Female Novel
Chatper 842
Chapter 842
Yet Serena had her own reputation abroad. “Thank you, Prof. Monet,” she replied. “I anticipated yourvisit and have a special gift for you, in honor of your passion for art.”
A bodyguard approached, presenting an exquisitely crafted pearwood case. Serena began to unveilher gift, but Leonardo interrupted with a raised hand, “My visit today is to enjoy the art on display. Giftsare unnecessary.”
He studied a painting that captured an expansive seascape with towering waves beneath an azure sky.Where is this scene from?” he mused. “Scenery like this is rare.”
To the uninitiated, the scene was merely stunning, but those with insight recognized there was morethan met the eye.novelbin
Serena responded, “It’s been quite some time. I’ve forgotten. Why don’t you come with me to seeanother piece?”
Leonardo scoffed, “You don’t even know what you’ve painted?”
At that moment, Mya interjected, “This painting isn’t hers.”
Leonardo waved his hand. Mya immediately kept quiet. However, some of the reporters had alreadycaught on. But since Leonardo was there, no one dared to interrupt and ask any questions.
Serena’s voice was steady, a warning edged within. “Please be careful with your accusations. This is aprofessional setting, not a place for baseless claims. Continue, and you may be removed.”
Mya chose silence.
Leonardo, unperturbed, inquired, “Which work would you have me view?”
Serena gestured gracefully. “This way, please.” All eyes followed as she led them to a grand paintingshrouded in red fabric. At her nod, a bodyguard drew the cloth away.
Gasps of wonder spread through the room.
The unveiled painting revealed not another’s likeness but Serena’s own. She was depicted in etherealwhite tulle, her bare back to the viewer, arms crossed, gaze averted. The detail was immaculate, eachhair on her back finely rendered, the fabric caught in an invisible breeze. The realism was such that itbordered on the illusion of life.
Amidst the murmurs of admiration, Leonardo’s voice cut through, “Disaster.”
His blunt critique landed heavily, a public slight that left Serena exposed.
Mya’s outrage couldn’t be held back as she addressed the room, “Prof. Monet, she’s taken possessionof Madelyn’s painting album. It seems the majority of these pieces are actually Madelyn’s handiwork.”Then, her gaze piercing Serena, she continued, “Serena Smith, what depths will you stoop to?Adopting Madelyn’s name as ‘Madelyn Smith,’ presenting her art as if it were your own… it’s utterlydespicable!”
Leonardo said, “Is your talent stealing others’ work?”
Leonardo’s pointed question left Serena scrambling for footing in the unexpected confrontation. “Prof.Monet, I had hoped to request your mentorship today. Even if you decline, there’s no need foraccusations. You’re esteemed in the art world; isn’t this beneath your status?”
Leonardo dismissed the notion of status with a gesture, “Status is irrelevant. My role here, upon yourinvitation, is to critique as a committed educator would.”
11
With the conversation steering into a tight corner, Serena acknowledged his position, albeit reluctantly,”Of course, your judgment is always esteemed.”
Leonardo asked Clement, “Clement, do you still remember the motto of Ventropolis University?”
Clement stepped forward. “I dare not forget,” he began, his voice steady. “Uphold integrity, pursue yourtrue calling, sustain dignity and resolve, and prevail through adversity.”
“You’re right,” Leonardo nodded.
He turned to Serena with a stern look. “You lack the integrity I require. I doubt you’re fit to be mystudent, much less my apprentice.”
Serena was taken aback by the severity of his words; it was a humiliating moment.
Her palms were clammy with sweat. Panic, fear, and shyness surged within her, erasing all herrehearsed promises in an instant.
Yet, she managed to contain her mounting anxiety, subtly pinching her hand as she mustered thecourage to respond. “Prof. Monet, don’t you think that’s a bit too harsh?”