Director Ford?"

Director Ford lowered her eyes and smiled faintly. ’It seems that after getting married, Noelle Sutton really did intend to completely give up her career.’

’Her own husband doesn’t even know about her work.’

"Yes, a student I favor very much." However, Director Ford changed the subject. "It was a shame I didn’t get to see your wife last time I visited your home. Has she always been a full-time homemaker?"

Tristan Lawson didn’t quite understand why Director Ford would bring up Noelle Sutton, but he answered politely, "Yes. Her situation is unique, so working would be much harder for her than for others. I make enough money for our family; she has more than she could ever spend."

’It seems Tristan Lawson has no intention of letting Noelle Sutton work.’

"There aren’t any major issues with Sophie Hughes’s work. Since you’re recommending her so strongly and with such sincerity, it would seem unappreciative of me to refuse. How about this: you previously mentioned that your son’s paper-cutting was taught by his mother. I greatly admire her paper-cutting art. Could you find some time to arrange a meeting for me with her? After we meet, I can give you an answer regarding Sophie Hughes."

Tristan Lawson was a bit curious. "Director Ford, what does accepting Sophie Hughes as your student have to do with meeting my wife?"

"Of course it does. You’ll understand once we meet."

Since Tristan Lawson was the type of person who had to get to the bottom of things, he said, "Alright. She’s also in Cygnus. I’ll arrange for you two to meet as soon as possible."