Phoebe’s question was something Tracy hadn’t really considered before.
Back when she was at the Angelic Etiquette Academy, she didn’t even know if she’d make it through those two years, so thinking about the future wasn’t really an option.
Now that she was finally out, all she wanted was to get through each day. Working long shifts in the back of the restaurant, she didn’t have the energy to dream like she used to.
Phoebe immediately noticed the confusion and sadness in Tracy’s eyes, and it felt like someone had squeezed her heart.
When I first took Tracy in as a mentee, her last name was still Jackman. Back then, she talked about dreams and the future with bright hope. How did she change so much?
Phoebe gently took Tracy’s hand. “Kid, your painting talent is the best I’ve ever seen. Don’t give it up so easily.
“Before you left for abroad, I showed your work to Ms. Nicholls. She loved it and wanted to meet you. Too bad you left so suddenly, or I would’ve told you sooner.”
Jane Nicholls was a famous painter known for her orthodox style. Many people learned about domestic culture through her art. She was highly respected in the art world.
If Tracy had heard this before, she’d have been so excited she couldn’t sleep. But now, she just felt nervous and scared.
Painting comes from the heart.
But my heart isn’t the same as it was two years ago.
Still, I really love to paint …
Tracy didn’t refuse Phoebe’s kindness. “Don’t worry. I’m not giving up painting.”
It had been her true love since she was a kid. Only while painting did she feel a calm peace inside.
1/3
69%
Chapter 43 The Whole Story
+5 Free Coins
So no matter what, she wouldn’t quit. But maybe she’d never get that same old feeling back.
Phoebe saw there was still something unsaid, and her heart tightened again.
She always felt this new Tracy was different, though she couldn’t say exactly how.
But as long as Tracy didn’t quit painting, Phoebe believed her talent would keep her shining.
“Alright, as long as you don’t give up.” She patted Tracy’s hand. “Is your contact info still the same? If you need anything, come to me anytime. You’ll always be my student.”
Phoebe truly valued Tracy’s talent. If Tracy gave up painting, it might be her biggest regret.
After Phoebe’s strong encouragement, Tracy finally added a second contact to her phone.
They talked a while longer before saying goodbye.
But they didn’t know their parting had been watched by a group nearby.
“Isn’t that Professor Dinwiddie? Today is Erin’s graduation party. She gave up being Erin’s mentor when Erin hadn’t done anything wrong. So why is she here now?” someone complained.
“I invited Professor Dinwiddie,” Erin quickly explained. “She was my mentor once. On a day like this, I want to share my happiness with her.”
Phoebe had brought up the plagiarism scandal over the past two years, even causing Erin to be the first student ever pushed out without making a mistake.
So on a day like today, Erin wanted her to see what kind of student she missed.
The girl who spoke earlier linked her arm with Erin’s. “Erin, you’re way too soft. If it were me, I wouldn’t just glare at that woman–I’d give her hell!”
Erin smiled gently. “Professor Dinwiddie has always liked Tracy. I understand her.”
Though she said that, her expression clearly showed she felt hurt.
2/3
09:05 Wed, 3 Sept O
Chapter 43 The Whole Story
69%
+5 Free Coins
Then another girl spoke up. “Speaking of Tracy, didn’t the person with Professor Dinwiddie just now look exactly like her?”
That girl was Winona Miller, known in Cloudville for openly disliking Tracy.
Since Erin came back, Winona was the loudest, mocking Tracy for stealing someone else’s place.
Erin glanced at her, her smile softening. “Yeah, that was Tracy. She came back just over a month ago. I even threw a welcome party for her at Sometime Hotel. But, you know, something happened in the end…”
The welcome party was for Tracy’s old friends, but today’s guests were Erin’s classmates and alumni. The Jackmans and the Dunns both ordered silence about the Sometime Hotel incident, so very few knew about it.
Hearing Erin speak about it made everyone curious.
Erin told the whole story, her voice full of pain. “I really wanted to welcome Tracy back, but she seemed to hate it. She showed up wearing worn–out, cheap clothes and said I wasn’t sincere.
“Simon got angry and tried to stand up for me, asking her to apologize. But I don’t know what Simon said that set her off. She suddenly lunged at Simon, hitting and biting him, and Simon ended up in the hospital.”
Sept.
09:05 Wed, 3 Sept O

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Unwanted Daughter When Love Comes Too Late