âAll right, quit acting all lovey-dovey in public already! Come on, Iâll take you to Ansley! He was just telling me how much potential you have a while ago.â
Being able to see Ansley was the main reason I had come all the way here, so I followed behind Remington with a hop in my step as he led me to Ansley. However, that excitement soon disappeared when I saw Crystal coming toward me.
âWhat are you doing here?â I asked with my eyes wide from shock.
Crystal simply snorted in response and said coldly, âI donât see why I canât be here if you are! What, do you think this art exhibition belongs to you alone or something?â
âDo you have an invitation?â With Crystalâs horrible reputation, it was indeed surprising that someone would even send her an invitation to such a grand art exhibition. Surely the great Ansley couldnât be that supportive toward every single artist in existence!
âDonât think itâs all over for me just because you and Christopher sabotaged me! I have a powerful benefactor on my side to help get me invited to this art exhibition and continue my career as an artist! Just you wait, Yvonne! I got you once, and Iâll get you again!â Crystal shouted angrily.
âYou never learn, do you? Was Dad kneeling before Grandma not enough of a lesson for you? Do you not feel guilty having a man of his age apologize for your wrongdoings?â I asked with a frown.
âAre you lecturing me?â Crystal snorted as she continued, âYou think youâre that great just because youâve cleared your name and earned Ansleyâs respect? Well, think again! Iâm not down for the count yet, and youâre in no position to lecture me either! I suggest you mind your own business and pray that I donât find another opportunity to get back at you!â
Not wanting to back down, I forced a smile and snapped back at her, âHeh, bring it on! Iâll be right here waiting for you!â Da*n it, why is Crystal always around? I canât believe Iâm running into her here in Anglandur! Good thing Lyle isnât here, or I might really check the almanac before leaving the house next time!
Crystal snorted in disdain and walked away arrogantly with her arms folded. I saw her approach a man who was waiting for her next to an easel, who then politely pointed her in Ansleyâs direction.
âBenefactor, huh?â I mumbled and pouted as I watched her make her way toward Ansley.
Remington frowned too when he saw Crystal and said, âAnsley is waiting over there. Come on, letâs go.â
I glanced at Crystal who was standing next to Ansley and hesitated for a bit before nodding my head. I donât owe Crystal anything, so I shouldnât have to back off just because sheâs standing there with him! Besides, she couldnât possibly do anything to me in a public place like this!
Ansley was an old man in his sixties and was having a chat with Crystal, but he quickly waved at us with a smile when he saw us approaching.
âMr. Fowler, is this the new school artist you said youâd introduce me to? Does she really have more potential than the artist of Moonlight Heaven? Youâre not pulling my leg, are you?â
Being praised by Ansley got me really excited, and I quickly greeted him, âGreetings, sir! My name is Yvonne Tanner, and Iâm the artist behind Moonlight Heaven. Itâs a pleasure to make your acquaintance!â
âThe new school artist with the most potential? Did you give yourself that title? Have you no sense of modesty at all, Yvonne? You donât just call yourself an artist! You need to earn that title from others! Donât get too carried away and end up falling back down later on!â
Unhappy that Ansley had ignored her, Crystal lashed out at me in Chanaean as she knew Ansley didnât speak the language. She then turned toward him and said in Angladurn, âDonât let her fool you, sir. Sheâs just a university graduate who studied economics who hasnât even made it into the third round of Hawenâs art competition! Thereâs no way a person like her is an artist! Sheâs definitely lying to you!â