?Chapter 72:


    The Starry Oil Painting Competition was a big deal, the kind of event that sent shockwaves through the art world. The pieces that made it to the finals were top-notch, and the guest list was a who’s-who of heavy hitters.


    When Elliana and Hailee rolled up to the museum’s entrance, a long red carpet was already rolled out, screaming glitz and mour. Big shots stepped out of their cars, strutting down the carpet into the museum.


    Security was hustling to keep things orderly, while a swarm of media had set up a fortress of cameras and mics, tripping over themselves to snag interviews with any celeb who passed by. The vibe was electric, buzzing with excitement.


    Nobody gave Elliana and Hailee a second nce as they were just two regr folks in a sea of stars.


    Among the media’s darlings were Luciano and Paige, stepping out as the official mentor-disciple duo, soaking up the spotlight.


    Luciano had swapped his usual getup for a robe, looking every bit the art guru.


    Paige, clinging to his arm, rocked a sleek gown, her pricey jewelry sparkling like fire under the camera shes.


    The two made sure to park themselves right in the reporters’ sights,pping up interviews to boost their fame.


    “Miss Jones, you’re absolutely glowing tonight,” a reporter gushed. “Word is your painting made the finals. You feeling good about snagging the top spot?”


    Paige shed a demure smile. “I’m just a hobbyist. Getting to the finals is already a dreame true. I wouldn’t dare hope for more.” She nced at Luciano with a coy grin. “Going forward, I’ll keep learning from my mentor, Mr. Scott, and aim to bring everyone even better work.” While Paige yed humble, Luciano piled on the praise. “Paige is selling herself short. Her skills are already top-tier, and I’m betting big on her taking the crown.”


    “Whoa!” The reporters ate it up.


    “Mr. Scott’s the head of the Calligraphers and Painters Association. Since he says Miss Jones is the real deal, it’s gotta be true. Miss Jones, if you win, don’t dodge our follow-up interviews!”


    “Miss Jones, we caught your live show, ‘The Heiress’ Graduation Trip.’ Looked like Elliana was just green with envy, stirring up all kinds of trouble.”


    ??????????? с???????????? g?????????????[．]??????


    Paige’s sweet smile widened, basking in her moment of glory. Spotting Elliana and Hailee walking together, ignored by the press, her ego swelled even more. She was shining brighter than a supernova, while Elliana was left in the dust. It felt good! If she could clinch the Starry Oil Painting Competition tonight, her star would burn even brighter, and she would surely catch Cole’s attention.


    That day at the Royal Club, being humiliated by Elliana while Cole just stood by, Paige had given up on winning his heart. But now, hearing he’d stormed out of the Evans estate, rumoredly fed up with Ruben pushing him to consummate the marriage with Elliana, hope flickered again. She was convinced Cole only kept his distance because of Ruben’s pressure. Deep down, he must have a thing for her. Now that he’d broken ranks with Ruben, he wouldn’t hold back his feelings anymore. Ran was decent, sure, but he couldn’t hold a candle to Cole. If she could win Cole’s affection, that’d be the ultimate victory.


    As Paige’s mind crafted her prospective union with Cole, her eyes gleamed with imaginary triumph, and she shot Elliana a look dripping with challenge.


    Elliana brushed off the silent challenge and strolled into the museum with Hailee. No reporters swarmed them. No celebs tried to chat them up. They walked in without a hitch.


    Inside thepetition hall, they spotted Haley barking orders at the camera crew to set up their shots, while the other guests were nowhere in sight.


    When the two walked in, Haley threw them a cold nce. “Find a seat anywhere. You’re not needed on camera tonight.”


    The whole point of the live broadcast was to showcase Paige’s big win in tonight’spetition. Everyone else could take a backseat. Elliana and Hailee didn’t care about being off-screen and headed to the spot Haley pointed out.


    Soon after, Paige walked in, arm-in-arm with Luciano.


    The closer to the front, the bigger the deal you were. Elliana and Hailee didn’t even get proper seats—just a corner in the left corridor. Paige, riding Luciano’s clout as head of the Calligraphers and Painters Association, scored a prime spot in the front row.


    As Paige passed Elliana, she couldn’t hide her smug grin and put on a fake-sweet act. “Elliana, want me to pull some strings for you to secure a front-row seat?”


    Elliana gave a faint smile. “No need to fuss over me. You might want to worry about how long you’ll be sitting pretty up there. Don’t be shocked if you end up not even…”


    “Fit to sweep the floor hereter.” Paige’s face froze, hereback silenced as she walked off.


    At 7 p.m. sharp, the Starry Oil Painting Competition finals kicked off.


    After the opening remarks, the host ran through the rules and introduced the judges. Everything was locked in, and they started announcing the top ten finalists…


    .


    .


    .