Art Exhibition

On the weekend, Vespera arrived as promised. The door opened to reveal Elena leaning against the doorframe, draped in a silk robe, faint kiss marks visible on her neck. Vespera forced herself to look away from those traces.

"Vespera, you're here. Felix has been waiting for you," Elena said as she invited her into the living room. A maid served Vespera a cup of coffee.

"Next week, a few wealthy ladies are organizing a children's art exhibition, and I want to display Felix's painting," Elena paused for a moment before placing her hand gently on Vespera's shoulder, speaking softly, "But you know Felix's painting skills are somewhat lacking. Given your level of expertise, I trust that a week is more than enough time for you to help Felix create an outstanding piece."

Suppressing the nausea rising within her, Vespera watched as 'Elena' played the role of a smiling serpent. "Madam, please rest assured. I will make sure that Felix and you shine as the brightest stars at the children's art exhibition."

Satisfied, Elena patted Vespera's shoulder. "As long as you do your job well, you won't go unrewarded."

Sunlight bathed the courtyard lawn, and Vespera leisurely painted on her canvas, the crisp chirping of birds accentuating her good mood. A satisfied thought crossed her mind: Sophia, wearing my face and name… Let's see how much you've improved over the years.

The sharp sound of high heels clacking against the tiled floor suddenly disrupted the tranquil atmosphere. Elena, clad in a white coat and golden heels, stormed toward her, clutching a painting in her hand. With a furious swing, she hurled it at Vespera, causing a thin trickle of blood to seep from her forehead. Looking up, Vespera met Elena's enraged face head-on.

"Vespera! You wretched woman! How dare you deceive me!" Elena's shrill voice, coupled with the fury twisting her features, revealed the depth of her rage.

"Madam, I have no idea what you're talking about," Vespera replied calmly.

Two hours earlier, at the children's art exhibition.

Elena stood among a group of wealthy ladies, all admiring the displayed children's paintings. A staff member flattered her, "Young Master Felix is still so young, yet his use of colors and brushstrokes is already so refined. He's truly a prodigy!"

Hearing this, Elena's heart swelled with pride, and she lifted her chin even higher.

A wealthy lady nearby also praised, "Felix must take after Madam Elena! I heard that back in the day, Madam Elena was an outstanding art student. If not for that unfortunate injury a few years ago, she would surely be a renowned painter by now."

"That's true! But Madam Elena remains one of the most talented women in our city. Even though she no longer paints, she is now a bestselling author," another woman chimed in.

However, as she examined Felix's painting more closely, a flicker of doubt crossed her face. "Wait a moment… Madam Elena, why does this painting look familiar? I think I saw it at an art exhibition in France six months ago… It seems to be the work of that rising artist, Lilith."

Elena's mind went blank. "W-what...?"

The woman covered her mouth with her hand, but the laughter seeping through her fingers made the mockery obvious to everyone present.

"Madam Elena, don't you recognize this painting? You, a top art school graduate, how could you not know Lilith? Or… did you know all along but assumed we were ignorant of the art world? Passing off another famous artist's work as your son's—how bold of you."

With an icy gaze, she shot Elena a condescending look, making her squirm with embarrassment.

"It… it must have been a mistake by the servants," Elena stammered, barely able to maintain her composure.

Back in the present.

Elena ground her teeth as she spat out each word with venom. "Did you really think you could fool me with such a pathetic trick? Vespera, you wretched woman—do you think you're clever?"