Chapter 29 Brutally Honest
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Hannah had always carried an unshakable sense of superiority over Francesca. Even when Francesca had been her sister–in–law, it didn’t stop her from looking down on her at every opportunity.
Getting kicked out of the restaurant by Francesca had been humiliating enough, but then Benedict tore into her about it later. The whole thing left her stewing with resentment.
If she’d just disappeared for good, my life would be so much easier, Hannah thought bitterly,
Benedict’s warning not to make trouble was still fresh in her mind, but this was Suzanna’s event, her territory. That gave Hannah all the confidence she needed to let loose.
“Do you even know where you are?” she sneered at Francesca, her tone dripping with contempt. “This is an art gallery, not some random street market. You don’t belong here. This is a place for culture, not… whatever you are.”
Her confidence grew as she went on. “Don’t think that cozying up to Raymond somehow makes you one of us. Back when you were in the Landon family, you were nothing but a crude nobody. You’re still that same nobody.”
Hannah’s eyes darted toward Hugh, who stood calmly beside Francesca. “And you,” she said to him, her voice sharp. “What are you doing with her? Can’t you see she’s just some sidepiece for Raymond? Don’t let her drag you down.”
“Enough!” Hugh’s voice was firm, cutting through the tension like a blade.
Hannah’s head snapped toward him, her jaw dropping. “Hu–Hugh? What are you saying?“,
Hugh’s cold stare didn’t waver. “She is my guest. I brought her here,” he said, his tone sharp and final.
Hannah shook her head, her disbelief turning into desperation. “No, no, that’s impossible! She’s tricking you, don’t fall for it!”
Francesca hadn’t said a word through the entire tirade. She just stood there, calm and unbothered, watching Hannah unravel like a bad soap opera villain.
When Hannah’s voice cracked with hysteria, Francesca simply placed her glass on a nearby table and turned to Hugh. “Let’s go,” she said.
“Don’t you dare leave!” Hannah shrieked, her composure completely shattered. The thought of her idol, Hugh, standing by Francesca’s side was too much to bear. It clawed at her pride, driving her closer to the edge.
Hugh, unfazed, stood his ground. “You were out of line. Apologize to my friend,” he said, his tone icy.
Hannah blinked, stunned for a moment before shaking her head furiously. “Apologize? To her? No way, over my dead body!”
“Apologize. Now,” Hugh said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
He didn’t even spare Hannah another glance, his eyes shifting to the security guard by the door. It was clear he was ready to have her escorted out if she didn’t comply.
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Chapter 29 Brutally Honest
following Francesca.
Finished
Hannah’s face burned with anger and humiliation as she stood there. After a few seconds, she stomped after them, but Francesca had already run into Benedict and Suzanna near the entrance. The reporters were quick to swarm, cameras clicking and microphones at the ready.
The atmosphere instantly grew tense. Suzanna, clearly caught off guard, recovered quickly and greeted Hugh with a practiced smile. “Hugh, it’s good to see you.”
Francesca figured the encounter would be short–a polite exchange and nothing more. But Suzanna couldn’t resist slipping in a veiled jab. Her smile tightened as she said, “I didn’t realize your friend had an interest in art. What a surprise.”
Francesca raised an eyebrow, not taking the bait. She replied in a light, easy tone, “I wouldn’t say I know much about art, but Hugh’s been immersed in it his whole life. He’s the expert here, not me.”
She turned to Hugh with a smirk. “Well, what’s your take?”
“Not great,” Hugh said flatly.
Francesca rolled her eyes at him. “Ouch. Brutally honest, aren’t you?”
Suzanna’s smile faltered, her composure cracking under the weight of the awkward moment. She forced a laugh, though it sounded strained. “Hugh’s always been refreshingly direct. I suppose honesty is important
in art.”
Before anyone could respond, someone from the group chimed in, clearly eager to shift the focus. “Oh, Miss Mitchell, don’t sell yourself short. You’re Mr. Finch’s disciple, aren’t you? That alone speaks volumes about your talent.
“I heard he only trained one student in his lifetime. You must be extraordinary.”
Marley’s only disciple? Francesca couldn’t help but chuckle under her breath.
She glanced at Suzanna and decided to twist the knife just a little. “Miss Mitchell, with the guidance of such a legendary master, maybe you’re just holding back? Or…”
Her tone turned playful. “Are you planning to surprise us with something extraordinary? A live painting demonstration, perhaps? That would really show your talent.”
Hugh let out a low, amused laugh, his arms crossed. Francesca smiled, her words sweetly sharp. “What do you think? Sounds like a crowd–pleaser to me.”
Suzanna’s face drained of color. Paint on the spot? There was no way she could pull that off, and Francesca clearly knew it.
Not waiting for a response, Francesca turned away casually. Hugh gave Suzanna one last glance with a smirk on his lips before following Francesca.
The two of them completely ignored Benedict who standing beside Suzanna. Meanwhile, his eyes stayed locked on Francesca, unwavering from the moment he spotted her.
