Chapter 164
The diamond necklace was handed to Kim.
Selina walked up to him with a smile and said, “Mr. Shaw, now I’m convinced you’re truly my devoted fan.”
Whenever Selina released a new piece, Kim would splurge on it without hesitation. Many speculated he was buying them for a secret lover, yet no one was ever seen wearing his purchases–not even in photographs. It seemed he was driven by pure collector’s passion.
“Your craftsmanship is superb and definitely worth collecting,” Kim said.
Selina chuckled, “The finest craftsmanship merely creates ornaments. Only when worn do they reveal their true splendor.”
No artist wanted their painstakingly crafted masterpieces to remain hidden forever, not even Selina.
She hoped her creations would adorn women.
Learning of Kim’s underhanded tactics, Selina deliberately sold her pieces to other buyers. Yet he always managed to acquire them, and then they’d vanish from the market forever.
Seeing Kim finally get the short end of the stick, Selina felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction.
Selina turned to Aria, took out her phone with a smile, and said, “Let’s swap contact info. Send me your address, and I’ll send you my latest creation in a few days.”
Now, Kim understood the reason why Aria had given up bidding.
Kim couldn’t help thinking, ‘Why do I feel so off all of a sudden?‘
After adding her number, Aria asked, “Ms. Grive, which of Mono’s paintings is your favorite?”
Selina glanced at the painting in Owen’s hand and countered, “Is Mono the only artist you can imitate?”
“Yes, the paintings by other artists don’t have copyright.”
Selina couldn’t help but chuckle and asked, “Did you really paint this yourself?”
“Yes”
She painted it.
Owen glanced down at the painting in his hand, relieved he’d managed to snatch it.
Selina pressed further, “May I have one of your paintings?”
Aria paused for a moment. “My painting… is somewhat strange.”
Selina grew even more curious and smiled, saying, “It doesn’t matter. As long as you painted it.”
Logan and Zoe stood nearby, watching their daughter with a mix of joy and sorrow.
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They were happy to see her thriving independently, yet heartbroken at having completely lost their daughter.
Kim didn’t linger. He had barely taken a few steps when Hannah blocked his path. “I’m really sorry, Kim. I’ve caused trouble for you.”
He frowned. “What does this have to do with you?”
Hannah sighed with feigned resignation and said helplessly, “Kim, Aria hates me. She knows we’re close, and even though she knew how much you
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Chapter 164
waste admire Selina, she still deliberately drove up the price, making you so much money for nothing.”
Kim shot her a strange look. “You’re overthinking this.”
Just now, he’d assumed Aria was raising the bid out of spite because of their conflict that night. But Selina’s words made him realize how petty minded he’d been, and he couldn’t help feeling a bit foolish.
It turned out she was only after Selina’s work all along.
Hannah put on a guilt–ridden look. “You don’t have to comfort me, Kim.”
Kim fell silent.
“Fine,” Kim said, brushing past her.
Hannah was momentarily thrown off by Kim’s reaction, but she had no time to dwell on it. Martin and Albert were already heading her way.
Having composed herself, Elena urged Hannah, “I’ve heard Martin came specifically to invite you. Go greet him now!”
“Alright,” Hannah replied.
Hannah straightened her posture, smoothed her hair, and strode over with a confident click of her heels.
Martin was about to speak to Aria when a voice cut in.
“Professor Schmidt, I’ve made my decision. I accept your offer,” Hannah said.
Martin was interrupted and looked displeased. He was just about to demand, “Who are you?” when Albert beat him to it, asking excitedly, “Hannah, does this mean you’ve agreed to be a graduate advisor at Mandino University?”
Hannah smiled gracefully and said, “Yes, thank you, Professor Schmidt and Professor Clinton, for recognizing my qualifications. I’ll step down from Kerano Global Health to be a dedicated graduate advisor at Mandino University.”
