Chapter 495
But Selma wasn’t a fool. She had milked the rewards long enough; only then did she start weaving her own style into her work.
Her early paintings were the real key.
If the missing lower half of that painting ever turned up-and if it could be linked to the rest of the series-Selma’s career as an artist would be over. Just like that.
That afternoon, after making sure Rosemary had calmed down, Elodie returned to the office.
Esmeralda, already in the loop about Selma’s invitation to Elodie’s family, was so angry she cursed under her breath before asking, “So, what’s the plan? Are we going or not?”
By then, Elodie had regained her composure. “We’re going. I skipped it last time, but this time… well, I’ll give her some ‘face,’ at least.”
She’d made up her mind.
No more holding back.
As luck or fate-would have it, she’d recently gained some notoriety in
academia thanks to her thesis at Verdant University.
Her classmates there paid close attention to everything she did.
Elodie figured: worst-case scenario, she could stir things up and let the spectacle play out.
Given her rising profile in the academic world and how closely people were watching her, if she confronted Selma and exposed her fake persona in public, there would be plenty of doubt cast in the art world. That would mean questions, investigations, and maybe even the truth finally coming out.
Sooner or later, you can’t keep the truth under wraps forever.
Selma had been able to profit for so long because she’d gone abroad. Now that she was back, if the scandal broke and the Royal Atelier of Fine Arts got involved, the art community would have no choice but to start verifying things.
Of course, it would get ugly. Especially since she didn’t have hard evidence in hand.
But this was her chance.
Even if it was a gamble, she wasn’t about to let Selma pull off this high-profile exhibition without a hitch.
If Selma succeeded, it would cement her status in the local art scene for good.
Esmeralda understood exactly how Elodie felt. She nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll go with you. If there’s any drama, leave it to me. No need for your reputation to take a hit because of this crowd.”
She couldn’t bear the thought of Elodie getting dragged through the mud.
Elodie knew Esmeralda was just looking out for her. She pinched Esmeralda’s cheek and smiled. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”
Later that evening, Elodie got a message from Watts.
He kept it short:
[I heard Sylvie’s hosting an exhibition at Patricia’s gallery. If you don’t want it to happen, I can have her team removed right away.]
[I’m not sure why Patricia agreed to rent the space to them, but I hope you won’t misunderstand.]
Elodie blinked in surprise.
She hadn’t expected Watts to reach out and explain.
She replied:
[Thanks. There’s no need to trouble yourself.]
Over the next few days, Elodie made preparations.
She gathered every little detail that might arouse suspicion.
If things got heated, she wanted to be ready.
She refused to walk into this fight without a plan.
Finally, the day came.
Elodie and Esmeralda went together.
Alexander was returning from a nearby city that day and promised to join them later.
Selma’s exhibition was a far cry from the fast one. All proceeds from her earlier sales had been donated to charity, and with her international
reputation, the turnout was
impressive.
The whole event was on a completely different level-sophistication, crowd, everything.
“If she actually pulls this off, she’ll be rolling in cash,” Esmeralda scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain “She’s practically feeding off the
“Srne family’s blood!”
Elodie understood. No wonder Selma had put so much effort into this show.
“Let’s head in.” Elodie kept her cool. If she wanted to resolve things, she had to keep her head.
When they reached the entrance, Elodie handed over her invitation.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over them from behind. She instinctively frowned and turned, only to find Jarrod standing just behind her.
His gaze dropped, unreadable.
Just then, a voice called out, “Jarrod, you’re here.”
Sylvie emerged from inside, ignoring
Elodie entirely. She walked straight
rod’s side, and with practiced
ease, looped her arm through his.
Then she shot Elodie a smug, contemptuous look, one eyebrow arched in
challenge.