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?”

inquire

daughter come to know these people?

Lia, then Calvert, and now she even knew

Lorna, she had sensed that the woman was not as the rumors suggested. Seeing Naylor’s courteous interaction with Cordelia, Mrs. Brown realized Lorna and her daughter are both big figures, why out of

figure, able to converse with the giants

for Lorna quickly transformed into deep

Cordelia spoke up, “No need, my mom will

she asked, “Mom,

12.04

bit dazed. She refocused and began to introduce each painting

went on, Naylor’s expression

This

versed in Watercolor Painting, able to offer her judgment on

person!

have a profound understanding of Watercolor Painting. I found your explanations enlightening.

smiled, “I do, but I’m not very well–known.”

slightly disappointed by her modesty and inquired further, “What style do

Lorna replied, “Landscapes.”

have a painting called ‘Frostfall that was accepted

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

could see a crowd already gathered, admiring the work, “This

painting and his

ever candid, beamed at Lorna, “Mrs.

sparkled

had been watching warily and followed close behind. Hearing the praises, she stiffened and

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

heard someone ask, “Could someone explain this painting

Fanny boldly took

guides for such inquiries, and one was about to step forward when Fanny the

pinnacle figure in the national landscape painting scene. Who better

guide handed her the microphone.

grip her fingers tightly, a mix of nerves

an air of detachment, its composition vast and simple, the scenery minimal. The artist uses a side stroke technique to depict the ruggedness of the mountains and rocks…”

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