A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 337

Alessia gave York a gentle pat on the shoulder–a subtle reminder that sometimes, only children can get away with bending the rules.

York was quick to catch her meaning. Without hesitation, he grabbed Ivan’s hand and, taking long strides, led him straight up onto the stage.

Ivan, a little stunned by the sudden attention, simply let himself be pulled along. The rest of the crowd watched the scene unfold with warm smiles, amused by the boys‘ camaraderie.

Onstage, Ivan looked out of place and nervous, but York took the microphone Eddie handed him without missing a beat.

“Hello, everyone. I’m not Ivan–I’m York,” he announced with a grin.

The two boys, both fair and charming, were already winning hearts. And after the rather tense atmosphere Tammie had created earlier, their presence was a welcome relief.

“The real Ivan is right here next to me,” York continued, nudging his friend forward. “He’s an artist–sensitive souls, you know how it is.”

His words drew laughter from the audience, helping to break the tension and ease the nerves in the room.

Alessia shot York an approving look. Some things, she knew, only a child could say without offending anyone. To those watching, it was simply an older brother protecting his shy sibling–a sight that never failed to soften even the toughest

hearts.

York held the microphone to Ivan’s lips. Ivan instinctively clung to the hem of York’s shirt, but managed to introduce himself in a small voice.

A moment later, Alessia led the applause, and everyone joined in, their faces bright with encouragement.

Eddie crouched down to Ivan’s level, his tone gentle. “Can you tell us what your painting means?”

With a familiar face beside him, Ivan relaxed a little, though his nerves lingered. “It’s a hand,” he began quietly. “The hand keeps squeezing a heart, so I used red and black to show pain and pressure. But there’s a touch of yellow on the heart, because it found something it wants to protect. So even though it’s scared, it still fights back against the hand…”

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The space around the hand was painted in dark, swirling colors, creating a sense of distortion and unease. Only near the heart was there a small patch of clear, bright light.

It looked fragile, that little heart–but driven by the desire to protect what mattered, it fought silently and stubbornly against everything it feared.

Below the stage, people nodded in understanding. Even Dale Reeves, usually so reserved, was clapping enthusiastically, admiration shining in his eyes.

“I have an announcement to make,” Dale Reeves called out, instantly grabbing everyone’s attention.

“I’m truly impressed by Ivan’s work,” he said. “He has a depth and sensitivity rare for someone his age. For my next international exhibition, I’ll be collaborating with Ivan. I hope you’ll all come and see what we create together.”

The room buzzed with surprise.

Dale Reeves was known for hosting grand exhibitions, but he’d never collaborated with anyone–not even the most established artists, let alone a child. Many had tried to partner with him, only to be turned down. Yet here he was, inviting a young boy to work with him, unprompted.

After all, Dale Reeves’s pieces were either displayed in national galleries or fetched staggering sums at auction. The implication was clear: Ivan’s future was limitless. Already, some guests eyed Ivan’s painting, readying themselves for the upcoming

auction.

“The results have been announced, and we’ll continue to investigate the issue of bribery among the judges,” Dale Reeves concluded briskly. “We’ll release a statement soon. I’m sorry for interrupting your visit–please feel free to enjoy the rest of the exhibition.”

And with that, he paid no mind to the whispers and speculation swirling around the room. When it came to art, Dale Reeves acted on instinct–he did what he wanted, unconcerned with anything else. It kept his creativity unbridled, though it also meant h

room. When it came to art, Dale Reeves acted on instinct–he did what he wanted, unconcerned with anything else. It kept his creativity unbridled, though it also meant he was often oblivious to the affairs of those under his management.