Tread lightly. That’s law.
Holden backing me up helps, knowing the rich, educated art bosses will look at me like I’m dinner.
The second they see a young, unprotected woman, they might see prey. A prime target to pull one over.
Even the family name can’t shield me from that.
But with Holden’s death stare, he’ll make them think twice. An immature little part of me hates that he’s useful.
Because that confirms PopPop wasrightwhen he made him my unwanted protector—or rather, the egg’s bodyguard.
Speaking of eggs… breakfast was orgasmic.
Classic American. Sinfully simple.
Cozy and comforting when I needed it the most. Who knew he could do that?
Now, he doesn’t get a total pass. I’m not selling myself out for one good meal. But I guess, maybe, he’s not the stone gargoyle I expected when we butted heads yesterday.
Maybe. Jury’s still out.
I look up and sigh.
“Don’t look so smug. I said you were right,” I whisper to the photo on the desk. Gramps with the kids. He’s standing with a grinning Margot and a surly-looking older Ethan. I’m in the background, my head just peeking around his back.
I can’t be much older than seven.
Shaking my head fondly, I get back to trying to figure out who I can trust to even discuss the Hera Egg. I’ve crossed off about half the names on the list already from my online sleuthing.
I want someone who values this treasure for its beauty and its history. Not just because it’s a wagyu cash cow.
Honestly, that’s where Dad went wrong, why he never found success.
Art isn’t transactional. In an ideal world, it shouldn’t be.
He expected overnight success, fame, money for mid sculptures that never wowed anyone.
That’s a lesson I’ll take to heart. If you want to make big things happen, you have to do it right.
So I dive into the next one, punching the name into my search on the laptop.
Jasper Fairfax.
The deeper you dig into these people, you sometimes find little hints of trouble. Shady side ventures, connections to cutthroat art dealers, even an indictment or two for flirting with stolen antiquities in the last five years. Probably after Gramps threw this list together.
A lot can happen.
It doesn’t make the news like the celebrity scandals and it usually falls short of criminal charges, but it’s enough to scream caution.
Almost an hour later, Jasper still seems clean.
His credentials look solid. I cross-checked them to make sure they’re legit, and they are. He’s done a lot of charity work without bringing in money wolves who only see dollar signs.
He has high praise and accolades from credible people, too. His website and socials look clean.
So far, so good.
Only one way to find out if he’s as neat as he looks…
