Not Your 16

Chapter 16 

Hearing that, the crowd began to look around in anticipation. Under their curious stares, Gloria waved Hayden over, saying, “Hayden, come help me name my work.” 

In an instant, all eyes were on Hayden. He was momentarily taken aback but quickly collected himself and moved through the crowd. 

As he joined Gloria, the two standing side by side created a striking image. The man was handsome and refined, while the woman was elegant and charming–a picture–perfect pair. 

Someone in the crowd exclaimed, “Who would’ve thought Joanna had such an eye, not just for painting but for choosing men too! Your husband is truly handsome!” 

Nicole’s breath hitched as chatter erupted all around her. 

“I’ve heard Joanna wasn’t single, but I didn’t expect her to already be married!” 

“Could he be the man who watched the fireworks with her the other night?” 

“They look so perfect together! I wish you two a long and blissful marriage!” 

Gloria blushed shyly, stomping her foot as if to shush the crowd, though her reaction seemed less like an attempt to clarify a misunderstanding and more like embarrassment over their teasing. 

Nicole’s complexion grew pale as she pressed her lips together, silently observing. 

Hayden cast Gloria a sidelong glance, frowning. “You’ve all misunderstood. Gloria and I are just-” 

“Just really good friends,” Gloria interrupted quickly, her face flushed. “There’s nothing between us but friendship. Quit messing around, you guys.” 

The crowd only laughed knowingly. 

Hayden realized that saying more would only worsen the situation, so he fell silent. 

Then, someone in the crowd spoke up skeptically. “Joanna doesn’t usually name her pieces, and she’s never done watercolor paintings before, only oil. Is this really Joanna Muller, the one who won major international art competitions?” 

Gloria’s smile froze, and the crowd’s attention shifted to the speaker. 

A flicker of surprise flashed in Nicole’s eyes. She hadn’t expected anyone to notice the inconsistencies. Clearly, Joanna had some loyal fans here too. 

Setting down her paintbrush, Gloria spoke in an aggrieved tone. “You can doubt my skills, sir, but questioning my identity is too much. If I were an imposter, would I dare host an art exhibition so openly?” 

The man spread his hands helplessly. “I’m just pointing out the facts. If you’re really Joanna Muller, why are your style, habits, and color blending so different?” 

Chapter 16 

2/2 

The moment he said that, others began to realize the inconsistencies and started voicing their doubts as 

well. 

“There’s something else. Naming artwork is more common here, but as an artist who’s been overseas, 

shouldn’t your habits reflect that culture? You’ve never done this before.” 

Hayden’s expression grew thoughtful. He suddenly remembered that before Gloria left, she had studied finance and didn’t know how to paint at all. Suspicion stirred within him. 

Gloria’s composure faltered, and tears welled up in her eyes. “Habits change. I retired for three years–of course some things would be different!” she cried. 

After saying that, she clutched her chest, her breathing quickening. She looked like she couldn’t handle 

the stress. 

Recognizing her condition, Hayden’s gaze turned icy as he addressed the doubters. 

“Enough! Joanna Muller’s identity has been officially verified on her social media accounts. If you continue causing trouble, I’ll have security escort you out.” 

At last, the crowd fell silent, having no option but to keep their suspicions to themselves. 

Once things had settled, Hayden returned to the crowd, searching for Nicole. But she was already gone. 

On the way back to the hospital, Nicole couldn’t stop replaying the scene of Hayden defending Gloria so firmly, his hesitation nonexistent. 

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