A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 203

But today, the moment Veronica brought it up, Jonah agreed without hesitation.

It wasn't that Winona didn’t find it odd, but her mind had been completely preoccupied with that painting, so she hadn’t given it much thought.

Looking back, it was strange. She barely knew Jonah—he was practically a stranger. She only wanted to buy a few of his paintings, and yet, when she mentioned visiting his private studio, he immediately said yes?

And even if he was willing to let her in, wouldn’t he have put away a painting he’d treasured for years?

There’s no way he’d just leave it lying around where she could easily see it.

“So, he wanted me to see that painting on purpose, just so I’d tell you what was on it?”

“Seems like it,” Veronica replied.

“He’s lost his mind.” Veronica couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief. “Even if you know what’s in the painting, what’s he hoping for? That you’ll suddenly be moved by his feelings?”

Of course not.

Winona fell silent.

She honestly had no idea when Jonah started liking her.

The two of them had barely any interaction at all.

“Nona, what if Jonah loses it again someday and tries to make a scene with that painting?” Veronica asked anxiously. “This isn’t like that teaser poster he painted before—sure, that one looked like you in profile, but you could still deny it. This time, it’s unmistakably you.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Winona answered calmly. “If he ever tries to cause trouble with that painting, that’s his problem, not mine. I never forced him to paint it.”

She’d already thought it through.

She never led Jonah on, never gave him any hope, never played games between the two brothers.

She’d made her position clear to Jonah ages ago.

So, if Jonah had feelings for her, how was that her fault?

At the mention of Tyson, Winona’s expression cooled.

“That shameless idiot.” Veronica huffed. “He didn’t appreciate you when he had you, and now he regrets it—too bad! Mr. Rogers is a thousand times better than he’ll ever be! Tyson can keep dreaming.”

Just then, the man who was a thousand times better—Elvis Rogers—walked back in.

He saw Winona on the phone and didn’t interrupt. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her in a gentle hug before pulling out a chair and sitting down beside her.

“Come on, don’t let him get to you,” Winona said with a smile.

“Me? As if I’d waste my energy on him,” Veronica replied, stifling a yawn. “Nona, I need some sleep. I got up way too early this morning—I’m about to pass out. Good night!”

“Good night,” Winona said.

After hanging up, she turned to Elvis, who was watching her with a soft, lingering warmth in his eyes.

“What took you so long?” Winona’s voice was tinged with playful complaint. “I barely slept last night, you know.”