Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3582

Warren hung up the phone. Beside him, Phoebe Evert was meticulously restoring a damaged painting. She glanced over and asked, "Hit a roadblock?"

Warren's face was a mask of disbelief. "Can you believe Ashen actually refused to participate?"

Phoebe arched an eyebrow. "That is surprising."

Warren scoffed. "She gets a little taste of fame and suddenly thinks she's untouchable."

Phoebe let out a soft laugh, carefully applying sizing to the canvas. A thought struck her, and she turned back. "What about Nocturne?"

"I'll call him right now," Warren said.

A flicker of annoyance crossed Phoebe's face. "If Ashen single-handedly ruins the exhibition of the entire series, can she afford to take the blame?"

Warren waved it off. "As long as Nocturne agrees, it doesn't matter if Ashen shows up or not."

Phoebe nodded. "Then go talk to him. You have to convince him to come."

Warren stepped away to make the call. However, the moment Nocturne heard Ashen wasn't coming, his tone turned freezing cold. "If she's not coming, the work isn't being exhibited. Thanks."

He hung up immediately.

Warren was stunned.

He stormed back to Phoebe. "These two act like they're bigger divas than the actual masters. I've never seen anything like it. They're just a couple of internet-famous comic artists, nowhere near the level of true legends. Where do they get off being so arrogant?"

Phoebe thought of Nocturne's brooding, handsome face. Terrified that he actually wouldn't show up, she snapped in frustration. "It's not Nocturne's fault! The blame lies entirely with Ashen."

The exhibition had gained so much traction that it had been upgraded to a public event. Once the news hit the internet that *Doomsday* was supposedly part of the lineup, fans had gone wild. The online voting and discussion metrics had completely eclipsed several international classic comics. The hype was so massive it had crashed the gallery's official website.

It was an outcome the director hadn't anticipated in his wildest dreams.

With thousands of people clamoring to see *Doomsday* and its exclusive merchandise at the event, how on earth could they announce its withdrawal now?

Warren was floored by the metrics, but his shock quickly morphed into dread. "Nocturne insists on Ashen being there, and Ashen is dead set on refusing. Our hands are tied."

"The exhibition opens in ten days. Get it sorted, and fast. We still have merchandise to design and produce. Figure it out." The director's mandate left no room for argument.

Leaving the office, Warren went straight to Phoebe to strategize.

They were completely divided on who was at fault. Warren believed the responsibility lay squarely on Nocturne. Nocturne had the authority to greenlight the exhibit on his own, yet he insisted on dragging Ashen into it, completely disregarding his own career and the work itself.