Chapter 232

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Russell flicked his lighter , a blue flame dancing as smoke curled upward , veiling his expression ,
“ Get me a high – res version , ” he said quietly .
“ On it . ” Orlando sent off a message , and in a few minutes , got a reply [ The sketch is destroyed . He’s giving up the search
Orlando handed the phone over . Russell scrolled through the messages , then tossed it back . “ Keep looking ”
“ Russell , if you really want to get to her , it’s not hard . She adopted a girl at Lakridge High . Snatch the girl and Aria will come running , Kill them both and
Russell’s hand stilled on the lighter , his gaze icy as it swept across the table . “ That’s too easy a death for her . Keep digging – every detail . And don’t let up on the Solemnity Guild . ”
He’d always known the Guild wanted to use him to take out Aria , probably because she had their secrets .
But Russell didn’t trust them – not completely
Orlando nodded and stood . “ Alright . That old man’s got me running the Cole Group now , so I won’t be coming by the club as rouch
Daniel was paranoid – he’d ordered not one but three paternity tests .
Once by stealth in the manor , and once by having Orlando’s finger pricked for blood .
Only after two separate confirmations did he allow Orlando into the company .
Now , Russell was planning to break away from the old organization and build his own empire in Huthailia .
Swallowing the Cole Group was the quickest way , and he’d have to grit his teeth and do it .
As Orlando Ich , Russell’s phone lit up with an international call .
He stepped to the window , answering as a woman’s gentle voice filled his ear , “ Russell , are you settled in Huthailia yet ? ”
“ Yeah ,” he replied .
“ I miss you so much , but Father won’t let me visit .
“ There’s nothing for you here . You’d only get hurt . ”
“ But I’m miserable without you . ”
“ You’ll get used to it , ” Russell’s tone was soft , but his lips curled in a cold , thin line
Back at the art competition , the judging reached its climax .
The host stood on stage , reading out the names of those who’d made the finals .
Each was called up in turn – including Collin and Katrina .
To ensure fairness , the committee swapped out judges at each stage and kept wiry painting anonymous ; only after the finals could artists reveal their identities .
The big screen displayed all twenty finalist works . At the judges ‘ table , Johan pointed at one . “ Who’s number ten ? ”
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They called out the names in order , and Collin found himself standing at the center spot .
He stopped forward . “ Good afternoon , judges , I’m Collin Gibson . Number ten is my work ”
Johan recognized Collin’s painting and called on him deliberately . “ Collin , do you have a master yet ? ”
Collin shook his head . “ No , Johan . ”
Johan smiled , “ Ever considered apprenticing with me ? ”
He’d made his intentions clear before – Collin knew Johan wanted to take him as a student .
Before Mono arrived , Johan would’ve been his first choice , but once Collin heard Mono was a judge , he changed his mind .
To be Mono’s apprentice was worth more than anything .
Hannah had told him to speak up at the finals . If he asked , Mono would surely take him .
Collin turned to Johan and bowed respectfully . “ I’m honored by your invitation and grateful you recognize my talent . But ever since I was a child , I’ve admired Mono’s work . ”
He looked straight at Mono and bowed again , his voice steady , “ Mono , I want to fight for this opportunity . I wish to become your apprentice . ”
Aria had just sat down in the audience as she caught those words , one eyebrow arching in amusement .
“ Looks like someone’s fallen for Mono , too , she thought .
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