Violet thought to herself. I can tell why Mr. Lambert is so dumbfounded. He probably had no idea he had taken in such an untalented disciple, one who would undoubtedly tarnish his reputation.
“Lilly is painting!” Violet exclaimed with a slight smile. “What are you painting?”
Thinking she was being gentle and amiable, Violet approached to take a closer look. Many people would pay a fortune to get their artworks reviewed by Violet, but she would never bother. So, in her subconscious, helping critique Lilly’s artwork was a stroke of luck for the young girl.
“This flower is quite well painted,” Violet deliberately praised first. “Under the sunlight, this half of the flower appears vibrant, with rich and vivid colors…”
The painting did not have a distinct style. Anyway, Violet thought it was somewhat childish at first glance.
As Lawrence was about to say something upon hearing Violet’s praise, she continued, “But the other half of the flower you painted is so stiff! The lines aren’t smooth at all, like they were drawn by an elderly person struggling with Parkinson’s.”
She used that metaphor without thinking as she attempted to be humorous, completely forgetting Lawrence’s current condition.
Lawrence’s expression immediately changed, becoming incredibly gloomy…
Lilly looked up in surprise. It’s Auntie Violet. Isn’t she Master Lambert’s most excellent disciple? How could she not even recognize her teacher’s painting?
Violet smiled, planning to pat Lilly’s head to appear gentle. However, Lilly tilted her head slightly, preventing her from doing so.
Violet felt a bit awkward and complained, “You’re being too sensitive, child. You’re getting angry just because I said your painting isn’t good! Your painting has its merits but also its flaws. To improve, one must be brave enough to accept their shortcomings, you know?”
She continued, “There are too many colors here, all mixed up. Nowadays, the general aesthetic leans toward something more sophisticated, and having too many colors makes it seem less of that. Although the handling of the lighter part is slightly inept, it’s still decently done. It’s just that this half of the flower in the darker area is the biggest flaw of the entire painting. It’s really poorly done… Shall I fix it for you?”
Violet picked up a brush. Knowing that many people were desperate to have her guide them, she believed that she would be able to help a junior out.
Suddenly, Lawrence’s cold and stern voice sounded, “Violet!”
It was a painting he had done together with Lilly. Who allowed her to make changes to it?
Violet was taken aback, and the watercolor on her brush dripped, landing right in the center of that flower, instantly ruining the entire painting.
Lawrence stared at the canvas, his expression growing even darker.
Violet started “Mr. Lambert, what’s wrong? Why are you so angry suddenly? I really didn’t mean to ruin it.”
Ruining a single painting should be no big deal. I could easily create something more valuable with just a few strokes. Is it even necessary for him to get so furious?
But then, Lilly looked up and said, “Auntie Violet, the half of the flower you’re talking about was actually painted by Master Lambert…”
Violet was shocked to her core, her heart pounding in panic. She quickly said, “Uh… Mr. Lambert, that’s not what I meant, I… I really didn’t know, I…”
She felt regret growing in her heart, blaming Lilly for not telling her earlier!
Lawrence was not in the mood to paint anymore and waved his hand, saying, “What are you doing here? I already made it clear to you that day!”
After the celebratory banquet, he sought out Violet immediately and explained directly to her that Anthony already has a family, and if she continued whatever she was doing and break someone else’s family apart, he would cut ties with her.
But Violet did not listen to his words and showed no signs of changing her ways. In his anger, Lawrence stopped acknowledging her as his disciple.
Violet said with grievance, “Mr. Lambert, you really misunderstood me. I just think of Mr. Anthony as a friend.”
Just then, David and an elderly lady walked into the garden, chatting and laughing, followed by Gilbert.
The elderly lady exuded elegance and had a refined appearance. Time had left its mark on her, but it had also bestowed upon her more grace and charm. Although her face showed signs of aging, one could tell that she was a beauty back in her younger days.
Mrs. Crawford?
Violet was momentarily stunned, feeling a surge of immense joy. Today, she had decided on impulse to come here. Her art exhibition had ended yesterday, and she had planned for Lawrence to make an appearance and show his support during its closing. Never did she imagine that Lawrence would not show up.
Violet believed that Lawrence must have misunderstood her that day, so she had come early today to explain.
But she never expected to meet Bettany here!
She had only been thinking about finding an opportunity to meet Bettany, and now it had presented itself before her.
This is fate!
“Who is this?” Violet quickly brushed aside the stray strands of hair behind her ear, maintaining her etiquette as she looked at David with grace and gentleness.
David sensed that something was amiss in the atmosphere. He looked at Lilly, then at his father.
Lawrence sneered, “Did I really misunderstand something?”
He criticized Violet for trying to convince him that everything was a misunderstanding, but she was putting up an act when she met Anthony’s mother.
In a disappointed tone, he looked at Violet and said, “Violet, I raised you to shine brightly even when you’re standing by yourself, not to use it as leverage to become someone’s mistress!”
Lawrence’s words were blunt, lacking any hint of subtlety.
Lilly quickly interjected, “No, that’s not right! Being a mistress means being with someone who is already married, right? But my uncle and Auntie Violet have absolutely no relationship!”
In other words, even if Violet wanted to be a mistress, her uncle would never be interested in her!
Violet’s face immediately flushed red. With Bettany right in front of her, neither the elderly nor the young cared about protecting her image.
What is Mr. Lambert doing? Has he gone mad?
