Chapter 321

As Olivia and her group departed, Winona cast a gaze at the figures in front of her. She quietly lowered her eyes, and her glance was brimming with animosity.

Clarissa trembled slightly. Summoning her courage, she spoke, “Why bother comparing to her previous accomplishments? If she is capable, demonstrate it here and now. After all, Sketcher hasn’t touched a brush in years. Maybe she’s lost her touch and can’t even produce a complete painting anymore.”

Her words resonated with many present. The art of painting was akin to navigating against a flowing river; if one didn’t progress, they regressed. Observing how Olivia had dedicated herself to various endeavors for many years, conducting research and building connections with the wealthiest individuals, it was apparent that she had very little time for painting.

“Her present abilities might not even measure up to those of the examination candidates,” thought they.

Even though everyone held this sentiment, they refrained from vocalizing it. Expressing such thoughts would be quite impolite, but it did bring a sense of relief to many.

Ozymandias didn’t depart. He remained in his position. Upon hearing Clarissa’s s, he huffed, “You should be thankful that Olivia is showcasing her previous work. If she were to create one right now, your Ms. Manson might not even measure up to her.”

“Nonsense!” Clarissa couldn’t accept his statement. “Olivia hasn’t painted for many years. How could she have improved? Winona has been dedicated to the art world. Both at home and abroad, she has garnered recognition.”

Some individuals who believed they were impartial nodded in accord with Clarissa. They believed Ozymandias’s words were unfounded. “Ozymandias, we understand your loyalty to your elder sister, but you should substantiate your claims. You’re a budding artist with a degree of renown yourself. How can you utter baseless remarks?

“This could lead students to misinterpret and assume they can enhance their skills without diligent study and practice. Such thinking is misguided,” they added.

“Exactly! You mustn’t entertain such notions. It’s okay to favor Olivia, but making baseless claims is unacceptable.” The sentiment was echoed by the group, with many feeling Ozymandias’s s had gone too far.

Sketcher was unquestionably exceptional in the past and produced a series of remarkable pieces, but that was five to six years ago.

After so many years without wielding a paintbrush and producing any new artwork, merely maintaining his prior level was an accomplishment in itself. How could he have possibly improved? Some even saw this as an attempt to diminish Winona’s talent.

It was excessive!

“That’s your perspective,” Ozymandias maintained a stoic expression. “I concede that art benefits from ongoing practice, but who decrees that you can’t make progress outside this field? On what grounds do you pass judgment on Olivia based on your personal beliefs? Just because you haven’t improved doesn’t imply that she won’t.”

Someone, clearly incensed, retorted, “You’re all talk. If she has got the skills, prove it with her artwork.”

Upon Mrs. Liebsig’s return from bidding farewell to Olivia, she could already hear a tumultuous clamor from inside the building before stepping through the entrance.

She furrowed her brow and gently pushed the door open, inquiring, “What’s all the arguing about?”

Mrs. Liebsig held a distinguished reputation. While she held a special regard for her disciples, she had consistently maintained fairness and objectivity when dealing with others.

Shortly after, someone approached Mrs. Liebsig and expressed a complaint about Ozymandias. “Mrs.

Liebsig, Ozymandias was excessively boasting earlier. He asserted that Olivia’s art has remarkably improved, and Ms. Manson can’t even compare to her.”

14:57 Mrs. Liebsig fell silent.

Observing this, the individual who had filed the complaint cast a smug glance in Ozymandias’s direction and thought to themselves, “Just wait to face the criticism.”

Ultimately, Mrs. Liebsig’s subsequent statement was, “Indeed, that’s not far from the truth. Olivia’s artistic skills have shown remarkable progress. I would estimate that Ms. Manson’s abilities are perhaps only about 50% of Olivia’s.”

The moment she finished speaking, an astonished hush fell over the crowd.

The individual who had raised the complaint was left dumbfounded. He gazed at Mrs. Liebsig in bewilderment and asked, “Mrs. Liebsig, are you serious?”

“Why would I joke?” Mrs. Liebsig chuckled. “When it comes to Olivia’s artistry, it may not be distinguished compared to other works with strong artistic conceptions. However, Winona is learning from Olivia, making the comparison easier.”

Having said that, she lifted her chin and motioned to Ozymandias. “Bring that painting here.”

After delivering her directives, Mrs. Liebsig displayed a slight hint of embarrassment. “This is a portrait that Olivia created for my birthday celebration. I shouldn’t have displayed it, but there’s no harm in everyone having a look. It’s a valuable opportunity for me to expand my knowledge.” Ozymandias’s steps were swift, and it didn’t take long for him to present the portrait.

The crowd gathered to examine the portrait, and an immediate hush fell over them.

After a moment, someone suddenly exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, did you all notice? Mrs. Liebsig is smiling at me in the painting.

“That’s not accurate,” someone nearby countered. “She’s not smiling. She’s looking at someone with a serious expression.

“No, no,” another voice chimed in. “I believe she looks curious as if she’s examining me with interest.”

The argument among them continued without resolution. Eventually, they swapped positions and fell into silence once again.

It turned out that this painting portrayed various expressions when viewed from different angles. This technique was utterly astonishing, truly at its zenith.

A profound silence lingered among everyone for a considerable duration.

Even Winona remained silent. She clenched her fingers tightly, as if she had endured a significant blow. Once Mrs. Liebsig came back, Ozymandias assisted her into the car and grumbled, “Mrs. Liebsig, why didn’t you allow me to take the other artwork?”

This painting was created by Olivia several years ago, but it wasn’t her most recent one. Her latest piece depicted the banquet that had been delivered just a few days ago. In it, everyone’s expressions were unique, each lost in their own thoughts. Every single detail was executed flawlessly.

Ozymandias genuinely believed that the painting was nearly as exceptional as a renowned masterpiece. Mrs. Liebsig shook her head and sighed. “The tallest tree in the forest eventually gets cut down. Olivia has other priorities. There’s no need to pursue excessive fame in the art world. Reputation is a double–edged sword; if it becomes too heavy, it can burden you.”

Ozymandias was still quite young and didn’t fully grasp the meaning of this statement. He just couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret. “Olivia was incredibly talented, so why had she chosen to abandon her art? “What a pity!”

As Winona departed, she radiated a melancholic aura. Prior to viewing Mrs. Liebsig’s portrait, she had been harboring some discontent and disdain towards Olivia, tinged with a subtle hint of jealousy.

However, after seeing it, all she could feel was a profound sense of despair. There was no room for jealousy anymore.

The other person was slightly taller than her, but that didn’t stop her from feeling jealousy.

Ballinaire’s Missing Darling However, when the other person far surpassed her and was perpetually inferior to her jealousy couldn’t find a foothold All that remained was admiration and a sense of powerlessnesa “How could this be!” Winona found it unbelievable. “Olivia was still so young. How could she possess sach an astonishing level of skills “Could there truly exist such a prodigy in the world!”

“Winona?” Clarissa gazed at Winona attentively, refraining from speaking too loudly.

Winona shook her head. Tm alright”

She felt somewhat fatigued and wasn’t in the mood for conversation. Waving her hand, she leaned back against the car seat to rest.

Clarissa didn’t want to disturb Winona, in the retreated to a corner of the car and made a phone call Clarissa’s body tensed, and her face displayed a profound are of shock Winona noticed Clara a unual reaction. She opened her eyes and inquired, “What’s the matter?

Clarissa hastily cored. That examine was Dots, and the been arrested “Was she really arrested Winona farrowed her bow and presed on “What else do you know This news alone didn’t seem mough to cun Clarisa. There had to be more to the story “Alo” Clara nodded with enthusiasm. “There’s another crucial piece of news. You know how I’ve always been curious about whree Me Sullivan wee during that year he disappeared! It’s been a well–guarded secret, and I’ve been unable to uncover any information But, right after Mr. Sullivan a return from his disappearance, there was a numer that he was going to be engaged to Miss Turner. It caused quite a stir at the time. However, what ad is that the engagement between the two families never actually happened It was just a brief rumor Soon after Miss Turner went abroad i Clarissa swallowed hand and went on. “We had someone reach out to Miss Turner, and after a few inquiries, it became clear that Miss Turner is privy to where Mr. Sullivan went during that mysterious year of his disappearance. She even possesses knowledge about Andrew’s mother?”

“What did you say?” Winona exclaimed in excitement, sitting up Clarissa was equally thrilled Olona, Miss Turner has already come back to the country, and should disembark the plane right away”

However, when the other person far surpassed her and was perpetually inferior to her, jealousy couldn’t find a foothold.

All that remained was admiration and a sense of powerlessness.

“How could this be?” Winona found it unbelievable. “Olivia was still so young. How could she possess such an astonishing level of skill?

“Could there truly exist such a prodigy in the world?”

“Winona?” Clarissa gazed at Winona attentively, refraining from speaking too loudly.

Winona shook her head. “I’m alright.”

She felt somewhat fatigued and wasn’t in the mood for conversation. Waving her hand, she leaned back against the car seat to rest.

Clarissa didn’t want to disturb Winona, so she retreated to a corner of the car and made a phone call.

Clarissa’s body tensed, and her face displayed a profound sense of shock.

Winona noticed Clarissa’s unusual reaction. She opened her eyes and inquired, ‘What’s the matter?”

Clarissa hastily conveyed, “That examinee was Doris, and she’s been arrested.”

“Was she really arrested?” Winona furrowed her brow and pressed on, “What else do you know?” This news alone didn’t seem enough to stun Clarissa. There had to be more to the story.

“Also,” Clarissa nodded with enthusiasm. There’s another crucial piece of news. You know how I’ve always been curious about where Mr. Sullivan went during that year he disappeared? It’s been a well–

guarded secret, and I’ve been unable to uncover any information. But, right after Mr. Sullivan’s return from his disappearance, there was a rumor that he was going to be engaged to Miss Turner. It caused quite a stir at the time. However, what’s odd is that the engagement between the two families never actually happened. It was just a brief rumor. Soon after, Miss Turner went abroad.

Clarissa swallowed hard and went on, “We had someone reach out to Miss Turner, and after a few inquiries, it’s become clear that Miss Turner is privy to where Mr. Sullivan went during that mysterious year of his disappearance. She even possesses knowledge about Andrew’s mother!”

“What did you say!” Winona exclaimed in excitement, sitting up.

Clarissa was equally thrilled. “Olivia, Miss Turner has already come back to the country, and should disembark the plane right away.