?Chapter 802:

    After all, Mariana had been hailed as a painting prodigy since childhood — how could she possibly lose to Maia in this field?

    Her lips curved into a confident, almost smug smile. “And with you pulling the strings, thepetition will be portrait painting — my domain. I can’t lose.”

    “That’s good. Head back to the hotel and prepare thoroughly. Stay sharp — don’t let your guard down,” Kiley said with a knowing smile, though a subtle chill still lingered in her eyes. No one slipped past her unscathed.

    And Maia would be no exception.

    “Understood,” Mariana replied, her voice tinged with quiet fire. Her proud, confident gaze swept toward the direction Maia had disappeared, a silent vow burning in her mind. “Maia, this time I’ll crush youpletely — there won’t be a single chance for you to rise again.”

    Behind them, Raegan remained still, a quiet smile curling at her lips. She watched Mariana go, amusement flickering in her eyes.

    It seemed tomorrow was destined to be nothing short of spectacr.

    Meanwhile, Maia and her group made their way out of the bustling gallery.

    A rush of crisp air hit her cheeks, instantly clearing her head.

    Casting her eyes upward, she foundfort in the wide stretch of blue overhead and finally let out a deep, steady breath. A visit meant only to honor Alice’s invitation and quietly appreciate her own paintings had turned into a public scene she hadn’t bargained for.

    Trailing behind, Alice wore a pout, apologizing nonstop, her regret shadowing Maia all the way from the art hall to the street.

    Before long, Grover, the Gascoyne Museum’s curator, hurried out after them, stumbling over his apologies to Alice and swearing he’d had no say in the matter. He pleaded for a dinner together so he could give her a proper exnation.

    Despite her anger, Alice didn’t want to end the friendship. Tossing Maia a look, she said, “Ms. Watson, why don’t you go back to the hotel for now? I have to give Grover a talking-to — and make him pay for a feast at the city’s best restaurant. He won’t forget it soon!”

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    A softugh escaped Maia, amused by this fiery side of Alice. “Go on, then.”

    All the authority Grover hadmanded on stage had vanished; in Alice’s presence, he was downright timid.

    Momentster, Maia and Chris strolled toward the taxi line.

    Thoughts of Mariana and Kiley, with their smug confidence, made Maia snort under her breath and give her head a small shake.

    “What are you thinking about?” From behind, a familiar voice brought her back. Chris caught up and fell in step, giving her a gentle look.

    That snapped Maia out of her thoughts. She nced at him, allowing a small smile to surface. “Honestly? Just thinking about how some people never learn until life knocks them down a few times.”

    Chris gave a low chuckle, warmth in his tone. “Sounds like you already know you’re going to win, honey.”

    yfulness lit Maia’s features as she gave Chris a sly look. “Shouldn’t you be nervous that I might lose? If that happens, you know I’ll have to cut you offpletely.”

    Instead of answering right away, Chris tilted his head, one eyebrow arching as if something amusing had just urred to him.

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