Elliana is mocked as her family’s “ugly duckling,” while her perfect stepsister is set to marry a CEO. But on the wedding day, the CEO marries Elliana instead. When everyone expects her downfall, she reveals shocking talents and a hidden beauty. Why did he really choose her—and what happens next?
None of the other works even came close to Paige’s supposed masterpiece in terms of presentation. Luciano barely tried to hide his disinterest, tossing out shallow praise as if he were checking off a list. When it came time to critique Elliana’s piece, Luciano didn’t bother hiding his disdain. His eyes flicked to her and…
Elliana’s lips curled into a dismissive smile. “A self-proclaimed master whose reputation exceeds his talent has no business offering advice to anyone.” “You!” Luciano sputtered. Elliana’s words stung. Humiliated and seething, Luciano stormed out, his entourage scrambling to follow in his wake. Since the upcoming ceremony of officially becoming Luciano’s disciple demanded her presence, Paige…
Then would come the pivotal moment: the initiation ritual itself. The master would publicly articulate his reasons for accepting this particular protege, share wisdom gleaned through decades of artistic exploration, and demonstrate techniques for the novice to emulate. What should have been a profound artistic exchange struck Elliana as absurdly theatrical, particularly because Luciano had…
Shaking with fury, Luciano looked ready to explode-Elliana’s demeanor was salt in his wounds. Before he could unleash another outburst, Paige reached out and tugged at his sleeve. “Please, Mr. Scott,” she whispered urgently. “Let’s not ruin the ceremony.” Though equally furious, Paige recognized that there wasn’t much time left, and any further delay threatened…
Hearing this, Paige clenched her fists tightly, her eyes gleaming with vicious anticipation. If Luciano administered severe punishment to Elliana, it would mark a tremendous victory for her today. Meanwhile, in the Evans Group CEO’s office, the abrupt termination of the livestream left Cole unable to monitor Elliana’s situation at the museum. His expression hardened…
Back in the CEO’s office at the Evans Group headquarters, the tension was rising fast. Everyone who had watched the events unfold onscreen could feel it-something had shifted Right after stepping in to protect Elliana, Cole suddenly became aware of how absurd he might appear to those around him. The contrast between his actions and…
Hailee’s sentence faded into a breath as she exhaled quietly, the weight of her reality settling in her features. “But they told me Dr. Atkinson doesn’t see ordinary people. She’s too hard to reach, and even if I could find her, I’d never be able to pay what she charges. Her consultation fees start in…
The closer to the front, the bigger the deal you were. Elliana and Hailee didn’t even get proper seats-just a corner in the left corridor. Paige, riding Luciano’s clout as head of the Calligraphers and Painters Association, scored a prime spot in the front row. As Paige passed Elliana, she couldn’t hide her smug grin…
Feeling overwhelmed, Hailey stopped pretending she could handle this alone. She quickly took a series of screenshots and messaged Paige. “Miss Jones, it’s getting bad out there. Should we shut down the live stream?” Paige didn’t answer right away. Her brows furrowed as she stared at the screen, unsure whether they were already past the…
Then, without another word, Myles squared his shoulders and marched straight into the CEO’s office. Cole, a world-class hacker with skills sharp enough to breach military firewalls, must have already been one step ahead and tuned in to the museum’s internal camera feeds, calmly watching the finals from his phone. Myles didn’t come in to…