The reporters continued pressing Natalie with questions.
“Three years ago, you took the art world by storm with one painting, then vanished without a trace. Now, you’ve suddenly reappeared. What kept you away all this time?“.
Natalie was radiant, her bright eyes and dazzling smile impossible to ignore.
Truth be told, her beauty had always been striking–almost too striking–but three years of playing the dutiful wife had softened its sharpness.
Hypnotic and deliberate, her gaze drifted lazily toward Sienna, who stood nearby.
A faint smile curled beneath Natalie’s veil. She said softly, “To be honest, I’m not particularly close with Ms. Spencer. But three months ago, Mr. Rockwell refused to take her on as his last apprentice.
“Since I happened to be back in Dexia on business, I thought I’d visit her art exhibition to help her see where she falls short. Learning never ends, after all. Maybe she’ll be lucky enough to call me her senior in another life.”
Anyone could tell from Amanda’s sharp tone that she wasn’t here to support Sienna. She was here to tear her down.
The reporters exchanged glances, caught off guard.
That was when Sienna came over.
Natalie’s smile widened, though her gaze was glacial. “We meet again, Ms. Spencer. I never expected to see you holding an exhibition at Dexia after Wings of Canvas turned you down just days ago. Have the standards here really fallen that low?”
The crowd was shocked by her words.
Sienna got turned down by Mossey and even Wings of Canvas? How did nobody know about that until now?
Then again, while Sienna had some talent, Mossey and Wings of Canvas had always been out of her league.
Under the scornful stares of the crowd, Sienna’s face grew pale. She shot Natalie a venomous glare. “Ms. Amanda, did you come here just to sabotage me?”
Nothing lifted Natalie’s spirits quite like seeing Sienna humiliated in front of everyone.
She stepped forward gracefully, placing a light hand on Sienna’s shoulder, her eyes full of quiet mockery when she said, “Like I said, my only role here is to guide you. Save your gratitude, Ms. Spencer.”
Natalie said nothing more. Slowly, she made her way toward the painting displayed in the gallery’s most prominent spot. Her slender figure moved gracefully, the hem of her dress brushing her ankles like gentle ocean waves.
The others hurried after her.
Natalie tilted her chin up, studying the painting carefully. “The technique is masterful, and the color palette is beautiful. No wonder it’s the centerpiece. But what’s the meaning behind this piece? Ms. Spencer, could you tell us about your inspiration?”
Every artist, especially abstract painters, poured emotion into their work–a message they wanted to share with the world.
Sienna’s eyes narrowed at her words.
How was she supposed to know what Sadie’s painting was about? There were dozens of paintings at the exhibition. Was she expected to memorize every single one?
Sienna frowned, left with no choice but to improvise. “This piece is called ‘Quagmire.‘ As I painted it, all I could think about was the helplessness and pain of being trapped in a hopeless situation, the crushing despair as we all sink deeper into the mire.”
“Oh? I never would’ve guessed someone as privileged as you could come up with something so deep. No wonder you’ve climbed the ranks so fast among young artists.”
1/2”
Chapter 49
+25 BONUS
Sienna wasn’t sure what to make of this.
Had Amanda actually recognized her talent? Was she not here to sabotage her?
“Quagmire” was the painting Sienna had chosen above all others. She’d been certain its display would finally make them see her in a new light.
With a scoff, Sienna met Natalie’s stare, her own gaze razor–shar “You’re not the only one who’s put in the effort. I belong here just as much as anyone.”
A triumphant smirk flashed across Sienna’s face. She’d finally turned the tables.
So what if Amanda had natural talent? She wasn’t going to nitpick her way out of this one. And she definitely wasn’t about to humiliate Sienna in front of everyone.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the gallery. “You’re lying! These paintings aren’t yours!”
