Chapter 131

A group of people turned in unison at the sound of approaching footsteps. A young man in his mid–twenties, with pale skin and a slim figure, was making his way toward them. He wore thin–rimmed glasses and a light grey suit that accentuated his slender build. However, after speaking just a few words, he coughed into his handkerchief, signaling that he might not be in the best of health.

Fanny froze for a second. “Mr. Finegan?”

The man acknowledged with a nod and asked again, “What seems to be the problem?”

Mrs. Brown, clearly annoyed, recounted the events, which caused the man, Mr. Finegan, to furrow his brows and address Fanny, “If you’re worried about the crowd, we could stop letting people in. But once they’re here, it doesn’t seem right to send them away, does it?”

Fanny’s face darkened. She wanted to argue but seemed to hold a certain regard for the man before her, and reluctantly conceded, “You’re right.”

With a look of resentment, Fanny glanced at Lorna, her eyes sharp with envy.

Very few knew Lorna’s pen name was Lorn. When B. Aster mentioned it, Fanny was startled.

Hearing that B. Aster admired her enough to invite her to help with landscape paintings, Fanny saw an opportunity and crafted a lie that “Lorn had passed away.”

Both Fanny and Lorna had studied landscape painting, and while Fanny’s work was also commendable, Lorna had simply gained fame by association. Why should everyone remember Lorn and forget Fanny?

She was now a leading figure in the world of landscape art!

She had someone recommend her to B. Aster, who had just begun showing signs of wanting to collaborate with her. So why was Lorna showing up at the exhibition now?

“Hello, I’m Naylor Finegan.” Naylor turned, coughing into his handkerchief again, “Is this Cordelia?”

Cordelia paused, then nodded, “Yes.”

Naylor smiled, “My father is B. Aster.”

Realization dawned on Cordelia. This was the son of the Painter? She nodded her understanding.

“If there’s anything you don’t understand, I’d be happy to explain,” Naylor offered.

Mrs. Brown was flabbergasted, “Naylor, I know of him. He’s a painter too, right? But he works in oils, doesn’t

he?”

entering, she had been looking for an opportunity to inquire about the mysterious Painter. And now, seeing Naylor… B. Aster

earth did her daughter

even knew the famous drawing master? Mrs. Brown felt she had

the rumors suggested. Seeing Naylor’s courteous interaction with Cordelia, Mrs. Brown realized Lorna and

impressive figure, able to converse

newfound appreciation for Lorna quickly transformed into deep admiration

was still in shock, Cordelia spoke up, “No need,

turning to Lorna, she asked, “Mom, shall we

12.04

refocused and began to introduce each painting to Cordelia and Mrs. Brown Naylor listened attentively, with

explanations went on, Naylor’s expression grew serious

This

so versed in Watercolor Painting, able to offer her

person!

Lorna with respect and asked, “Mrs. Delaney, you seem to have a profound understanding of Watercolor Painting. I found your explanations enlightening. Do you paint

smiled, “I do, but

inquired further, “What style do you

Lorna replied, “Landscapes.”

have a painting called ‘Frostfall that was accepted into the exhibition. Why haven’t I

the exhibition hall, “Ah, that painting! I remember it; it’s over here.”

a crowd already gathered, admiring the work, “This

sight of the painting and his eyes lit up, “I

Lorna, “Mrs. Delaney, everyone’s praising your

sparkled

warily and followed close behind. Hearing the

recalled that Nana was Lorna’s pseudonym back in college.

ask, “Could someone

Fanny boldly took

about to

recognized her and laughed, “This is Fanny, a pinnacle figure in the

guide handed her the microphone.

her fingers tightly, a mix of nerves

closely analyzing the painting. “This piece has an air of detachment, its composition vast and simple, the scenery minimal. The artist uses

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