Female Novel
Chapter 839
Chapter 839
At Sky Studios, Clement’s phone rang, and after a brief conversation, he turned to the crowd awaitingLeonardo. “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 famedmentor. “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 uswith her presence?”
Curiosity buzzed through the room. “Isn’t she the professor’s one and only protégé? And who’s thisMadelyn 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’llmeet Madelyn when the time comes. For now, just focus on your art.”novelbin
He glanced up briefly, adding firmly, “And Madelyn Smith has no affiliation with Sky Studios. Now, let’sget back to work, everyone.”
Clement watched the students return to their work before making another call. As he reached thewindow-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 lesscapable, unfit to manage the studio. Now that I’ve left, why not let her return? And stop calling me. I’lldiscuss my departure with Prof. Monet myself.”
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Clement countered firmly, “Her skill outshines ours-that’s just how it is. She’s won that prize, a feat initself. Doesn’t that count for something? Jane, you’re aware Madelyn is the youngest and isn’t savvywith the politics here. Deep down, you know whether your actions back then were justified or if theywere unfairly directed at her.”
He paused, then offered a concession. “I’m offering you a final chance to return. Come back, and I’llhand 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 toa rich man’s daughter who only got ahead through privilege. Had it not been for her background, shewouldn’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 bodyguardsoutside the elevator.
“What is the meaning of this?” Leonardo, a renowned artist, wasn’t used to being barred from visitinganyone, 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?” shegasped, 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 thebodyguards. “I’ll clear it up with Mr. Jardin later.” With that, she ushered Leonardo past the guards, whodidn’t stop her.
“Madelyn always speaks of you,” Margaret shared as they walked. “I’d have never recognized youwithout 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 heavywith 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 carehere 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 ofanger in Leonardo.
A week on, Serena’s art exhibition went ahead as planned, oblivious to the brewing storm. She hadpulled out all the stops, even drawing celebrities and renowned photographers to her event.