The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 679

Herschel felt his eyes sting as he gazed at the painting.

A wave of sorrow crashed over him, leaving his chest tight, as if he could barely breathe.

Someone nearby noticed and kindly steadied him. “Are you alright, sir?”

“I’m fine.” Herschel forced the suffocating feeling down, burying it deep inside.

He managed a smile. “Thank you,” he said to the stranger who’d helped him.

The person nodded, then wandered off with their companion to look at other pieces.

But Raymond’s father, Weston Carmichael, lingered where he was, lost in thought while staring at the painting titled *Home*. He couldn’t tear his eyes away.

When the exhibition ended, it was time for the grand art prize to be announced.

Weston’s eyes flickered as he thought of his son, but in the end, he decided to stay for the ceremony.

He joined the crowd as everyone filed into the gallery’s main hall.

This part of the evening was for the awards. The place buzzed with anticipation. Herschel found a seat at random, settling in among the audience.

As he glanced around, his gaze landed on someone in the front row.

Nigel sat there in a crisp white suit, every strand of hair meticulously styled.

Herschel smirked at the sight of his back. “That rascal actually cleans up alright for once. Doesn’t look half bad.”

From the way Nigel was dressed, Herschel could tell tonight meant the world to him.

Soon, the host began announcing the finalists, listing the paintings the visitors had voted for—and *Home* was among them.

At the mention of the title, a surge of excitement flashed in Herschel’s eyes. He nearly jumped to his feet.

People nearby shot him odd looks, as if he were some country bumpkin who’d never seen a real gallery before.