unforgettable impression.
Boylen Gallery was swarmed with reporters, blocking its only entrance. No artist in Dexia had gotten this much attention in
years.
Daphne, dressed in lavish attire, wore a smile that never wavered. Do you see this, Sienna? All these people–they’re here for you. You’ve made me so proud.”
Having been an artist herself, Daphne understood exactly what this kind of attention meant. It was going to be one of the brightest moments of Sienna’s career.
Sienna stood in a fitted emerald–green gown, her long hair swept up into an elegant chignon and secured with a gold hairpin studded with emeralds. Her makeup was flawless, enhancing her striking beauty.
But instead of joy, she felt only irritation.
“Mom, you really think these people came for me?” she muttered with a scowl. “They’re only here to see Amanda.”
Amanda’s latest tweet sent shockwaves through the art world in just an hour–a level of influence most artists could only dream
- of.
Sienna didn’t get it. Why would Amanda suddenly show up at her exhibition? The thought left her with a strange, nagging
unease.
Daphne shrugged. “Does it even matter why they’re really here? If these people can build momentum for you, they’re an asset. Amanda’s basically done your groundwork for you.”
Sienna’s sullen expression softened slightly at her words.
Just then, Jared Hellinger, a middle–aged artist from the art scene strode over with enthusiasm. “The exhibition’s a huge success. Congratulations in advance, Ms. Spencer!”
Sienna flashed a practiced smile. “I owe it all to talented artists like you. Honestly, none of this would’ve been possible without everyone’s support.”
No matter the crowd, exchanging compliments was always the game.
Jared studied the oil painting before him and said, “You’re being modest. To accomplish this much at your age? You’ve got a bright future ahead of you.”
Sienna soaked up the praise, as anyone would when faced with compliments. A hint of smugness even slipped into her voice.” Honestly, it hasn’t been easy, but seeing what I’ve accomplished now? It makes all the struggle worth it.”
Jared threw her a sidelong glance, disdain flashing in his eyes.
Seriously? With her parents bankrolling everything, what real struggle did she have?
Still, he couldn’t say that aloud. Instead, he offered a sympathetic remark. “Yeah, as a fellow artist, I get how tough it can be. By the way, Ms. Spencer, you’re close with Amanda, right? Any word on when she’s getting here?”
Sienna’s smile tightened as she forced out, “I’m not sure, either. Actually, I just remembered something urgent. Excuse me.”
Without another word, she turned and strode to a quiet corner. There, she stomped her foot. Her teeth ground together, and her face was twisted with anger.
The gallery was packed, but it only fueled her resentment. At least two–thirds of the crowd were here for Amanda. As for the rest? They were just plants. Victor and Daphne had secretly scattered them throughout the crowd.
It wasn’t fair. None of this was fair..
Chapter 48
+25 BONUS
“This was all Natalie’s fault,” Sienna thought bitterly. That bitch ad ruined everything. She wouldn’t even be in this mess if it weren’t for Natalie.
Sienna’s gaze locked onto the entrance, sharp and unblinking. Then, without warning, the crowd erupted into chaos, surging wildly in one direction. Someone shouted Amanda’s name.
Was she here?
Sienna’s brows furrowed, her nails biting into her palms.
Then, the woman herself appeared–a bombshell in a champagne ringed dress, gliding through the crowd with a tight–packed mob of admirers in her wake.
Meanwhile, reporters immediately swarmed Amanda, firing off questions.
“Amanda, had you met Ms. Spencer before today? Or did you come just to support her?”
“You’ve always stayed out of the spotlight. Does this mean you’ve got something big to announce?”
Chapter 49
+25 BONUS
Chapter 49
