Chapter 332
If Aubree knew what Carmen was thinking, she'd surely find it hilarious. After all, the mentor’s final words back then were that if Carmen just kept at it, she’d make something of herself someday.
Now, Carmen seemed to have finally found her footing. She understood where her true strengths lay. With Percival as her mentor, even Aubree had to admit that Carmen’s progress was remarkable. At this point, she genuinely had what it took to hold a solo exhibition.
The showstopper of the entire exhibition was the centerpiece painting. It wasn’t Carmen’s work, but a priceless masterpiece by a renowned modern traditional painting master. Bryan had specially acquired it out of guilt after misunderstanding Carmen.
Many were drawn here by this masterpiece alone.
“Do you like this painting, Aubree?” Carmen asked. “Such a shame Bryan got it especially for me. Otherwise, I’d give it to you. Even Stan, the former vice president and now president of the Art Association, is coming specifically to see this masterpiece.”
Aubree smirked and thought, ‘Stan is willing to come? Has Carmen forgotten that her most humiliating moment was exposed by none other than Stan himself? Yet she still dares to invite him here?’
Aubree was starting to piece together what Carmen was up to.
“Really? It seems you’ve prepared quite thoroughly,” Aubree said with a smile.
The underlying meaning in her words made Carmen slightly uneasy. She wondered if Aubree knew something.
The thought flashed through Carmen’s mind, but she quickly regained her confidence. She thought, ‘Who cares if Aubree knows or not? This is my carefully laid trap. Even if Aubree hadn’t shown up, every part of my plan would still go exactly as intended.’
“Percival is here!”
The exhibition hall suddenly erupted in commotion. Percival had arrived.
While Carmen was showing Aubree around the exhibition, the rest of the Wilson family kept their distance. Some played along with Carmen, while others were wary of upsetting Aubree.
“Carmen,” Alice hurried over and said, “your mentor is here. Let’s go greet him properly.”
Carmen nodded and turned to Aubree. “Aubree, let’s go together. I told Mr. Xaver how exceptional your oil paintings are. He’s been eager to meet you.”
Aubree’s lips curled into a smile. “Alright then.”
Aubree followed Carmen into the main hall, where Percival stood with Ronald and Bryan. Both treated him with respect.
At barely eighteen or nineteen, Carmen already possessed the talent to host her solo exhibition. Artistically, she was undeniably gifted. Out of respect for his young protégé, Percival showed the Wilson family every courtesy.
Camera flashes went off nonstop as Percival, not holding back his admiration, praised Carmen warmly, “Carmen is incredibly gifted. Given time, her achievements might even surpass mine.”
“Mr. Xaver,” Carmen playfully pouted, having just overheard the compliment, “if you keep praising me like this, I’ll get a big head.” Her teasing sent Percival into a fit of laughter.
Percival’s gaze then fell upon Aubree. Picking up on his cue, Carmen introduced, “Mr. Xaver, this is my sister, Aubree, the one I’ve mentioned to you before.”
“Tch.” The instant Percival confirmed Aubree’s identity, his attitude turned frosty.
Aubree arched a brow. It seemed that Carmen must have said bad things about her.
The crowd instantly picked up on the brewing drama.
“Mr. Xaver,” a reporter pressed, “why did you choose Carmen as your protégé? Aren’t you aware of her past plagiarism scandals? Many of the paintings that brought her recognition were either ghost-painted by her sister, Aubree, or outright plagiarized. Doesn’t any of that bother you?”
The reporter’s question clearly struck a nerve with Percival, but this time, his fury was aimed squarely at Aubree.
He said, “Some petty schemers think they’re so clever, and you actually fell for it?”
Aubree stared him down. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Percival didn’t even try to hide his disgust. “You’re jealous of Carmen and deliberately framed her. Do I need to spell it out any clearer?”