?Chapter 820:


    Kiley’s research into Maia’s background had been thorough. Social media posts and school records revealed a first-ce win in a middle school artpetition, but her work leaned heavily toward impressionism, with noticeably amateur technique. Daily practice since then still wouldn’t be enough to match Mariana’s caliber.


    That was exactly why Kiley had secretly added the style requirement. The deck was now stackedpletely in Mariana’s favor.


    Confidence radiated from Mariana as she absorbed the theme announcement. She arched an eyebrow at Maia with obvious smugness. “Looks like fortune is smiling on me today.”


    Maia’sposure never wavered. She settled calmly before her canvas, then turned toward her arrogant opponent. “So, can we paint anyone in particr?”<fnf8ba> Find the newest release on FιndNovel</fnf8ba>


    “Obviously, as long as it’s a person. If you find it hard to decide, just pick someone from the crowd,” Mariana taunted. “Though I’m wondering if you can even handle realism. Do you actually know the difference between realistic portraiture and impressionism?”


    Approving chuckles rippled through the panel of judges. Maia’sck of formal training made her unfamiliarity with advanced techniques perfectly reasonable, after all.


    Camera lenses zoomed in on Maia’s face, hunting for any trace of anxiety or fear. Everyone expected panic, but Maia’s expression remainedpletely serene. Instead, she smiled warmly and responded, “Of course I do. What, you don’t know? Let me kindly enlighten you. Realistic portraits emphasize precision and intricate detail, while impressionism focuses more on capturing emotion and atmosphere.”


    A smirk yed at the corners of her mouth as she added, “Did you get that?”


    Instantughter filled the room. Everyone could see that Mariana had tried to embarrass Maia, only to have the tables turned with a perfectly urate and concise exnation.


    Murmurs of appreciation for Maia’s sharp wit began spreading through the crowd.


    ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ??????????ν??????﹒??????


    “Maia’s incredible. She just schooled Mariana right at the start of this duel.”


    “Mariana’s face is priceless. She never saw thatebacking, and now she’s probably regretting her little stunt.”


    Mariana’s teeth caught her bottom lip as she decided against continuing this verbal battle with Maia. She turned away to focus on mixing her paints. Maia began her own preparations as well.


    Ten minutes passed before both artists were ready. They positioned themselves before their nk canvases and started sketching their initial outlines.


    The audience practically vibrated with anticipation. On one side was Mariana, the rising international art sensation, while the other showcased Maia, the enigmatic artist who had appeared from nowhere. Which one would im victory?


    Soon enough, Mariana’s canvas revealed the rough outline of a woman, and Maia’s showed the same. This development left both the audience and judges burning with curiosity about their chosen subjects.


    Sharp-eyed audience members began to notice something intriguing. Kiley, positioned directly in front of Mariana, bore a striking resemnce to the figure taking shape on Mariana’s canvas.


    “Look, she’s drawing Ms. Cooper.”


    “Now we can tell if it’s good or not since we have the real person right there.”


    .


    .


    .