Oh, it wasn’t just now, it was two hours ago.

Lena blinked her beautiful eyes, smiling slightly as she looked at Lia. Although they had only met today, Lia found herself liking this junior.

"G City?" Lia said, "I’ve been once, but it was many, many years ago. It’s definitely a place that’s good for seeking inspiration."

Charlotte agreed, "I’ve been to G City several times. Lena’s suggestion is a good one, Lia. Have you considered it?"

Lia hadn’t responded yet when her phone rang.

As soon as she saw the caller ID, her expression changed.

Charlotte asked with concern, "Is it your dad calling?"

Is he going to revoke Lia’s freedom already?

Lia shook her head and replied, "He should still be on the plane, unable to call me. It’s Celine." Lia hung up on Celine’s call as she finished speaking.

She and her stepmother were never on good terms. If Celine was calling, it was definitely not for anything good.

Now that her mood had slightly improved, Lia didn’t want it wrecked by her stepmother.

"Is she still treating you that way?" Charlotte asked with empathy.

Lia laughed coldly, "Once you have a stepmother, you get a stepfather. The way she treats me is all because my dad indulges her. With even my dad being so harsh, how can I expect Celine to be good to me? She’s trying all she can to drive me out, afraid I’ll take some of the inheritance."

Considering her father’s animosity, even if Celine didn’t push her out, Lia wouldn’t get any inheritance.

Since her mother died, her father only ensured she wouldn’t starve and provided basic education. After the nine-year compulsory education ended, any further studies depended on her New Year’s money. Kind-hearted relatives, hesitant to help openly, gave her extra New Year money.

As a child, all her New Year’s money was taken by her father. When she got older, she hid it herself, and no matter how much her father pressured her, she never admitted it. That money allowed her to finish college.

She loved painting, and learning art cost a lot. Starting at sixteen, she worked part-time during holidays to fund her hobby.

"Lia, your dad is terrible," Lena said, filled with righteous indignation. She had heard about Lia’s story from Charlotte and was fiercely loyal to her. If Lia’s family were in T City, she’d absolutely stand up for her.

At least, she wouldn’t let Lia’s dad suppress her gallery.

Lia chuckled wryly but didn’t say more. This was her life. What would more words change?

She returned to discussing travel.

Charlotte and Lena were considerate, not wanting to discuss painful topics with Lia.

So, one older sister, one younger, urged Lia again to travel to G City to relax.

Lia was moved by the idea but was financially constrained.

Yet, she hesitated to mention this because once she did, her friend would surely offer help.

The money from selling that silhouette painting had to cover living expenses. In her current situation, every penny had to be spent as if it were two.

Which artist wouldn’t want to venture out and seek inspiration to enhance their skills?

But her resources were limited.

Charlotte, understanding Lia’s circumstances best, saw her interest in traveling but realized why she hadn’t committed.

She patted Lia’s hand and said, "Lia, I told you to come to me if you faced any difficulty, but you always handle things by yourself without allowing me to help. Seeing you like this hurts me. Just book a ticket to G City to relax; don’t worry about anything else."

"Sister."

"A sister is still family. You’ve considered me your sister, so isn’t it only right for a sister to look after her sibling? If you really don’t want to accept it, consider it a loan. Your paintings are excellent, didn’t Ivan promise to visit your gallery? If he keeps his word and brings people to buy your paintings, you’ll be able to repay me."

"Sister, Ivan probably was just saying it casually. He’s so busy, how could he..."

Lia’s words were interrupted by Lena.

She earnestly defended Ivan, "Lia, I’m a native of T City and grew up hearing about Ivan’s amazing stories. If he actually said he’d take friends to your gallery, he will definitely do it. It’s just a matter of time; he’s a busy man with endless files and meetings, and frequent business trips."

Lia smiled awkwardly, "I thought Ivan was just making a casual remark."

This junior clearly admired Ivan, even showing blind devotion.

Thinking about Ivan’s striking attractiveness, his exceptional abilities, and his enviable background, Lia assumed Lena was one of the many women enamored by Ivan.

"If Lia knew Ivan well, she’d understand he’s very committed to his promises. His words carry weight, even if fulfilling them takes time."

Lia smiled lightly, unable to respond, feeling she had no real chance to get to know Ivan well.

Under Charlotte’s and Lena’s enthusiastic persuasion, Lia finally decided to head to G City and unwind.

Strangely enough, Lia felt puzzled; she initially intended to meet up with her friend for a chat, and it ended up with her being persuaded to travel.

Nevertheless, Lia needed to venture out. Confined in River City, her inspiration was dwindling, affecting her artistic output and her peace of mind.

By evening, Lia was escorted onto the plane headed for G City by her sister and junior.

...

G City.

After landing, Ivan headed straight to Valence Group’s branch office in G City, putting himself directly to work without any rest.

For such a serious issue, it required him, the CEO, to personally handle.

Usually perceived as approachable, Ivan’s face was now tense, an aura of coldness surrounded him, and anyone who dared to disturb him now must have borrowed bravery from heaven.

Yet someone did seek courage from the heavens and called him at this moment.

Taking out his phone and seeing the caller ID, his cold demeanor softened. Not only did he not hang up, but he answered the call and spoke warmly, "Lena, what’s up? Big brother is busy right now, can I call you back when I finish?"

"Big brother, sorry, I assumed you’d rest before diving into work. Go ahead and work, I’m just asking a favor. My elder sister is traveling to G City, she’s young and pretty, and I worry about her safety alone. Since you’re on a business trip there, I wanted to ask you to look after her."

Despite claiming she’d let him work first, Lena quickly stated her purpose.