Chapter 834

A reporter asked, “Ms. Smith, the international news reported that Ms. Jent’s artwork was just awarded the gold prize in Libertyville. What are your thoughts? Do you think your art could surpass hers?” a reporter asked.

Ignoring the question, Serena donned her sunglasses and walked away, flanked by her bodyguards. She snapped, “Make sure those reporters who just asked those questions won’t show their faces around me again.”

“Yes, Ms. Smith.”

‘Madelyn Jent? The Jent family was nothing now. How is she an heiress? She only depended on that freeloading Zach of hers!’ Serena thought to herself. She found herself feeling superior, almost triumphant, thinking about the Jent family’s downfall.

“Make sure this afternoon’s papers please me. I don’t want to see that wretched name in them, “Serena warned.

“As you wish, Ms. Smith.”

When Serena returned home, her mother, Zoe Parker, looked at her transformed face with dismay because it reminded her of someone from the past. While sitting on the couch, Zoe voiced her displeasure, “Who are you trying to impress with that face? I’m warning you for the last time, change it back. Your father’s career is on the rise, and we can’t afford any scandals.”

“What’s wrong with it? You used to say I was too ugly to be seen in public. I’ve made changes, and still, you’re not satisfied. What’s it going to take?” Serena retorted.

Zoe rose from the sofa, a shawl draped over her shoulders. “You never excelled in school; we had to use our influence to send you overseas. You wouldn’t study finance like we wanted, choosing art instead. And your award? It’s all thanks to our connections. If that gets out, you’ll tarnish our reputation.”

“Yeah, I’m the failure, right? The constant disappointment. If I’m such an embarrassment, why don’t you just disown me? Dad has other kids,” Serena said with scorn, her words striking a nerve with Zoe.

Chadwick Smith entered amid the commotion. “What’s all the shouting about?” He just got back from a meeting, visibly irritated. Handing off his briefcase to the maid, he then faced his daughter, who looked different.

Although Chadwick was unhappy inside, he managed to hold it back. He asked, “I hear you’re looking to become a student of Leonardo Monet. So you’re serious about painting?”

“Absolutely, Dad. I want to prove that my choices were right,” Serena responded.

“How are you going to convince him to take you under his wing? He’s had many students, but I’ve heard he rarely accepts a protégé,” Chadwick asked.

“With talent, of course! Don’t you believe in me, Dad?”

“If you manage to become his student, I’ll buy you the car you want as a gift.”

“Really? Don’t worry, Dad! I can do it! After all, I am your daughter. If he doesn’t respect me, he’ll respect you.”

With her father’s influence as the Secretary of Education, Serena was optimistic that Leonardo Monet would agree to mentor her. She went to her room to gaze at her own paintings, each a testament to her readiness for the upcoming show.

On the wall hung a torn landscape painting. Its original beauty was marred by several knife slashes.

Fuming, Serena tore off a piece. She murmured bitterly, “Madelyn Jent… your pride irks me. You might be more beautiful, but you’ve lost it all. I want you to watch as I claim what was once yours. If you can win prizes, I can too.”