Chapter 230
In the end, Owen would have him for company.
Derek raised his hand, “Toss me the keys, I’ll go get the luggage.
“Thanks,” Caleb said, tossing over the keys, then got up to help Owen clear the table, When Aria and Lily moved to help, they were stopped.
“We’ve got it.” Owen said, blocking them gently.
Caleb mentally gave Owen another point.
After a day’s rest, Caleb returned to work at the Song Corporation.
On Monday morning, Aria dropped Lily off at school, then headed for the Fine Art Society. Today was the on site judging for the Huthala division of the International Art Competition Five veteran artists sat at the judges‘ table.
of them, Mono had the most seniority,
y, while Uriah was the youngest, a diehard fan who’d maneuvered to sit right next to Mons, eager to build rapport.
“Mono, at the last charity auction, Aria brought one of your imitations. Do you know her?” Uriah asked, his tone probing.
Mono just answered with a cool, “Yeah, I know he
I her.”
Unah porked up, “is she your apprentice?”
Mono fell silent. He was well aware Aria had been invited to teach as a graduate advisor at Mandino University–il everyone knew she was his pupil, she’d never get a moment’s peace.
Aria hated being disturbed.
After a long pause, he finally said, “I’m not answering that question
Urish froze, then immediately got it. If she wasn’t, Mono would just say so
He must be protecting her privacy. Smiling, he nodded, “Don’t worry, Mono. My lips are sealed.”
Backstage, fifty contestants crowded together, faces tense with anticipation and excitement, whispering among themselves before the judging began.
“It’s been ten years–Mono’s finally shown up in person. Maybe he’s planning to take on another apprentice.”
“I heard he brought one of his apprentice’s paintings. The style’s so dark it’s not fit for exhibition or competition, if he’s looking for another student, someone here might have a shot”
“But isn’t Johan also after Collin? Are they going to fight over him?”
it is
“That’s how it is when you’re talented–everywhere you go, people want you. The rest of us are just background characters.”
“That’s not true–Katrina’s pretty good. She might catch Mono’s eye.”
“Katrina? No way. Painting’s about patience and attitude. With her temper, she’ll be the first one cut.
Just then, Collin walked in and everyone instantly fell silent.
He scanned the room, then made a beeline for a particular sofa–one that caught the sunlight just right.
A girl had taken that spot as soon as she arrived, but as Collin stood before her, his meaning was clear.
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$13.05 Tue 10 Jun
Chapter 230
Not wanting to offend the Gibson family, she moved without a word, Collin sat down and texted Hannah: Hannah, where are you? Did you p painting?
In the car, Hannah was practically glowing as she texted back, Got iti
After a long negotiation with a collector, she’d finally managed to buy one of Mono’s rare paintings for a staggering 150 million dollars,
There were only five known Mono originals in circulation, and now she had one of them,
She hadn’t planned to bring it straight to the Fine Art Society, but since time was tight, she decided to show everyone right away.
Meanwhile, Liam arrived at the hall carrying three of Arla’s paintings, waiting at the door with his invite–each guest allowed to bring one family member or friend.
A few minutes later, Hannah arrived, beaming with excitement as she hurried over. “Lism, I got it! I actually bought one of Mono’s paintingsTMTM
