Luca was still reeling, his eyes glued to Lonely Sunset, scanning it with a magnifying glass like he was decoding a treasure map, left to right, top to bottom. After soaking in the painting one more time, he spun toward the host, practically vibrating. “Can we get the artist of this piece up here?”
“You got it.” The host didn’t miss a beat, calling out to the crowd. “Miss Elliana Marsh, the genius behind Lonely Sunset! Can you join us on stage? Mr. Wilde’s got something to say.”
Every head swiveled toward Elliana, tucked away in the corner. Hailee yanked at Elliana’s sleeve, buzzing with excitement. “Elliana, they’re calling you up!”
“I heard,” Elliana said softly, then rose and walked to the stage, each step steady and sure.
This was a high-stakes competition, but Elliana kept it low-key, rocking a simple black tracksuit. Paige, by contrast, was decked out like she was headed to a gala, dripping in a glitzy gown and pricey jewels. Elliana’s outfit was plain, her makeup a touch bold, but she owned the room with a fresh, magnetic presence that had everyone’s eyes glued to her as she moved from her seat to the stage.
Luca’s gaze never left her, and when she stood before him on the display stage, his voice shook with barely contained awe. “Is Lonely Sunset really yours?”
“Yup,” Elliana said with a calm smile and a nod. “I painted it this afternoon during my live-stream class. Millions of viewers can back me up, so no need to wonder, Mr. Wilde.”
Luca’s lips trembled, and he stared at her, speechless, for what felt like forever. “Elliana… You…”
Elliana got it-Luca had clocked Rosa’s style in her work. Unlike Luciano, who was all talk, Luca knew Rosa’s art inside and out.
“Mr. Wilde, try not to get too worked up,” Elliana said with a gentle smile, hoping to dial him back.
But Luca was too far gone, his excitement spilling over. Without even glancing at the other judges, he turned to the crowd and declared, “Lonely Sunset is hands-down the winner!”
Luciano shot to his feet, his face stormy with rage. “Mr. Wilde, aren’t you jumping the gun here?”
Right now, Luciano had only one thing on his mind-Elliana must not win the championship. If she outshined Paige, his name would be dragged through the mud.
Of course, Luca’s bold declaration of Lonely Sunset as the winner broke the competition rules. According to the guidelines, judges were supposed to deliberate together and vote before announcing a result.
Luciano jumped at the loophole and went after Luca without hesitation. Paige, too, didn’t want to see Elliana take the crown. She stood up right after Luciano, her tone sharp and biting. “Mr. Wilde, I’ve always admired your place in the art world. I never imagined you’d toss aside your principles for personal gain. Tell us, how much did Elliana offer you to make you risk your name and break the rules?”
Paige and Luciano cornered Luca with their accusations. He realized he’d gone too far-but he showed no sign of remorse. Instead, he composed himself and answered calmly. “I apologize for my outburst. I spoke out of excitement. What I said earlier was just my personal opinion. The competition will go on as planned.”
But everyone knew-those words were as good as casting a vote.
After that, Luca turned to Elliana. His tone softened, his eyes sincere. “With my level of skill, I’m not qualified to vote on your work… What made you suddenly decide to enter the Starry Oil Painting Competition?”
The audience stirred. They couldn’t understand why Luca, usually reserved and proud, was now so humble before Elliana.
“Mr. Wilde is known for his integrity. He never flatters anyone. What’s going on?”
“Even if he likes her painting, there’s no need to lower himself like this. She’s a newcomer. He’s a legend.”
No one could make sense of Luca’s sudden change in tone. Luciano and Paige were just as confused-and furious.
Luciano, who had always disliked Luca, could barely keep his cool. His jaw tightened, and anger boiled beneath his skin. “What’s gotten into Luca?” he muttered under his breath.
Paige gave Luciano a side glance, her face clouded with unease. “Mr. Scott, grumbling won’t fix this. We need to stop Luca before he makes things worse.”
Luciano didn’t answer. He took a deep breath and marched toward the stage.
The host, seeing Luciano approach, quickly introduced him. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Mr. Scott, president of the Calligraphers and Painters Association. He is an expert in oil painting, with numerous awards to his name. Please give a warm welcome to Mr. Scott!” Applause followed, though it was lukewarm. Everyone’s focus was still on Luca and Elliana.
With a grim expression, Luciano took the microphone and launched his attack. “Mr. Wilde, you’ve always presented yourself as a calm and upright man. Today, you’ve made everyone question that. Are you and Elliana more than just judge and contestant?”
Luca didn’t flinch. He didn’t even glance at Luciano. His eyes remained fixed on Elliana, still waiting for her response.
Being ignored like this stung. Luciano’s pride took a hit. He chuckled coldly and struck even harder. “Everyone knows you and I don’t get along. Still, I’ve always respected your seniority and stayed professional. But today, you’ve crossed a line. If you’re going to disrupt the finals like this, I won’t stand by. Let’s settle this now! Is this really about art-or are you just trying to hurt me by favoring Elliana over my protege, Paige?”
He took a step forward, his voice rising. “You’re a master, a role model for the younger generation. Yet, here you are, misusing your authority out of personal spite. Don’t you feel ashamed?”
The atmosphere thickened. Tension filled the room like smoke.
The crowd only dared to whisper. No one wanted to step into a fight between two giants. Luca was a respected elder. Luciano held power as president of the Calligraphers and Painters Association. No one wanted to offend either side.
Seeing Luciano take control of the moment, Paige followed his lead. She lifted the hem of her gown and walked onto the stage. But unlike Luciano’s sharp tone, she played the victim. “Mr. Wilde, if this is what it takes to ease your tension with Mr. Scott, then I’m willing to step down from the competition…”
From a young age, Paige had turned manipulation into an art form, wearing manufactured innocence like a tailored gown. Her tears weren’t just convincing-they were a performance, expertly crafted to tug at every heartstring in the room.
Whispers of sympathy began to stir, and one by one, the crowd leaned into her side.
“Mr. Wilde, personal disputes with Mr. Scott are one thing, but dragging them into this competition is unfair. As a judge, you’re expected to critique with impartiality, not grudges.”
“Mr. Wilde, even if something’s gone sour between you and Mr. Scott, know that Paige doesn’t deserve the fallout. She just became Mr. Scott’s disciple today-don’t let your conflict overshadow her chance.”
Seeing the atmosphere shift in her favor, Paige’s heart danced with satisfaction, though she kept her expression wounded and gently touched her damp lashes with the edge of a tissue.
Luca, who had never compromised his principles, could barely contain his fury. His jaw clenched, and a line of veins flared up his temple as he stared Paige and Luciano down. He gave Luciano a hard, frigid stare and said in a steady, low voice, “I don’t care for you. But that doesn’t mean I’m here to pick a fight or twist the truth just to spite you. If you’re curious about why I chose Ms. Marsh’s painting, then go see it for yourself.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.