Chapter 234
Down in the audience , Aria’s lips curled in the faintest smile ,
Collin’s face drained of color . He looked to Hannals , incredulous , “ Didn’t she say Mono agreed to take me ? ”
In the audience , Hannah’s grip lightened on her painting , finestration twisting her features . “ What is Mann doing ? Collin is sited – how could ha
Liam shot her an odd look . “ It’s normal for Mond to refuse . Just because someone’s talented doesn’t mean Mono should take them all .”
So Collin had burned down Johan for Mono- and now was being turned away .
Smirking glances from the crowd burned at Collin’s pride , his face turning crimson . “ Mono , didn’t … didn’t you say you’d accept me as a studentr
“ Il Hannah hadn’t told me you would , I never would’ve turned down Johan , Collin insisted .
Mono frowned . “ I’m seeing you for the first time today . When did I ever promise to take you ? ”
Johan interpected , “ Hannah came to the Fine Art Society and told me that if Collin asked you in public , you’d agree to take him . ”
“ Nonsense ! ” Mono’s temper snapped . “ When did I ever say that? Where is Hannah ? Tell her to come out here right now ! ”
Collin finally understood . He’d been duped by Hannah . Mono had never agreed .
He’d rejected Johan for nothing
His cheeks burned with shame as he stared daggers at Hannah . “ Hannah , what the hell is going on ? ”
Everyone followed his gaze – there she was , clutching her painting
Mono met his own apprentice’s eyes and looked away
www with a
a cold snort
Aria thought , Impossible to please . Not without sympathy .
Mono’s gaze sharpened on Hannah . “ So it was you telling everyone I’d accept Collin ? ”
Hannah hadn’t expected things to spiral like this . Her face flushed , but she straightened . “ Collin , I knew how much you admired Mono . I just wanted to give you the courage to ask – I never said Mono had agreed to anything ”
Her words said one thing , but her intent had been clear push Collin to ask and hope Mono would relent . “ I figured Johan would pressure you in public , so you’d have no choice but to agree … ”
Mono looked sideways at Johan “ Was that your plan ? ”
“ Utter nonsensel ” Johan barked , his face dark with anger . “ He’s not nearly good enough for me to coerce him into apprenticeship .”
Collin couldn’t believe what he was hearing
Hannah had said things that butrageous .
He turned to Johan , desperate . “ Johan , I’ve always been grateful for your guidance . I never said anything like that . ”
Johan waved a dismissive hand . “ No point dwelling . Seems we’re not meant to be master and student . ”
No Mono . No Johan . All because of this mess . Collin’s heart was in his throat , but he could only swallow the pain . “ Sorry , Mano . I’m just not worthy
Contestants were called offstage , Collin , seething , stormed to the backstage area . Katrina skipped off to find Johan , only to be waved off by him .
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Tak05=÷ Tue , 10 Jun .
234
“ See me in the judges ‘ lounge later . ”
“ Okay ! ” she chirped , floating away .
Aria stood , ready to follow the crowd when she heard Liam call , “ Aria , your paintings . ”
She turned , about to collect them , as Liam approached with Hannah right behind him , still clutching her painting
But disaster struck in an instant
Someone bumped into Hannah . She stumbled , tripped over a chair , and fell forward .
The painting slammed into the edge of a chair , the sharp sound of glass breaking ringing out .
Hannah shrieked , eyes wide with horror as she tore back the canvas covering , only to find a jagged crack slashing right across
cross the prized painting .
HE