Chapter 230
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In the end , Owen would have him for company .
Derek raised his hand , “ Toss me the keys , I’ll go get the luggage .
“ Thanks , ” Caleb said , tossing over the keys , then got up to help Owen clear the table , When Aria and Lily moved to help , they were stopped .
“ We’ve got it . ” Owen said , blocking them gently .
Caleb mentally gave Owen another point .
After a day’s rest , Caleb returned to work at the Song Corporation .
On Monday morning , Aria dropped Lily off at school , then headed for the Fine Art Society . Today was the on site judging for the Huthala division of the International Art Competition Five veteran artists sat at the judges ‘ table .
of them , Mono had the most seniority ,
y , while Uriah was the youngest , a diehard fan who’d maneuvered to sit right next to Mons , eager to build rapport .
“ Mono , at the last charity auction , Aria brought one of your imitations . Do you know her ? ” Uriah asked , his tone probing .
Mono just answered with a cool , “ Yeah , I know he
I her .”
Unah porked up , “ is she your apprentice ? ”
Mono fell silent . He was well aware Aria had been invited to teach as a graduate advisor at Mandino University – il everyone knew she was his pupil , she’d never get a moment’s peace .
Aria hated being disturbed .
After a long pause , he finally said , “ I’m not answering that question
Urish froze , then immediately got it . If she wasn’t , Mono would just say so
He must be protecting her privacy . Smiling , he nodded , “ Don’t worry , Mono . My lips are sealed . ”
Backstage , fifty contestants crowded together , faces tense with anticipation and excitement , whispering among themselves before the judging began.
“ It’s been ten years – Mono’s finally shown up in person . Maybe he’s planning to take on another apprentice . ”
“ I heard he brought one of his apprentice’s paintings . The style’s so dark it’s not fit for exhibition or competition, if he’s looking for another student , someone here might have a shot ”
“ But isn’t Johan also after Collin ? Are they going to fight over him ?”
it is
“ That’s how it is when you’re talented – everywhere you go , people want you . The rest of us are just background characters . ”
“ That’s not true – Katrina’s pretty good . She might catch Mono’s eye . ”
“ Katrina ? No way . Painting’s about patience and attitude . With her temper , she’ll be the first one cut .
Just then , Collin walked in and everyone instantly fell silent .
He scanned the room , then made a beeline for a particular sofa – one that caught the sunlight just right .
A girl had taken that spot as soon as she arrived , but as Collin stood before her , his meaning was clear .
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$ 13.05 Tue 10 Jun
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Not wanting to offend the Gibson family , she moved without a word , Collin sat down and texted Hannah : Hannah , where are you ? Did you p painting ?
In the car , Hannah was practically glowing as she texted back , Got iti
After a long negotiation with a collector , she’d finally managed to buy one of Mono’s rare paintings for a staggering 150 million dollars ,
There were only five known Mono originals in circulation , and now she had one of them ,
She hadn’t planned to bring it straight to the Fine Art Society , but since time was tight , she decided to show everyone right away .
Meanwhile , Liam arrived at the hall carrying three of Arla’s paintings , waiting at the door with his invite – each guest allowed to bring one family member or friend .
A few minutes later , Hannah arrived , beaming with excitement as she hurried over . “ Lism , I got it ! I actually bought one of Mono’s paintings TMTM