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Ingrid Hughes waved her over to her table, where she was sitting sipping a Martini with Cutler. Olivia handed her coat to Maria Elena, who had created a makeshift cloakroom in one corner of the bar, smoothed down her dress and plastered on a smile.
‘Ready for this?’ asked Cutler. He snapped his fingers at the young woman behind the bar, signalling for another round of drinks.
‘It’s such a shame that Aaron isn’t here. I really liked him,’ said Ingrid.
‘Of course you did,’ muttered Cutler. Then he perked up as two people walked into the room. ‘Ah, Maxwell, come in. Good to see you. And Lucinda – looking gorgeous as always.’ He shook Maxwell’s hand and kissed Lucinda on each cheek. ‘When are you going to make an honest woman of her, eh?’ Cutler slapped Maxwell on the upper arm.
At the sight of Maxwell, Olivia stiffened. She could still feel his grip on her bicep, from when he had accosted her in the mudroom. But she knew she had to smooth things over with him, especially after her chat with Lucinda on deck – for the sake of the showcase. She didn’t want to be the reason they missed out on a potential buyer. ‘Mr Sadler, I wanted to apologize once again for Aaron’s absence.’
Surrounded by people, the fierceness she’d seen from him earlier didn’t return. ‘Oh, there’s no need. We’ve had our differences in the past. But he has nothing to worry about now.’
‘He doesn’t?’
He glanced sideways at Lucinda. She obviously wasn’t aware Maxwell had threatened her last time. ‘As far as I know, once the deal goes through to roll out Yennin’s art to all the Pioneer cruise ships, that should clear all of Aaron’s remaining debts. I hope you’re not here to tell me that’s not the case …’
Olivia shook her head. ‘No, nothing like that at all. Everything is going smoothly with the deal.’
‘That’s excellent news. I’ve always liked Aaron. Being an art dealer is a risky business. You never know what’s going to take off. Like I said, he got lucky. Or, you both did, I suppose is more accurate to say.’
When Lucinda was pulled away into a conversation with Ingrid, Maxwell leaned in close, so that no one else could hear. ‘Things could have been pretty nasty otherwise.’ He clinked his glass against Olivia’s and drained it.
Olivia covered up a shiver by taking a long sip of her drink.
Delilah walked in next, chatting with the art critic Greg. They both looked chic: Delilah wore a flowy animal-print kaftan, her hair in waist-length braids, while Greg was dressed in a cream-silk shirt under a navy-wool blazer paired with tapered trousers.
Olivia took a couple of cocktails over to the pair.
‘You’re a doll, thank you,’ said Delilah. ‘Greg was just saying what a treat this is. To see where an artist’s inspiration truly came from.’
‘I’m glad you’re enjoying yourselves,’ replied Olivia.
‘Yes, this art showcase concept is intriguing,’ said Greg. ‘A twist on the art auctions you normally come across at sea. I appreciate the focus on a single artist – itdoes allow the viewer to immerse themselves fully in the paintings. You met him, didn’t you? Kostas Yennin?’
‘Yes, in Vilnius,’ said Olivia.
Lucinda joined them, having left Ingrid deep in conversation with Maxwell. ‘That’s quite the privilege,’ she said. ‘He was very private and secretive, along with the rest of his family. You are lucky that you got that chance, especially as no one ever will again.’
‘I’ll never forget it,’ said Olivia, placing her hand over her heart. ‘Delilah, Greg – please meet Lucinda. She’s from Lithuania too, like our artist. Delilah is a fashion designer from Sydney and Greg—’
‘I cover the art world for various publications. I did a profile on Yennin inVoguelast year.I knowallabout how private he was,’ said Greg. ‘After he died, my editor tried everything to get an interview with someone close to him – his sister or his girlfriend. Hell, even his social media manager. But no one would talk.’
‘Girlfriend?’ Delilah asked.
‘Oh yes. I think he kept her hidden to keep up his elusive artist image, but she’s been on the scene for years.’
Olivia nodded, trying to keep her expression neutral. But the conversation made her realize how little she really knew about Yennin.
‘Or maybe it was her choice. Not one for the spotlight,’ said Lucinda.
‘What do you think he would make of this?’ Delilah gestured around her.
‘It doesn’t seem very much like Kostas,’ replied Lucinda.
‘Did you know him too?’ Olivia asked.
‘I think it’s every artist’s dream,’ interrupted Delilah.‘You know I was at the auction that night? I don’t think I’ve ever been to a buzzier sale in my life. It’s put all others to shame! That’s why I couldn’t miss out on this cruise. I’m not having the chance to own one stolen from me again.’
‘You were the underbidder!’ said Olivia.