"This is a painting Jimmy bought while on a business trip. He thought it was pretty good," Julia explained.

Ivan initially glanced at the painting casually, not noticing anything special about it. But as he looked closer, he focused on the man's silhouette in the painting and said to his mother, "The painting is indeed good; the man's silhouette stands out among everyone around him."

"Yes, that's why Jimmy decided to buy it."

After seeing the painter's name, Ivan said to his cousin, "Is it painted by an unknown artist? But she has great potential. If you buy her paintings before she becomes famous, they'll be worth a lot once she gains recognition."

"I bought it on impulse, and now I slightly regret it. Brother, I'll give it to you."

Jimmy chuckled, a hint of scheming in his eyes.

Jimmy's mother is very concerned about his brother's marriage prospects, but for many years, his brother hasn't shown any intention of getting married, or even dating.

Even if his brother claimed that in his heart, Camila was just a sister, and he pampered her without any romantic feelings, Jimmy couldn't help but speculate whether they hadn't truly understood him, considering his solitary nature.

Maybe his brother deeply loves Camila but prioritizes their sibling relationship, hence he doesn't acknowledge any romantic feelings?

Jimmy and Camila now live happily with children, and regardless of whether Ivan has romantic feelings for Camila, the couple hopes Ivan finds his own happiness.

A few years ago, a young reporter seemed to stir a different attitude in Ivan. Jimmy thought his brother might be interested in her, as Ivan began interacting with that reporter more frequently, sometimes only granting her interviews.

Due to Ivan's status, that reporter became somewhat well-known in her industry, as her organization valued her; after all, she could catch the attention of the Horne family's eldest son.

However, years have passed, and Ivan still hasn't expressed anything. Those familiar with him finally realized that he maintained no romantic feelings for the reporter—he simply regarded her as a friend after getting familiar.

Conversely, the young reporter held secret feelings for Ivan, hoping one day they'd surpass friendship.

When Jimmy saw this painting in Lia Aiken's gallery, he was shocked. Lia's business struggled, rarely selling her paintings. However, when he offered to buy this silhouette painting, Lia refused.

Lia stated, "Sir, this painting holds great significance to me. I only display it, not sell it. You may look at my other works; I believe my other paintings are better than this."

Jimmy had seen her other paintings too, which were indeed excellent, but he bought them not based on quality but because the focal point was his dear cousin.

Lia's words further fueled Jimmy's suspicion of a hidden story between Lia and Ivan, driving him to use some tactics, capitalize on Lia's weakness, and semi-coerce and semi-purchase the painting.

He hoped to uncover the untold story between his brother and Lia.

Sigh, these folks really exhausted themselves over his brother's lifelong issues, unable to overlook even the slightest hint.

Ivan chuckled, "A silhouette painting not yet valuable, where should I hang it? You bought it; keep it yourself. Once this artist named Lia gains international fame, then you can give me the painting."

He sat at the table holding Nina, who handed her bottle to Ivan after being full. Ivan casually placed the bottle on the table.

He preferred playing with Nina over admiring the silhouette painting.

Jimmy wanted to say something, but Julia interjected, "Jimmy, if you're not fond of it, give it to Aunt."

They all found the man in the painting's silhouette incredibly familiar, yet Ivan couldn't recognize it because he couldn't see his own silhouette.

Julia even gave Jimmy a look, hinting not to disclose to Ivan that he was the painting's subject until unraveling any stories between Lia and Ivan.

"Since Aunt likes it, let's give it to her."

Jimmy certainly wasn't bringing the painting home.

After returning from his trip, he promptly sent the painting over, avoiding his beloved wife's constant gaze on it, given the painting's main subject was Ivan.

Even after Camila bore two children, Jimmy's jealousy remained intense.

"Ring ring ring..."

Ivan's phone rang.

He took out his phone, while Nina's chubby little hands reached out trying to grab it. He smiled, "Nina, don't fuss."

Not obtaining the phone, Nina showed displeasure on her little face. Soon, she stretched out her plump arms to her father, wanting a hug, choosing not to play with her uncle who denied her the phone.

Jimmy laughingly embraced his precious daughter, lightly tweaking her cute nose, and the little one mimicked, tweaking his nose in return.

The call was from Grace Chandler, who was the reporter from years ago.

"Grace, the big reporter," Ivan answered gently, with a hint of a smile. "What's up?"

Grace smiled over the phone and chatted with Ivan about various trivial matters. Ivan remained patient, without showing impatience. Eventually, Grace felt she shouldn't continue aimlessly and cautiously asked, "Mr. Horne, could you do me a favor?"

Ivan kindly responded, "Whatever favor you need, just say it. If I can help, I will; if not, then I'm sorry."

Grace hesitated, realizing Ivan might not be willing to assist.

She wondered whether she should reveal her request?

"Grace, the big reporter, just tell me the favor you need? Let me inform you upfront, if it's about pretending to be your boyfriend to reassure your seriously ill grandpa, or being a third wheel to ruin your blind date—don't ask me. I'm not that generous, nor do I have the time for such pointless tasks."

Ivan didn't consider himself a bad guy, but wouldn't claim to be good either.

Grace continued contemplating whether to reveal it, while Ivan straightforwardly made clear what favors he definitely would refuse for her.

After years of acquaintance, he could regard Grace a slightly better friend than the average, but only that.

Grace had secretly loved him for years, something Ivan knew, even if Grace hadn't confessed.

"Mr. Horne is so busy; I wouldn't dare ask you for something that would waste your time." Ivan's words bluntly pierced Grace's heart, yet she kept smiling, refusing to admit Ivan had shut down her path. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"It's concerning an interview." Grace chuckled, "I wonder when Mr. Horne might have time for another exclusive interview with me?" Ivan is one of the city's most outstanding young talents, perpetually under media scrutiny. After getting acquainted with him, Grace could directly contact him privately for interviews without going through the secretary's arrangements.