“All right, quit acting all lovey-dovey in public already! Come on, I’ll take you to Ansley! He was just telling me how much potential you have a while ago.”
Being able to see Ansley was the main reason I had come all the way here, so I followed behind Remington with a hop in my step as he led me to Ansley. However, that excitement soon disappeared when I saw Crystal coming toward me.
“What are you doing here?” I asked with my eyes wide from shock.
Crystal simply snorted in response and said coldly, “I don’t see why I can’t be here if you are! What, do you think this art exhibition belongs to you alone or something?”
“Do you have an invitation?” With Crystal’s horrible reputation, it was indeed surprising that someone would even send her an invitation to such a grand art exhibition. Surely the great Ansley couldn’t be that supportive toward every single artist in existence!
“Don’t think it’s all over for me just because you and Christopher sabotaged me! I have a powerful benefactor on my side to help get me invited to this art exhibition and continue my career as an artist! Just you wait, Yvonne! I got you once, and I’ll get you again!” Crystal shouted angrily.
“You never learn, do you? Was Dad kneeling before Grandma not enough of a lesson for you? Do you not feel guilty having a man of his age apologize for your wrongdoings?” I asked with a frown.
“Are you lecturing me?” Crystal snorted as she continued, “You think you’re that great just because you’ve cleared your name and earned Ansley’s respect? Well, think again! I’m not down for the count yet, and you’re in no position to lecture me either! I suggest you mind your own business and pray that I don’t find another opportunity to get back at you!”
Not wanting to back down, I forced a smile and snapped back at her, “Heh, bring it on! I’ll be right here waiting for you!” Da*n it, why is Crystal always around? I can’t believe I’m running into her here in Anglandur! Good thing Lyle isn’t here, or I might really check the almanac before leaving the house next time!
Crystal snorted in disdain and walked away arrogantly with her arms folded. I saw her approach a man who was waiting for her next to an easel, who then politely pointed her in Ansley’s direction.
“Benefactor, huh?” I mumbled and pouted as I watched her make her way toward Ansley.
Remington frowned too when he saw Crystal and said, “Ansley is waiting over there. Come on, let’s go.”
I glanced at Crystal who was standing next to Ansley and hesitated for a bit before nodding my head. I don’t owe Crystal anything, so I shouldn’t have to back off just because she’s standing there with him! Besides, she couldn’t possibly do anything to me in a public place like this!
Ansley was an old man in his sixties and was having a chat with Crystal, but he quickly waved at us with a smile when he saw us approaching.
“Mr. Fowler, is this the new school artist you said you’d introduce me to? Does she really have more potential than the artist of Moonlight Heaven? You’re not pulling my leg, are you?”
Being praised by Ansley got me really excited, and I quickly greeted him, “Greetings, sir! My name is Yvonne Tanner, and I’m the artist behind Moonlight Heaven. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance!”
“The new school artist with the most potential? Did you give yourself that title? Have you no sense of modesty at all, Yvonne? You don’t just call yourself an artist! You need to earn that title from others! Don’t get too carried away and end up falling back down later on!”
Unhappy that Ansley had ignored her, Crystal lashed out at me in Chanaean as she knew Ansley didn’t speak the language. She then turned toward him and said in Angladurn, “Don’t let her fool you, sir. She’s just a university graduate who studied economics who hasn’t even made it into the third round of Hawen’s art competition! There’s no way a person like her is an artist! She’s definitely lying to you!”
