Chapter 775 Painting Competition
+8 Pearls
“Do any of you actually know her? If you don’t, then why are you gossiping about her here? Is that really how artists should behave?” Juliet said sharply, her voice cutting through the tension as she sat down beside
- me.
She was standing up to the werewolves who had been throwing shade at me, her words clear and direct.
“Ms. Lafferty, sure, you’ve won a few awards for your oil paintings.” One of the older werewolves scoffed. “But don’t you think you’re crossing a line? There are artists here way more accomplished than you. Defending her like this? You’re not worried about getting iced out of this circle?”
The blatant threat caught me off guard. I hadn’t known Juliet had won awards for oil painting–clearly, she had real standing in this world. And now, she was risking it all for me.
I was touched, but also a little worried for her. I reached for her hand and whispered, “It’s fine. Really. Don’t get involved.”
“No way,” she said, her face stubborn as ever, putting herself in front of me. “Rosaline is my friend. You all treat her like trash–ever stop to think about how that makes her feel? Or how that makes me feel?”
That got the crowd talking again.
“Ms. Lafferty, sure, who you hang out with is your business. But someone like her? You might wanna think twice. Don’t come crying when she screws you over.”
The murmurs grew louder as more werewolves chimed in.
“You don’t know a damn thing and yet you’re running your mouths like you do. You read a few trashy headlines and suddenly you’re experts? That’s the kind of judgment artists are making now?” Juliet’s voice rang out, firm and unwavering.
Her open support only made the crowd more hostile.
“Ms. Lafferty, you’d be better off staying out of this. Rosaline’s just a businesswoman. The fact that she was even let in here is already more grace than she deserves. And now you’re backing her? That’s a slap in the face to the rest of us.”
The crowd nodded in agreement. Juliet, seeing she wasn’t getting through, just pulled down with an angry huff.
“Don’t
pay them
any stubborn old snobs.”
o the side and sat
mind,” she muttered. “All they care about is their precious paintings. Bunch of
I was about to calm her down when a well–dressed male werewolf walked over, flashing a polite smile and offering his hand. “Hi, I’m Elliot.”
I didn’t know him at all. I hesitated for a second, but out of courtesy, I shook his hand. “Hi”
“I’ve been a big fan of yours,” he said sweetly, but his tone had a sharpness to it. “I’ve always wanted to challenge you to an art competition. Since we’ve got such a good crowd here today, what do you say–care to indulge us?”
His voice was loud enough to draw everyone’s attention. I got it instantly. This wasn’t about art–it was a setup to embarrass me.
09.16
Tue, 3 Jun
Chapter 775 Painting Competition
+8 Pearls
I gave a light laugh and declined. “I don’t think this is the right time or place. We’re guests here–it’s not really our show to steal, wouldn’t you say?”
With that, I turned away and started looking at the artwork on display.
It wasn’t like I was afraid of a challenge. But this just wasn’t the setting for it, and I didn’t like being the center of attention. I preferred keeping a low profile.
Elliot wasn’t having it. He gave a mocking little chuckle and turned to the crowd. “Everyone! Wouldn’t it be exciting to see Rosaline and me go head–to–head in a live art challenge? I’m sure we’ve all seen enough paintings for one day.”
The crowd lit up at the idea. “Yeah, yeah! I’ve heard Rosaline’s super talented. I wanna see her actually paint something!”
Elliot took full advantage. “Well, since everyone seems onboard, I’ll go ahead and have the materials brought in. That alright with you, Rosaline?”
He turned to me with a smug expression, dragging me back into the spotlight. If I backed out now, it’d look like I was admitting I wasn’t good enough. Like hell I’d let that happen.
“Alright,” I said simply.
“Perfect,” Elliot said, his chin lifting as he faced the audience. “Then how about someone gives us a theme?”
Someone from the crowd chimed in, “Well, it’s the rainy season right now. Why not make the theme ‘rain‘? No other rules–just free expression.”
I nodded. That theme worked. And the timing was good too. “Sounds good,” I said.
Elliot gave the crowd a look that said he had this in the bag. “Alright then, give us a few minutes to get set up.”
The supplies were brought in, and we each took our seats. Once the clock started, the duel began.
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