Chapter 238

Chapter 238:

Seeing Hutton’s arrival, Rowan and his family were filled with excitement.

“Mr. Marquez, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Rowan quickly approached and respectfully shook Hutton’s hand. “We’ve eagerly awaited this moment.”

“Okay.” At nearly seventy years old, Hutton was still doing great. His complexion was healthy, and he carried himself with the grace of a revered artist. Yet, his demeanor was quite cold. He appeared uninterested in his surroundings.

“This is my daughter, Courtney. She has looked up to you for a long time,” Rowan introduced her.

Courtney stepped up, her eyes on Hutton, and said enthusiastically, “Mr. Marquez, your work inspired me to pursue painting. I never imagined I’d actually meet you. It’s truly an honor.” She bowed respectfully.

Hutton remained unimpressed and indifferent. Although he seemed to look down upon everything, his high standing in the art world ensured he never made others feel annoyed.

“If you hadn’t argued with your father, we might have met much sooner,” Hutton said to Rowan.

Rowan’s smile stiffened. He understood Hutton’s implication and replied, slightly embarrassed, “Indeed, that was my mistake. I never expected my father’s health to decline so rapidly… I’ve felt guilty about that for years.”

Rowan and his father had had a strained relationship, often arguing. Not long after their last disagreement, his father passed away. Rowan had wished to meet Hutton earlier, but Hutton had been unwilling due to that incident.

“We regret it deeply, but there’s no bringing Nolan back. Rowan visits his grave several times a year,” Sarai added as she stepped forward. “Mr. Marquez, please take a seat.” Hutton sat down, and Courtney promptly served him water. Hutton said directly, “Show me your paintings.”

“Okay.”

Courtney quickly brought out the paintings she was most proud of. Hutton examined them with a neutral expression. Courtney sat beside him, her heart racing uncontrollably. She was incredibly nervous, yet filled with self-confidence. Hutton was a master in painting. If he appreciated her work and took her on as his student, she could surpass everyone in the art community. The possibility thrilled Courtney.

“Not bad,” Hutton remarked calmly.

“I’m not particularly talented; I just put in a lot of effort. If I could study under you, Mr. Marquez, I’d work even harder,” Courtney said quietly.

Hutton looked at her and said, “Merely working hard is not sufficient for a career in painting.”

“You are right,” Courtney nodded.

The atmosphere was tense; everyone was anxious about Hutton’s decision.

“I’ll give it some thought,” Hutton finally said.

This statement sparked a wave of excitement among those present; it was promising that Hutton was even considering the matter.

Rowan and his family continued conversing with Hutton. Glenn, seated apart, was noticeably ignored but seemed indifferent, simply sipping his water.

At lunchtime, Rowan hosted a meal for everyone. Elaine and Madisyn returned to join them.

Hutton, usually so reserved, visibly brightened upon seeing Madisyn, his eyes widening.

“Mr. Marquez, it’s good to see you,” Elaine greeted him warmly.

“Oh, Mrs. Johns, it’s been a while,” Hutton responded with a smile before affectionately asking, “Is this your daughter?”

Elaine was caught off guard by Hutton’s unexpectedly warm demeanor. They had met Hutton several times before, and he had always been distant and arrogant. Yet now, his warmth towards her was surprising. “Yes,” Elaine replied, gently patting Madisyn. “This is my daughter, Madisyn.”

“Your daughter is as lovely as you are, Mrs. Johns,” Hutton complimented with a warm smile.

Everyone present was taken aback by Hutton’s sudden warmth. Was this the same reserved Hutton they had seen moments ago? It was as if he had transformed into a completely different person.

Courtney said softly, her tone tinged with subtlety, “My cousin is indeed lovely. But her story is quite touching. She spent a long time in the countryside before my uncle found her and brought her back. Had she been discovered earlier, perhaps she might have had the chance to study painting under you, too, Mr. Marquez.” Her implication was clear: Madisyn was merely a country girl, undeserving of such attention from Hutton.

To her astonishment, Hutton looked at her as if she had said something foolish. Courtney was stunned. What did Hutton mean by looking at her like that…?

“Hello, Mr. Marquez,” Madisyn said courteously.

Hutton internally chuckled, amused by her politeness. He then deliberately asked, “Since you are cousins, have you ever considered learning to paint?” His question left the room in stunned silence. What did it mean to be Hutton’s student? Such a position would secure one’s place in the art world.

Many aspired to be his student, including Courtney, who had made significant efforts to connect with Hutton. Yet, despite her attempts, he hadn’t committed to taking her on. But upon his first meeting with Madisyn, Hutton posed such a question.

Rowan and his family speculated that perhaps because Courtney was so skilled, Hutton assumed Madisyn might be equally talented.

Courtney responded calmly, “Mr. Marquez, my cousin actually doesn’t know how to paint…”

But Hutton dismissed this with a wave of his hand, saying, “She won’t know if she doesn’t try.”

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