Chapter 276

A month flew by, and Winifred Hart returned to school. After class, she stopped Rowena Clare, asking what had been on her mind.

“Why did you send me flowers when I was in hospital?” Winifred wasn’t the type to be shy or awkward–she always spoke her mind.

Rowena said, “You’re the only one I see as a real rival.”

“That’s it?” Winifred couldn’t believe it. Rowena nodded and left. Winifred was shocked, realizing that Rowena thought she didn’t notice.

“Rowena, look at your grades this time. You’re falling so far behind. What are you even thinking?”

Just as Rowena was about to get in the car, her mother, Yvonne Clare, ranted as she slapped her hard across the face. Rowena just lowered her head, not even trying to fight back.

After letting out her anger, Yvonne finally noticed Winifred. Her face switched to a smile in an instant, like flipping a switch.

“Oh, it’s Mr. Hart’s sister! Do you remember me?” Yvonne asked.

Winifred nodded slightly and left. Watching Winifred’s aloof figure walk away, Yvonne felt both unwillingness and a grudging respect in her heart.

The tirade came crashing down on Rowena again. “Look at her–so much personality! And you? Never have your own opinion, just go with whatever you hear. I’ll let your grades slide this time.

“In a few days, a famous painter is coming to your school–very likely the world-renowned Fink. He’s coming for one reason: to take on a student. You have no idea how much influence Fink has internationally. You must become his one and only student. Did you hear me?”

Rowena’s voice was dull. “He’d never pick someone like me.”

“He’s not even here yet, and you’re already giving up. Are you trying to go against me on purpose? Let me warn you–my daughter is not allowed to do this, or you’ll be punished.

“Fink will be at your school pretending to be just a teacher, looking for a student he likes. That student has to be you! Starting tomorrow, you’d better act lively in front of the teachers.”

Yvonne kept ranting, but Rowena didn’t hear a single word, just stared blankly out the window.

A bird flew past, and she felt a wave of envy. How nice it must be to be a bird. They never have to listen to any of this.

For some reason, the image of Rowena getting slapped kept replaying in Winifred’s mind.

This probably wasn’t the first time. Last time Rowena didn’t come in first, her mom hit her too. So being number one really mattered that much?

Fink was just an alias. His real name was Kress Winslow, a Meridian and a staunch supporter of the Noir family. This time, he’d been invited by Sienna Hart to a school to take on a student.

He had no idea why Hazel Noir arranged things this way. If she wanted him to teach someone, all she had to do was say the word. But since she went through all this trouble, there had to be a reason behind it.

Still, he just couldn’t hold back his curiosity.

“Hazel, who is it exactly? Can’t you at least give me a tiny hint?”

Sienna Hart glanced at the man with long blue hair. “Kress Winslow, haven’t you always been wanting to find someone truly gifted to be your student? I’m just giving you a suggestion. Whether you end up finding the right person or not, that’s your business.”

“I get it, you don’t want to guilt-trip me or anything. But I trust your judgment–anyone you’ve got your eye on, I’m bound to like too. Just tell me who it is, and I’ll take her on as my student right away.”

Kress kept batting his eyes at Sienna, but she just kept her gaze fixed on the teacup in front of her–the one Finn Eaton had given her, which looked like it might be antique.

Thorn walked over with a glass of champagne. “Kress, what a surprise to run into you here! Come on, have a drink.” As he spoke, he slipped and crashed right into Kress. The champagne went everywhere, soaking Kress from head to toe.

Kress totally lost it. “Thorn, you dumbass! What the hell is wrong with you! My clothes are custom-made! Do you even know how much they cost?”

Kress looked like a cat with its fur standing on end, practically hissing in rage.

Thorn ducked behind Sienna. “Look at him! He’s so fierce, it’s scary as hell!”

It was only then that Kress realized Sienna was still in the room.

His anger visibly melted into panic. “I don’t usually talk like that, it’s all because of Thorn, that idiot–”

But as he spoke, he caught the smug look in Thorn’s eyes and instantly realized he’d been teased. He glared at Thorn, practically grinding his teeth.

Sienna picked up her teacup and stood up. “Go change your clothes first.”

“Where are you going? I’ll come with you. I’m scared Kress might hit me,” Thorn said, trailing after her like a lost puppy.

When Thorn realized she was going to see Finn, his mood instantly soured. “What’s so great about Finn anyway! Always glued to those porcelain antiques, so cold and antisocial."

When Finn saw Sienna coming over, he brushed the dust off his hands. “What brings you here?”

“Why can’t we come! This is Sienna’s ship. You’re just a freeloader, and you actually think this is your turf?” Thorn crossed his arms, sounding thoroughly annoyed.

Finn looked apologetic. “Sorry for causing you trouble, Sienna.”

Sienna frowned, locking eyes with Thorn. His heart immediately skipped a beat, and he retorted defensively. “What did I say that was so wrong?”

“Thorn, you’re getting off at the next port,” Sienna said.

Thorn’s eyes went wide in disbelief as he pointed at himself. “Wait, you mean me?”

Seeing the unwavering look in Sienna’s eyes, he clenched his teeth.

“You’re kicking me off just for him? Is that even reasonable?” Thorn said, his voice full of wounded indignation.

"We’ve known each other for ten years, and this guy’s only been around for a month. Now she’s kicking me off," he thought, feeling a surge of unfairness.

“I didn’t tell you to go looking for trouble,” Sienna said.

“Alright, I’m the one making a scene, okay?” Thorn fumed as he stomped off, slamming the door behind him with a loud bang.

Lana was honestly just speechless. Does Yves even know his own place? With that attitude, anyone who didn’t know better would think he was Miss Sienna’s husband. If it weren’t for his parents, he’d probably be dead a hundred times by now.

Finn was about to say something, but Sienna cut him off. “No need to apologize. If you’re going to get hung up on something this minor, then what kind of friends are we? I actually came to ask you about this teacup…"