A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 330

Chapter 330

“Alright.” Ivan’s voice rose a little, sounding genuinely happy.

Alessia smiled, the corners of her lips curling upward. She chatted with him for a few more moments before ending the call.

Saturday arrived. Alessia showed up right on time at the Mortons‘ to pick them up. After stepping inside and greeting Karen, she made her way to Ivan’s bedroom and knocked gently on the door.

To her surprise, it was York who opened it.

“Alessia!” The little guy was practically bouncing with excitement, sporting a jaunty beret that made him look every bit the young artist.

“What brings you here so early?” she asked, amused.

“I’m going to the exhibition too,” he replied, grinning.

“And where’s Ivan?”

“Right here.” Ivan’s voice came from behind York; he looked freshly washed, his hair still a bit damp.

“Here, this is the newest catalog for you.” Ivan blinked in surprise, hugging the glossy booklet to his chest, clearly delighted.

“Let’s go. If you’re both ready, we should head out.”

Alessia took one boy by each hand, walking them out the door. One was lively, the other quiet, but together they made a perfect pair.

The exhibition hall was bustling with people. To avoid losing the boys in the crowd, Alessia reminded Ivan to keep an eye on York. Even if York did wander off, having Ivan around meant there’d likely be no trouble.

York scowled at the suggestion but didn’t protest. He gripped Ivan’s hand tightly as they followed close behind Alessia.

“There you are! I was about to call and ask where you’d gotten to.” Eddie spotted them and walked over, accompanied by a tall, blonde–haired, blue–eyed man.

“This is Dale Reeves–the renowned abstract artist. He’ll be making the final decision in the competition.”

“Nice to meet you,” Alessia greeted him, offering her hand in the familiar Western way. Dale shook it, following local custom.

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09:38

“Dale, this is Ivan–the artist behind the painting you admired.”

“Wow, I absolutely love your work!” Dale’s enthusiasm was almost overwhelming. He was a large man, his thick beard nearly covering his face, and the energy radiating from him was hard to ignore.

“Thank you,” Ivan murmured, a bit shy, stepping back to half–hide behind York.

“Sorry, he’s a bit shy around strangers,” York explained smoothly in flawless French. “No worries. I just wanted to tell him–his use of line and color is extraordinary. There’s a sense of rebirth in his work; it’s incredibly moving. Hard to believe a child of eight painted this! I saw the portfolio that was sent to me–oh, I apologize for ever doubting him.”

Dale spoke so quickly, unable to contain his excitement, his words tumbled out. But York didn’t miss a beat; as soon as Dale finished, he leaned over and quietly

translated everything to Ivan.

Alessia watched, a small smile touching her lips, and reached out to pat York gently on the head.

York’s knack for languages was remarkable, but not surprising. The Tate family had always prioritized education, and at Berlington Elementary, students‘ courses were tailored to their individual strengths. That York could keep up like this was only

natural.

“Which section is the exhibition in?” Alessia brought them back to the matter at

hand.

“This way,” Eddie said, leading them onward.

As they made their way toward the display area, a discordant noise broke the calm. The gallery was usually quiet and spacious, so a child’s tantrum echoed like surround sound–impossible to ignore, and even harder to tolerate.

“That painting won first place? It’s ugly! How could anyone think it’s better than mine? You people have no taste!” Tammie glared at Ivan’s painting, looking as if she could rip it off the wall herself.

“Grandpa, take it down! Take it down! Didn’t you say I’d win first place? I don’t want to lose! I won’t!”

Tammie plopped down on the floor, kicking her legs and wailing.

09:38

Chapter 330

Her howls grated on everyone’s nerves, drawing annoyed glances from all