Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 75

Before the New Year, Willow’s gallery opened.

The store covered 9,000 square feet and cost 20 million in renovations. Everywhere one looked, one could see the scent of money. From day one, it became the go–to spot for high society to flaunt their status.

Buying art had become the new trend.

Some up–and–coming artists saw their paintings skyrocket in value after being displayed at Willow’s gallery. Fortunately, she had signed long -term contracts with them.

Of course, Willow had her way of managing people. If anyone got too greedy, she wouldn’t work with them again.

At noon, the gallery closed for two hours.

After an inventory check, 32 paintings had been sold, excluding pending contracts. This result had already exceeded expectations.

To celebrate, Willow popped open a bottle of champagne with her 12 employees.

Annie was the happiest of all. She had followed Willow to start fresh on her own, and it turned out to be the right move.

Willow was paying her 800 thousand dollars a year, a full 20% more than before. Annie couldn’t be more satisfied.

Willow swirled her glass lightly, her smile calm. “This is just the beginning. One day, we’ll have our own auction house, nurturing world–class artists that collectors all over the world will chase after and willing to pay top dollar for.”

Annie immediately chimed in with a few flattering words.

Willow set down her glass. “There are 12 monetary gifts over there, each with 20 thousand inside. Consider it a bonus for this month’s hard work.”

Instantly, a chorus of voices rang out in unison, “Thank you, Ms. Harper!”

Willow smiled. “We’re running a legitimate business here, not a nightclub. Get some rest now and stay sharp for the afternoon.”

She was generous with her employees, willing to share the profits, and in return, they respected her.

…

Later, Willow rested in her private office.

Annie came in, struggling under a massive pile of boxes, using all her strength. Even her pencil skirt nearly tore from the effort.

Willow frowned. “What is all this? Why is it so heavy?”

Since she had nothing else to do, she started unboxing and keeping a record. These were favors she would eventually have to return. She even prepared a small notebook to keep track of them.

“Mrs. Chapman–a pair of solid gold lion paperweights. Jeffrey–an authentic Victorian–era painting. Dominic–a statue of Mother Mary holding a child.”

At the same time, she felt guilty toward the old man. Not only was she determined to divorce Julian, but she also could never have children… Dominic was bound to be disappointed.

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