Chapter 47: Ariana Helps Madison Stage Her First Public Art Auction
It was still early when Ariana slipped into a beige coat and tied her hair into a ponytail. The air was thin, the Cameloe Estate was quiet, except for the rustling branches swaying in the soft breeze. She paused after reaching the large window overlooking the garden and breathe in heavily. Feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement pass through her. Today will be Madison day, a turning point for her or maybe for both of them
After they settled their indifference the day before, Ariana had stayed up late reviewing books from her university days on branding, exhibition art pieces. Madison have a talent in art painting, raw and bursting with a quiet intensity that ask for attention. But she lacked the exposure she needs and Ariana knew from experience that being visible in their elite society wasn't earned most of it was staged
By the time she arrived at the historic Atelier hall downtown, Ariana found Madison already there pacing the gallery floor nervously. Her painting was being carried by a team Ariana had hired in the morning with the elegant arrangement of orchids placed at the entrance. The scent of fresh paint still lingered in the air, mixing with the delicate floral perfume wafting from the guest nearby.
"You came," Madison said, her voice tight but hopeful.
Ariana smiled gently. "I said I would."
For a moment, they simply looked at each other. It still felt like a dream after years of silence, to be here, working together.
"I didn't sleep," Madison admitted. "I kept thinking, what if no one bids? What if they laugh?"
Ariana placed a hand on her arm. "Then we pretend it was an exclusive viewing, and we double the price for the next one."
Madison let out a surprised laugh, a nervous tremor breaking into something warmer. "You really are good at this."
"I grew up playing pretend with board members and shareholders. It's second nature now," Ariana replied with a wink.
The doors opened at six. By then, Ariana had transformed the modest hall into a spectacle of elegance and intrigue. Soft jazz played in the background, champagne everywhere, and well dressed guests, a blend of art critics, socialites, and quiet investors, mingled among the soft glow of the placed lights.
Ariana had invited select members of the Camelo Corporation's PR department, a few of Jesse's distant contacts who specialized in luxury brand investments, and a notorious art blogger known for spotting "the next big thing." Madison's name was whispered from guest to guest, curiosity turning into fascination.
Madison stood at the edge of the room, trying to smile through her panic. Ariana stayed close, gently nudging her forward whenever someone approached.
"Madison Hart," said one older gentleman with a thin mustache and a sharp suit. "Your piece, Fractured Sky, it's haunting. Almost like you are speaking a language only the canvas understands."
Madison blinked. "Thank you. I... I'm glad it spoke to you."
"It shouted," he said, raising his glass before walking away.
Ariana leaned in. "That's your first sale. He owns a gallery in New York."
Madison turned to her, wide eyed. "You as re kidding."
"Would I waste my breath?"
Throughout the evening, Ariana stayed the orchestrator in the shadows. She introduced Madison to everyone who mattered, shared soft story about Madison's journey, and smiled like a business woman during conversations. Each gesture, every word, was part of the image she was building, an enigmatic new artist rediscovered by a business heiress.
By the time the final auction piece was placed on display, the bidding began. Madison's "Silent Rebellion," a bold, abstract piece with crimson and midnight streaks, started at $10,000. The room held its breath.
"Twelve," someone called.
"Fifteen," countered another.
"Twenty five," came a bolder voice.
Madison gripped Ariana's arm. "Is this really happening?"
"Yes," Ariana whispered. "And it's only the beginning."
The final bid closed at $38,000.
When the gavel came down, the room erupted in applause. Madison was trembling, tears gathering in her eyes. She looked at Ariana with disbelief, then pulled her into a sudden, fierce hug.
"Thank you," she whispered. "I didn't know I had this in me."
Ariana hugged her back. "You always did. You just forgot. I just reminded you."
Later, as the crowd thinned and staff began clearing the room, Ariana and Madison sat in the back corner with two glasses of wine.
"So what now?" Madison asked.
Ariana swirled her glass thoughtfully. "Now we brand you. You do a few interviews. Get a feature in Arte Lux or Moderne. Maybe a cover. The world needs to know that the silent girl who vanished after high school came back wielding a brush like a sword."
Madison laughed softly. "You are dangerous, you know that?"
Ariana tilted her head. "So are you."
They fell into a comfortable silence, watching as the last canvas was gently removed and packed away. Ariana exhaled slowly, letting the weight of the night settle over her.
Helping Madison had not just been about mending a broken friendship or launching an artist. It had been about reclaiming something she had forgotten in the chaos of betrayal and power games. It reminded her that sometimes, the sharpest strategy was not manipulation or revenge.
It was kindness.
As they walked out into the quiet night, Madison turned to her. "You never told me why you really helped me. You could have walked away."
Ariana paused. "Because I saw myself in you. And because no one gave me a second chance when I needed it. I decided I would give someone else theirs."
They walked on, their shadows long and parallel beneath the city lights, two women rediscovering each other and themselves under the hush of a night that had changed everything.