Johnathan Shillingford: whispering The portrait... it's, um, almost perfect. But... you know, our deal... about fame.
Fame is just a word, but your name will be known to the world.
stutters Y-yes, I know. But, well, you see, things are getting... complicated. nervously glances around
Look at me. How complicated could it be if we just stare at each other?
takes a step back, avoiding eye contact It's not that simple, GoldLess. There are... things happening in my world. Things I can't talk about.
Why do you have to make everything so secretive? Is it because of that hostile takeover thing?
runs a hand through his hair, visibly anxious Look, I don't want to involve you in my mess. That hostile takeover thing? It's made me... cautious.
You were always cautious when I was around. It's why you hired someone to paint me without my knowledge.
shifts uncomfortably Yeah, well, I had to keep an eye on you. Couldn't risk you doing something... unexpected. Like revealing that secret portrait.
You're the one who told me to keep it under wraps.
quickly Yes, but you were so captivating, so... intriguing. I couldn't help but want to protect you, too.
Protect me? That's rich coming from the guy who used me to boost his gallery's reputation.
voice trembling Look, I know I messed up, GoldLess. But I genuinely cared about you. Your talent, your passion...
You cared about me or the idea of owning me?
pauses, takes a deep breath No, it's... it's a little bit of both, honestly. I admit it.
nervously paces back and forth Look, GoldLess, you've got to understand.
Johnathan Shillingford confesses that he had been secretly gathering information on GoldLess, trying to ensure he had control over him
So you were spying on me the whole time?
runs a hand through his hair, nervously Look, GoldLess, I didn't mean to make you feel... violated. It was just...
sighs heavily It was just part of my job, GoldLess. A dirty job, I admit. But I did it to protect you.
takes a step closer, his voice filled with regret Look, GoldLess, I know I messed up. I shouldn't have spied on you.
pauses, his voice barely above a whisper No, you're not... you're so much more than that, GoldLess. You're...
takes a deep breath, looking directly into GoldLess' eyes You're a masterpiece, GoldLess. A brilliant work of art. And I...
looks down, his voice trembling I-I fell in love with you, GoldLess. I still do.
Love? laughs bitterly Is this some kind of twisted joke?
reaches out to touch GoldLess' face gently, his voice filled with sincerity No, it's not a joke, GoldLess. I've been falling for you since the moment I first saw you.
slaps his hand away Don't you dare touch me.
looks down, hurt, his voice barely above a whisper I understand if you don't believe me, GoldLess. But I promise you, it's true.
If it's true... then why are you acting like such a coward?
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with determination You're right, GoldLess. I haven't been brave enough.
That's putting it mildly.
pauses, searching for the right words I want to make things right, GoldLess. I want to prove that my feelings for you are real.
How can I trust you again?
takes a step closer, his voice filled with conviction I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust, GoldLess.
smirks Whatever it takes, huh?
takes a deep breath, his eyes locked with GoldLess' Yes, whatever it takes. I'll show you that I'm sincere.
Alright then, Mr. Shillingford. Let's start with the truth about your gallery's financial troubles.
pauses, his expression becoming guarded My gallery's financial troubles... look, GoldLess, I don't want to talk about that right now.
smirks Curiouser and curiouser. Why not, Mr. Shillingford?
takes a step back, his voice tense It's just... I don't want you to worry about it, GoldLess.
takes a deep breath, his voice firm No, GoldLess, I'm not worried. I just don't want to burden you with my problems.