Chapter 839

At Sky Studios, Clement’s phone rang, and after a brief conversation, he turned to the crowd awaiting Leonardo. “Prof. Monet’s been held up by unexpected business and will be delayed,” he announced.

Disappointment rippled through the students who had just arrived, hoping for a glimpse of the famed mentor. “We were supposed to meet him today,” they murmured.

One student’s curiosity peaked, “And Madelyn? We never see her here, Clement. Where is she?”

Another chimed in, “Especially after her award and the prize money last week. When will she grace us with her presence?”

Curiosity buzzed through the room. “Isn’t she the professor’s one and only protégé? And who’s this Madelyn Smith that’s been in the news with the professor?”

Clement, perusing his messages, replied without looking up, “Let’s stay out of the gossip mill. You’ll meet Madelyn when the time comes. For now, just focus on your art.”

He glanced up briefly, adding firmly, “And Madelyn Smith has no affiliation with Sky Studios. Now, let’s get back to work, everyone.”

Clement watched the students return to their work before making another call. As he reached the window-lined corridor, the person on the other end answered.

“Prof. Monet is back,” he said. “How long will you hold on to this grudge?”

From the other side came Jane Smith’s sharp response, “You all favored Madelyn, treated me as less capable, unfit to manage the studio. Now that I’ve left, why not let her return? And stop calling me. I’ll discuss my departure with Prof. Monet myself.”

1 Clement countered firmly, “Her skill outshines ours-that’s just how it is. She’s won that prize, a feat in itself. Doesn’t that count for something? Jane, you’re aware Madelyn is the youngest and isn’t savvy with the politics here. Deep down, you know whether your actions back then were justified or if they were unfairly directed at her.”

He paused, then offered a concession. “I’m offering you a final chance to return. Come back, and I’ll hand over the studio management to you.”

Yet Jane’s response was resolute, cold. “No need. I’ll show you that I’m second to none, certainly not to a rich man’s daughter who only got ahead through privilege. Had it not been for her background, she wouldn’t have caught Prof. Monet’s eye.”

With that, she ended the call. Clement frowned, pondering her persistent resentment.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Leonardo Monet found his path blocked by the familiar line of bodyguards outside the elevator.

“What is the meaning of this?” Leonardo, a renowned artist, wasn’t used to being barred from visiting anyone, let alone his mentee.

Before Kennedy could respond, Margaret emerged from the ward, on her way to get groceries.

Spotting Leonardo, recognition lit up her face.

“Oh my, oh my…,” Margaret exclaimed when she saw Leonardo. “Prof. Monet, is that you?” she gasped, hurrying over. You’re Madelyn’s mentor, right?”

With a nod from Leonardo, Margaret quickly said, “Madelyn thought you might come. This way, Professor.”

Kennedy, puzzled, turned to Margaret. “And the bodyguards?”

“Don’t worry about them,” Margaret reassured as she waved off Kennedy’s concern about the bodyguards. “I’ll clear it up with Mr. Jardin later.” With that, she ushered Leonardo past the guards, who didn’t stop her.

“Madelyn always speaks of you,” Margaret shared as they walked. “I’d have never recognized you without the photo she keeps in her room.”

Later, after his visit, Leonardo emerged from the hospital room visibly moved, tears rimming his eyes.

“Four years I’ve been part of her journey, watching her succeed on her own,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “And now, to see her struck down by illness so suddenly…”

Kennedy offered words of solace, “Grandpa, SereneCare Hospital is the best in Ventropolis. The care here rivals that of any country. She’s going to pull through.”

The thought of Madelyn battling her illness, while opportunists circled her position, ignited a fire of anger in Leonardo.

A week on, Serena’s art exhibition went ahead as planned, oblivious to the brewing storm. She had pulled out all the stops, even drawing celebrities and renowned photographers to her event.