The girls in the class surrounded Sandra. One asked, curiously and enviously, “What did Philip say to you? My father loves Philip’s paintings; he even bought one last year for a lot of money.” Another girl exclaimed, “I’m so envious! To be Philip’s student!” Someone else chimed in, “That’s right! I’d be thrilled to get some pointers from him!”

Philip Fremont, an internationally renowned oil painting expert and head of the international competition's selection team, had come to the school seeking suitable students. He was highly respected. Sandra, having performed brilliantly in the preliminaries two days prior, had caught his eye; he was even willing to mentor her personally.

Sandra smiled humbly, “I was just lucky,” though she looked smug.

Seeing Tiffany’s empty seat occupied, Sandra, suppressing her anger, approached with a smile. “Tiffany, you’re back? How were you these past few days?” Tiffany was somewhat impressed by Sandra's ability to maintain appearances, despite their private conflicts. Sandra always pretended to be on good terms, ignoring any existing animosity.

Tiffany responded dryly, “I was fine.”

Sandra said, “That’s good. It’s a shame you missed the preliminaries due to your suspension. It’s too late now.” She shook her head, feigning sympathy. However, Frank had publicly announced that absent students forfeited their place in the competition, making Sandra's pity disingenuous.

A few girls sneered. One said, “Pity? Do you expect her to paint? She’d probably scare Philip away!” Many laughed. Tiffany was known as eye candy, proficient in nothing except attracting men; no one had ever seen her demonstrate any talent. Even Sandra was unaware of Tiffany's hidden abilities.

Sandra, adopted into the Kelley family two years prior, had manipulated Tiffany. Completely focused on Kenneth, Tiffany hadn't displayed any artistic talent until she casually drew a painting that Sandra then flattered her into giving away. This marked a turning point for them.

In Tiffany’s previous life, Sandra won the competition, becoming a celebrated painting genius and mentored by a renowned master. Tiffany, however, ended up in prison for five years, taking the blame for Kenneth's actions.

Remembering this, Tiffany lowered her eyes, suppressing her anger.

When Zoe heard the mockery, she stood up. “Sandra, you’re so smug! If Philip actually chooses you, you'll be in for a shock.”

One of Sandra's admirers retorted, “That’s better than you guys, who didn't even qualify!”

Furious, Zoe started to argue, but Tiffany interrupted, pulling her back to her seat. “Sit down.” Zoe sat down indignantly.

Tiffany calmly addressed Sandra's admirers, “Stop provoking me while I’m still smiling. My week away hasn’t improved my temper.” She wasn’t interested in arguing, but further provocation would have consequences.

The girls were stunned, remembering Tiffany's confrontation with Mia, the daughter of a real estate tycoon. They quickly retreated.

Before class, Zoe whispered, “Tiffany, should we plead for a second chance? The school should give you a chance.”

Tiffany replied, “That’s unnecessary. You have such blind faith! What if I am untalented? We’d be slapping ourselves.”

Zoe, seeing Tiffany as almost omnipotent, was indignant at the missed opportunity, forgetting the pointlessness of entering if Tiffany lacked talent. She quickly changed her stance, “Forget this competition.”

Tiffany smiled, saying nothing.

That afternoon, most art students crowded the studio, eager for Philip's critique. Sandra arrived early, securing the best seat. Philip and nine other masters approached the studio.

On the way, Philip chuckled, “This trip is fruitful. Yesterday's girl has flaws, but she’s young and talented. With guidance, she'll be a genius.”

“Sandra?” a master asked.

“Yes,” Philip replied. Another added, “She’s good, obedient, sensible, and talented.” They seemed set on choosing Sandra.

A gust of wind blew a piece of paper to Philip's feet. A landscape painting of a lone boat on a misty river caught his eye. He was astonished by the artistic conception. His hands trembled. “Who painted this?! It's ingenious!” The other masters agreed, rarely seeing such talent in young students.

Finding no one nearby, one suggested it might be from the studio. They headed toward the building.

Meanwhile, Tiffany napped in the sun, her beauty striking. Zoe arrived. "It's done. Philip loved it!" The painting was Tiffany's, delivered by Zoe as instructed.

Zoe didn't understand. “Why not show yourself? He’ll take you as a student!”

Tiffany's actions were already achieving her goal. She didn't need to intervene further.