Chapter 11
Justin stood on the sandy shore, his tall frame relaxed, but his expression indifferent.
Out of Mr. Gibson’s line of sight, he cast a glance at Emily, his gaze tinged with subtle mockery and skepticism. He had no intention of interrupting Mr. Gibson’s enthusiasm to expose her so–called painting skills, even though he had rarely seen her paint back at Villa One.
Sure, Emily could paint, and she was enrolled in the city’s most prestigious art school. But to him, that didn’t necessarily equate to talent or any natural gift. After all, he had paid her way in, so it wasn’t as if she had gotten there solely on her own abilities.
Dancing was a different story. She had surprised him tonight with her grace, but painting? That was another matter entirely. He just couldn’t picture her as an artist, no matter how hard he tried.
Emily met his gaze briefly, sensing the challenge and doubt behind it. It was as if he were daring her to continue this “artist” act. But she simply turned away, rolling her eyes as she approached the canvas.
There was no point in trying to prove herself to someone who refused to see her strengths. If she was going to make a statement, she would do it with her work.
With bare feet sinking into the soft sand, she took a few steps toward the easel, encouraged by Mr. Gibson’s supportive smile.
Picking up the brush, she dipped it into the paint and made a few deft strokes. What had been an average painting suddenly transformed with details sharpened, layers deepened, and the whole piece came alive.
Justin’s eyebrows lifted, his usual detachment slipping for just a moment. He hadn’t expected this. He had always( focused on her looks, her resemblance to Emma, and was quick to adjust any aspects that didn’t fit.
Ignoring her talents had become second nature. Tonight, though, she was breaking out of the box he had put her in. Her elegance on the dance floor and this sudden burst of artistic skill were both unexpected. He had to admit, he was seeing a new side of her.
But his admiration was fleeting. He had grown up surrounded by extraordinary people, people with real influence and talent. It would take more than a moment of skill to make a lasting impression on him.
Justin straightened his posture, his brief interest fading back into his usual calm detachment. He swirled the champagne in his glass as if nothing had happened, watching as the pale liquid clung to the sides.
Meanwhile, Emily, unaware of his inner conflict, set down her brush, her posture as composed as ever.
As she finished, the painting captured the very scene before them. It was an endless sea under a full moon, casting a soft, sparkling glow over the beach at night.
The light danced across the waves, and along the sandy shore, small groups of people gathered. Some were laughing and playing while others were leisurely strolling. With just a few deft strokes, she brought their movements and expressions to life on the canvas.
What had started as an average sketch now radiated with emotion, transforming into a deeply expressive piece. Mr. Gibson couldn’t take his eyes off it, gazing at the painting for a long time. Finally, he turned to Emily with an approving nod, his face beaming with pride,
“Well done! Those extra touches brought out the depth I just couldn’t capture myself!” he said. “See? I wasn’t exaggerating. Emily really has a gift!” He turned to Justin, pointing toward Emily with unmistakable admiration. Emily felt a little shy under the praise, lowering her head to hide a smile. This was the first time she could remember being so openly complimented by someone older, and even she, usually so composed, felt a bit
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Chapter 11
flustered.
+15 BONUS
“Emily, you’re not only beautiful and talented at painting, but you’re also polite and easygoing, I can’t find a single flaw!” Mr. Gibson added, beaming as if she were his own granddaughter.
Justin glanced down at his champagne glass, offering a polite but detached smile. Sure, she had beauty and a touch of artistic talent, but as for her character…
He thought back to that night at Villa One. Once, he had seen her as gentle and agreeable, but now? He scoffed inwardly, recalling the tension between them.
Justin stood on higher ground, using his height to look down at Emily with a scrutinizing gaze, taking in every word of Mr. Gibson’s praise with a hint of mockery. His stare was so intense that Emily couldn’t ignore it even if she tried.
She frowned slightly, and when Mr. Gibson wasn’t looking, she shot Justin a fierce glare, as if to say, “What’s your problem?” She quickly turned away, offering him the back of her head, pointedly ignoring him.
Whether she was good or bad, talented or not, it was none of Justin’s business. Who was he to look at her with such disdain? She wasn’t his anymore.
How had she ever been so blind? She had fallen for his looks when she was young and foolish, but now she knew better. When choosing a man, it wasn’t enough to focus on appearance. Character mattered, too.
Mr. Gibson, meanwhile, was completely engrossed in the painting, oblivious to the silent standoff between the two. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he turned to Justin with a smile.
“Justin, you’re not exactly young anymore. Why don’t you have a girlfriend?” he asked, his tone playful.
He turned back to Emily, a spark in his eyes. “And Emily here is single too. You’re about the same age, and you even share the same last name! It’s almost as if you’re from the same family!” Mr. Gibson chuckled, clearly enjoying the idea of matchmaking.
Justin’s expression darkened, a hint of irritation flashing across his face. Had Emily been telling people she was single while she was in art school?
He scoffed inwardly. Back then, they were definitely still together.
Yet she was going around claiming to be single?
