Chapter 164
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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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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 . ”