Chapter 133 Snake

Of course, Kyla’s talent wasn’t just her own. The Jensons had poured money into her for years. They hired the best teachers, gave her every resource, and surrounded her with an “artistic” upbringing.

After the professor’s introduction, Kyla forced herself to stay calm. She smiled sweetly at the class.

“Hi, everyone. I’m Kyla. It’s a pleasure to meet you all, and I’m honored that Professor Linscott invited me to join today’s lesson.”

Her acting skills were sharp. Her voice was soft, sugary, but not too fake.

And with her gentle, pretty face, she instantly won over half the guys in the room.

The attitude toward her shifted. People warmed up quickly.

“Alright,” Professor Linscott said. “Let’s start class. Who wants to suggest a subject for today’s painting?”

“I do.”

A calm voice spoke up. It was Tilda.

For a moment, Simon blinked. This was his sophomore elective class. Why is a student like her here?

Then he recognized her and adjusted awkwardly. “You’re Tilda, right? Very well, go ahead.”

Tilda had taken so many absences before, and she usually kept to herself.

But now, after Simon returned from his seminar trip, she looked like an entirely different person.

Her presence was overwhelming. Every move carried a quiet power, like starlight catching the room.

Simon almost didn’t recognize her.

Tilda stood and looked straight at Kyla, who was already fidgeting nervously. A cold smirk touched her lips.

“Professor Linscott, how about we make today’s theme… a snake?”

Hiss!

The whole class sucked in a sharp breath.

Too harsh! Everyone knew what she meant.

Calling the theme “snake” while Kyla stood there as the guest assistant? That was like pointing a finger straight at her.

Kyla’s face stiffened.

She quickly ducked her head. Her nose reddened, eyes watering in seconds. She bit her lip, fingers twisting in the hem of her skirt like a scared little rabbit.

The sight of her like this only made others ache for her.

Even without saying a word, her whole body seemed to be crying out for help. That, in an instant, struck right at the instinct men carry to protect.

That pitiful look worked. Half the guys immediately wanted to shield her.

To them, Tilda suddenly looked too sharp, too harsh, too much like a tiger pouncing on a helpless bunny.

But Tilda didn’t care about their stares.

She kept smiling calmly at Simon.

The professor frowned slightly. “Tilda, are you sure about this? That subject seems a little…”

“Professor,” Tilda interrupted smoothly. “It’s just a snake. Nothing more. If artists can’t even paint something so simple because of internet slang, wouldn’t that be ridiculous?

“And besides, if your conscience is clear, there’s no reason to take it personally, right?”

Her words left Simon speechless.

He glanced at Kyla.

Kyla sniffled, wiping her eyes, then gave a trembling smile. “Professor, I… I think Tilda’s right. Let’s go with it. I’ll be fine…”

“It’s only a theme,” Tilda added coolly. “Don’t be so dramatic.”

She sat back down, arms crossed, lips curling in disdain.

Her eyes flashed with a message only Kyla could read.

Kyla’s act worked wonders on men.

But just like in the cafeteria before, it didn’t fool many of the women.

Some whispered under their breath.

“Don’t you think Kyla’s a little fake?”

“Yeah. She really thinks she’s hot stuff just because she got top marks in art?”

“I was top of my program too when I got in. Big deal.”

“Hey, cut it out. Kyla’s already being bullied by Tilda. She’s pitiful enough without you piling on.”

“Ugh, you guys are so easy to fool. Get lost before your low IQ rubs off on us.”

“What did you just say?”

The room was seconds from chaos when Simon quickly raised his voice. “Enough. Snake it is. Everyone, start your sketches. Kyla, you draw up here. I’ll use your work as an example for the class.”

“Alright.”

With the subject set, the chatter died down.

Kyla steadied herself and focused on the canvas.

She really was talented. With her natural ability, her privileged training, and her practice since childhood, even something simple like a snake came alive under her brush—detailed, lifelike, elegant.