?Chapter 844:


    Kiley swiftly caught Mariana as she wavered on the verge of copse, shooting her a sharp look before firmly gripping her shoulder. Her voice carried calm authority. “Stand up straight.”


    She shifted her attention to Maia. “Is this enough? If so, let’s call it a day. I’ll settle the remaining bets as soon as possible.”


    Maia studied Mariana’s crumpled form with cold amusement, then lifted her shoulders in a careless shrug. “Perfect! Just remember your word, Ms. Cooper. The entire Otrultho art scene witnessed today’s little spectacle.” Each word dripped with pointed meaning.


    Kiley’s jaw clenched visibly, though she swallowed whatever sharp reply burned on her tongue. Teeth grazing her lower lip, she spun on her heel and stormed toward the gallery exit.


    Raegan’s sharp eyes had already caught the press circling like vultures. She darted forward, cutting through the crowd to form a protective barrier around Kiley’s retreat.


    Behind them, Mariana shuffled along with her chin buried against her chest, skin drained of all color as if life itself had leaked away. Her legs wobbled dangerously with each faltering step as she fought to keep up.


    The defeated scattered into the shadows.


    Reporters descended on Maia like hungry wolves, questions exploding from every direction.


    Bathed in blinding camera shes and surrounded by shouting voices, Maia wore her victory like armor, each answer delivered with practiced grace.


    When the media frenzy finally died down, Maia swept from the gallery with her followers trailing behind.


    Grover practically sprinted to intercept them, breathless excitement radiating from every gesture. “Miss Watson, we’ll treasure your masterpiece A Mother’s Timeless Love during its exhibition tour. Once itpletes its journey through Otrultho, we’d be honored to deliver it wherever you wish. Where shall we send this precious work?”


    Maia’s eyebrow arched with wicked delight, lips curving into a cat-like smile.


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    “Ask the painting’s new owner instead.”


    Understanding dawned instantly, and Grover spun around to hunt down Chris.


    Chris beamed as he readily shared his contact details.


    “Excellent! I’ll be in touch with you shortly to arrange the delivery,” Grover dered before disappearing back into the gallery’s chaos. His evening was clearly just beginning.


    Once the dust settled, Alice whisked Maia and Chris away to their hotel.


    Alice could barely contain her excitement, words tumbling out in a breathless rush during the drive. “Maia, you were absolutely incredible today! Do you realize what’s happening? The entire Otrultho art scene is going wild over your painting! Everyone’s calling you a once-in-a-generation artistic prodigy! Not just for A Mother’s Timeless Love, but for Rebirth too, the piece you disyed as ‘Matias.’ Critics are hailing you as a revolutionary force in contemporary art!”<fnf723> Follow current nov?ls on find?novel</fnf723>


    Alice’s eyes sparkled with secret knowledge as she leaned forward conspiratorially. “They have no clue you’re also the genius behind MCN’s fashion empire. Imagine their faces when they discover you’re Eileen! They’d lose their minds and worship the ground you walk on!”


    Maia rested her head against the cool window, her smile carrying quiet satisfaction.


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