Dear Immortal Tyrant

"Director Lina!"

"Welcome back!"

All of the employees quickly rushed forward with wide eyes and bouquets of flowers. They greeted her warmly and she flashed them her brightest smile.

"Thank you," Lina stated in an amiable voice, and she truly meant it. "You've all worked hard."

At her touching words, they paused and glanced at each other in delight.

"Bonuses for everyone's dedication," Lina added with a slight wink, for the month was ending and incomes were going to be distributed soon. Before she could hear their gratitude, she turned the corner with a location in mind.

"I am surprised your husband allowed us to leave," Estella finally spoke up with a curious gaze.

"Because he knows there's nothing to love about that man," Lina responded vaguely with a slight frown whilst smoothing out the folds of her white dress.

When Estella revealed the news, Kaden didn't even blink. He continued to drink his coffee, but with an amused smile. When they made eye contact, he curled a brow. On her way out, he gave her a warm kiss on the head and wished her a good day at work. She wondered why he was staying home today. Was he finally taking a break? He really needed one.

"Lina."

Atlantis rose to his feet the second she walked through the doors. She was as beautiful as he had last remembered. In fact, with the passing months, her allure had only grown more powerful. She was practically glowing with health and he didn't even have to ask. He knew what happened. He was no fool.

"You…" Atlantis didn't even know where to begin. He couldn't find it in himself to blame Kaden. They both knew how low her survival rate was. Anything that could save her, Atlantis would've done it too.

"A VIP client," Lina addressed whilst directing him to sit. "Limitless Galleria is happy to assist. What kind of piece are you looking for?"

Atlantis opened and closed his mouth. He straightened his suit, saw her aloof expression, and shamefully glanced at his feet.

"I'm sorry, Lina."

"Apology not accepted." Lina glanced at Estella who had already prepared the cup of coffee.

Estella had the coffee brewed in advance, but not too quickly. She slid the cup over, with one milk and one sugar, exactly how he liked it. Atlantis appeared surprised, but said nothing.

"You remembered how I like my coffee?" Atlantis asked, almost bewildered.

"We know all of our guests' preferences, we've always done research beforehand," Estella explained in an affable tone, revealing a thin-lipped smile.

Atlantis softly chuckled at her statement. "You make clients feel special. It is no wonder your gallery is booming, Director."

Lina was surprised that he addressed her properly. There was no disdain or mockery in his voice. Even so, she waited for Estella to take a seat and pull out the computer. Usually, they'd jot down what the client wanted verbatim—that way, not a single detail was amiss.

"What kind of piece are you looking for?" Lina continued, leaning back in her chair to show her engagement.

"A present for Mia."

Lina dutifully nodded her head. Estella's quiet typing filled the air.

"I didn't approach this galleria just for you, Director," Atlantis revealed in a somber tone. "You're the most knowledgeable in terms of history."

Lina slowly raised her brow.

"Mia enjoys ancient Ritan scenery—the era before the Second King of Ritan was… well, a King. He had a wife."

Lina felt every cell in her body freeze. Did Mia know? She glanced at Atlantis, who didn't reveal an ounce of his thought. Were these two in cahoots?

"She wants a portrait of the palace, the full moon, and a faint image of the couple. She's lonely and enjoys scenery where you can't see the people until you step closer," Atlantis continued to explain.

"What is the tone you'd like the piece to portray then?" Lina asked.

"Happiness, obviously."

Lina wondered if a star-crossed couple could ever be depicted on a joyous occasion. Especially when the Princess killed herself—no thanks to Atlan.

Even so, Lina maintained her professionalism. She nodded her head. "I'll ensure every stroke on the piece is historically accurate to the era."

Lina already had an artist or two in mind. She tried to remember if they had any upcoming commissions to finish, but wasn't too certain. She had been away from the gallery for far too long.

According to Lina's sources, Estella was running all of the meetings with excellence. Though, there were a few disgruntled clients that didn't enjoy a person typing and not fully engaging the conversation, as Lina and Estella usually were.

"Her birthday is in three months. That should be adequate time to complete the painting," Atlantis stated whilst pulling out a blank cheque from his suit pocket.

Atlantis slid the empty paper over, his signature already signed on it. "Name your price."

Lina factored everything into the cost. Based on the details, historical accuracy, the background, the inclusion of people, nature, buildings, deadlines, and so on, she scribbled down a price and slid the cheque back to him.

Atlantis, too, must've done his research. She saw his eyes flicker whilst he did the mental math. Then, he nodded his head.

"Sounds good to me." Atlantis rose to his feet and offered her a hand.

Lina shook his palm firmly. She was taught since birth that a handshake was everything when it came to a business deal. It couldn't be too hard or too soft. You never want to come off as too aggressive or weak. The perfect balance was important.

"How about lunch with me?" Atlantis suddenly said. "A token of a well-agreed sale."

Estella raised her head in time to collect the signed check. She saw the Director's hesitation. Immediately, she took that as a cue to step in. Then, Lina took both of them by surprise.

"I have another meeting after this, but yes, lunch should be fine." Lina turned to a blank-faced Estella. "Arrange it two hours from now, please."

Estella hurriedly recovered from the shock. She smiled and nodded, her fingers moving vividly across the keyboard. In her youth, she enjoyed gaming, thus, gained the ability to type way too quickly.

"Lunch with Chairman Medeor has been set in stone, Director."