Chapter 519
When the two exhibition organizers laid eyes on Maja, their faces lit up. They hadn’t expected Herbert’s last student to be so young and breathtakingly beautiful.
“Miss Penny, we’d love to display your works at our gallery anytime.”
“Mine too”
Both of them eagerly handed her their business cards, their excitement barely contained.
Maja had always dreamed of opening her own art studio and holding exhibitions once she was finished with all her current affairs. But now, with the Pennyfeather family matters still unresolved, she had to politely decline despite her interest
“Thanks, I hope we can collaborate in the future”
Not to mention, her hand wouldn’t be gripping a paintbrush anytime soon
lan had his eyes fixed on her ever since he spotted the white bandage around her neck. “What happened to your hand?”
Carlene had also injured her hand, but it was only a minor dislocation and would heal with a few days of rest. Maja’s hand, however, was in far worse condition.
Ignoring lan’s question, Maja turned her attention to Luis, who was oblivious to the tension and continued chatting with the two organizers.
“Penny never admits her relationship with Herbert publicly. Herbert has been very protective of this student. If she ever decides to paint again, you guys must help her.” Given Luis’s reputation, the two organizers wouldn’t dare cross Maja, especially with Herbert’s backing.
Never pissed off an artist.
Their fans were countless, many of whom were well–known figures. Owning a painting by Herbert, a master of oil painting, was a matter of pride. If they mistreated his student and Herbert stepped in, it would spell big trouble.
“Rest assured, Mr. Luis. We’ll accommodate any requests from Miss Penny.”
Carlene was fuming at this. These two ran major galleries that the average Joe couldn’t step foot in. Normally stuck–up, they were now fawning over a designer in front of her. But remembering Maja’s injured hand brought a wicked grin to her face.
What if Penny was Herbert’s student? She won’t be able to hold a paintbrush again!
The two organizers raised their glasses to toast Maja, but her wounds weren’t healed enough for alcohol. Just as she was about to take a small sip to show respect, lan took the glass from her.
“Alcohol isn’t good for healing wounds. I’ll drink for her.”
Before they could respond, Maja took a new glass from a passing waiter and smiled at them. “Here’s to you.”
They were about to compliment lan, a known figure in all of Greenfield, when Maja apparently dismissed his gesture. She did not make light of her injury, merely wetting her lips while pretending to drink.
“You don’t have to drink; just a gesture is enough.”
“Once I’ve recovered, I’ll make it up to you.”
“No need, Penny. If you visit our gallery, it’ll be our honor.”
lan was left holding Maja’s empty glass.
Even if he was dense, he knew he was being given the cold shoulder.
Biting back his anger, he remained silent for ten minutes, watching Maja chat and laugh with the two men. Each time he tried to speak; she would cleverly shift the topic, pretending not to hear him.
Half an hour later, lan was seething and gripping his glass tightly.
After discussing art for half an hour, Maja finally turned to Luis. “Mr. Luis, I have other obligations this evening, so I’ll be leaving.”
Luis had only intended for her to mingle a bit. “Sure, take care of your hand. It’s your bread and butter.”
“I will.”
Maja put down her glass and headed for the exit, with lan hot on her heels.
Carlene had felt invisible the whole time, unable to chime in during the conversation about art. What could she, someone publicly humiliated by Herbert, possibly contribute in the presence of his prized pupil? It would only lead to more ridicule.
Seeing lan take the drink for Maja and Maja’s dismissive attitude, Carlene was shaking with fury.
Who did Penny think she was?
Carlene hurried after therp “lan.”
But he didn’t stop, simply telling her, “Go find your friends.”
Carlene felt utterly humiliated, her nails digging into her palms as she watched his retreating back with resentment.
