Chapter 221
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Dawson nodded . “ Yeah , three months younger . Elena’s been going crary in her socialite circles , ranting about Orlando and Atates . The gossip’s . everywhere- even I’ve heard it . Han into him again at Amour Bistro at lunch . As sont as he said his name , I put two and two togethe
A water escorted them to a top- tier site . The VIP hadn’t arrived yet , Dawson didn’t dare anter , so they waited outside .
Vanessa , ever vigilant , tested the latest scoop to Aria .
Aria , reading the message , instantly thought of that rear – end collision . Was it really just coincidence ? Her phone buzzed – another massage ,
Aria , your paintings have turned up . I’m swamped this week . I’ll be at the Fine Art Society judging entries in three days . If you’re free , come by otherwise , we’ll set another time .
Copying others ! works was no big deal for her , she could finish a painting in no time .
But if those three forgeries ended up in the market , it could cause serious trouble for collectors .
She was planning to go to the Fine Art Society to meet Mono anyway might as well grab the paintings while she was there .
[ Okay . ] Aria replied .
A stinging ache burned across her back . She headed for the shower , applied ointment , and had barely finished when her phone chimed – a special ringtone .
She answered . “ It’s me . ” White Fox’s voice was hollow , stripped of its usual spark so drained Aria could feel it .
“ I know . What’s wrong ? ”
A harsh pause . “ The boss told someone your real identity ”
Aria’s heart seized “ Who ? ”
“ Someone looking for Sara . Apparently , it’s a relative . ”
The name hit her like a blow to the chest – Sara . How long had it been since she’d last heard that name ?
After a beat , White Fox added , “ Just be careful , Ana . Watch everyone around you , understand ?
When the call ended , she stood at her window , letting the cold wind lash her skin ,
At the Fine Art Society , Westin was playing the tour guide , leading Mono through the galleries .
The black vortex painting still lingered in his mind , muting his appreciation of everything else .
“ Mono , I remember you once said your apprentice wasn’t a trained artist by trade . What does she actually do ? How long did she stu
Thinking of his wayward disciple , Mano’s stern features softened , the hint of a smile on his lips . “To be precise , my apprentice only studied painting for two years ”
“ Two years Westin blurted out . “ That’s impossible ! ”
Mono snorted . “ Why impossible ? Somelignes , row talent leaves hard work in the dust ”
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Aria had been found by Gael , a battered girl barely twelve years old , mate and motionless for three days ,
At the time , Mono himself was suffering a creative drought .
Sitting with her , he’d drawn for three days straight , and from that vigil was born his low – famous Maiden in the Cape .
She’d watched him , then finally picked up a brush , scribbling nonsense .
Gael bought art supplies by the truckload just to keep up w
with her .
Not wanting to see her waste the materials , Mono began to teach her himself – two years of patient , relentless instruction .
When she copied his paintings , the technique was there but the soul was missing
When she painted for herself , all the feeling was there – but none of the polish .
Her memory was frighteningly sharp ; she learned anything quickly .
Beyond painting , she soaked up everything Gael could teach her about medicine and more .
Two years later , she left , and Mono knew better than to try to stop her .
At least she kept in touch , occasionally mailing him paintings – even if they were always forgeries .
Mono turned to Westin , “ By the way , my apprentice is a woman . ”