Chapter 138
Chapter 138
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“Exactly! Alicia lived with the Lawrences for twelve years, studying art the entire time, and she’s only now reached Tiffany’s current level. Imagine where Tiffany will be in a few more years-she’ll completely surpass
her.”
“Natural talent is what truly matters. Tiffany has created fourteen exceptional works in just three months, while Alicia has only completed one painting in over a decade. How can they possibly be compared?”
Overhearing her supporters, Tiffany concealed her satisfaction beneath a mask of concern. “Please, everyone, she interjected gently, “let’s not speak about Alicia that way. She takes these things very personally. As a favor to me, please don’t upset her.”
She even offered a slight, pleading bow.
Her fans were moved-and incensed on her behalf. “You’re always defending your sister,” someone called out, “even when she’s trying to snatch what’s yours! She isn’t even the real Sweetheart Queen-how can she challenge you with just one painting? You shouldn’t have to keep protecting someone like her.”
Just then, a voice murmured near Tiffany’s car, “Mr. West has arrived.”
Turning back to the crowd, she offered a gentle, grateful smile. “Thank you all for your support, but Alicia is still my sister. I’d really appreciate it if we could leave this topic now. If you’ll excuse me, I should head inside.”
Gathering her dress gracefully, she moved quickly toward the hotel entrance, followed by a beaming Andrew and Archie.
“Tiffany really carries herself like a star,” Andrew whispered proudly.
Archie nodded in agreement. “She’s got that presence, no question.”
As the three stepped inside, a wave of reporters surged in after them.
The hotel staff got flustered for a second by the sudden flood of reporters, wondering if some massive celebrity had just shown up. Curious, they poked their heads out to see what all the fuss was about.
But all they saw was a stranger—a girl in a fancy dress with perfect makeup. She was tolerably attractive, but definitely not anyone famous from the screen.
“Whoa, which superstar is that? What a grand entrance, and look at all those reporters! But honestly, I don’t recognize her at all. Have any of you seen her before?” one of the hotel staff remarked.
Another staff member replied, “Same here, she doesn’t ring a bell. Still, with that media circus and so many fans outside, she’s gotta be someone important. Did management mention anything about hosting a celebrity today?”
Then a younger staffer came over and said, “Nah, she’s not a celeb. Didn’t you guys check social media? There’s this legendary artist-Edward West-who’s been hunting for a student forever, and now it’s down to two finalists. They’re both crazy talented, so today’s the final showdown.”
“Wait, really? The art master is that young? She’s just a kid!”
15:24 Tue, Oct 14
Chapter 138
“No way, that’s not the master-she’s one of the contestants hoping to become his apprentice.”
“For a contestant, she sure looks like a star! I saw loads of fans waiting outside.”
、。 (46)
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“She’s one of those viral online artists-bet she’s got way more followers than the master himself!”
“Seriously? With fame like that, who else could even hope to compete? The master should just make her his apprentice already!”
“I’m guessing the master’s just worried about folks accusing him of showing favoritism or trying to ride her online clout, so he set up this whole contest as a cover. But come on, it’s basically a done deal-no one’s beating the Sweetheart Queen. The other finalist is just there for the drama. Honestly, her paintings are on another level.”
Hearing the staff’s whispers, Tiffany allowed a subtle, knowing smile to grace her lips. With her chin held high, she glided confidently into the private hall Silas had reserved—the Crystal Room.
A stream of reporters and popular influencers surged in behind her, immediately scrambling to claim prime positions as they set up cameras and equipment. The competition grew so heated that several media crews began bickering over the best camera angles.
At the far end of the room, Edward sat at the head of an ornate table, leisurely sipping champagne. Flanking him were two men and a woman—his sons and daughter.
Tiffany flashed her most perfect smile, lifted the hem of her dress, and stepped over to Edward. In a gentle voice, she said, “Mr. West.”
Edward glanced up, and the sight of Tiffany’s overly polished appearance immediately put him off. Whether it was Alicia’s influence or his own instinct, he’d never warmed to Tiffany-and this performance only deepened his dislike.
Still, today was Alicia’s stage. He would let her reveal Tiffany’s inadequacies in due time. For now, he offered only a curt nod.
Tiffany maintained her sweet expression. “Mr. West, have you had a chance to see my painting? I’d be honored to know if I’ve gotten any better.”
She maintained a facade of humility, but on the inside, she was preening. The piece was perfection itself, and public opinion online had unanimously ratified that view. She was confident Edward couldn’t possibly criticize it.
But his reply sent the color draining from Tiffany’s face.
“I haven’t seen it.”
Rage simmered beneath her carefully constructed calm. She’d sent the painting straight to his inbox, posted it on her Twitter-hell, it had blown up, with even the biggest names in art singing its praises. Everyone was talking about it. And now he had the nerve to say he hadn’t even laid eyes on it?
She refused to buy that he wasn’t following her online.
15:24 Tue, Oct 14
Chapter 138
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Back when she’d never even hinted at wanting to be his student, he couldn’t stop gushing about her on social media. Now that she was actually here, begging to be his student, he suddenly acted all cold and distant? Claimed he hadn’t seen her work? What gives with the 180?
‘Fine, Tiffany thought, her eyes flashing with irritation. ‘If he wants to play dumb and say he hasn’t seen it, so be it. Tiffany rolled her eyes inwardly.
‘Once Alicia shows up. I’ll make sure he has no choice but to look at my painting!
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