Guests had yet to lay eyes on Karen's calligraphy when Roger, the cheeky old man, made a swift exit, fearing someone might
snatch the masterpiece from him. The crowd called after him, "Roger, let us have a look before you dash off!" But Roger wasn't
having any of it. He hadn't paid a dfor it. What if someone offered a higher bid after just one glance?
The crowd: Such a renowned artist, and yet so petty!
Karen just laughed it off, unbothered, as a glare of pure jealousy shot her way. Turning towards the source of the glare, her lips
curled into a smile, charming and alluring.
Alyssa's once bustling exhibit of calligraphy was now deserted. Sguests wore expressions of regret; even the gentleman who
had made an offer was eager to see Karen's work. A rage uncontained shimmered in her eyes. She couldn't accept this reality. She
was supposed to be the star of the show, confident of victory, yet she lost!
She was Alyssa Wright of Rivenwood, raised in a family that valued arts and culture, praised for her intelligence and diligence by
her tutors. She was no amateur. How could Karen surpass her!
Kate stopped reading the live stream comments, wishing she could smash her phone. Had she known the outcwould be this,
she would have never suggested a live vote. The embarrassment wasn't just on Alyssa but also on the entire Wright family of
Rivenwood!
After three rounds, Karen, parched and tired, took a sip from her glass of water, savoring it, "What a refreshing drink!" She
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtapproached Alyssa, chin slightly lifted, looking down at her, "Are you still up for the challenge?"
Alyssa's hands trembled, her gaze sharp, her face flushed, "So what if you won the first three rounds? Are you asking this to
humiliate me?"
Karen poured herself another glass of water, blowing away the bubbles before taking a sip, "lI was just asking, why do you have to
overthink it,"
Alyssa's eyes welled up, feigning pity. She aimed to portray Karen as arrogant and disrespectful in front of a national audience.
Comments started to turn against Karen, with sviewers sympathizing with Alyssa, while others criticized her for being
manipulative.
Karen's image took a hit, with only a few standing by her side.
For the final round, painting, the
guests suggested placing two
canvases in the center stage to
avoid previqus issues and to witness
the painting process of both parties.
LL Q
This time, all eyes were on Karen:
She stood before her canvas, a
CLO .
picture of elegance, as if shé-had
stepped out of a classic painting.
Holding a brush, she chdse to paint
with colors directly, laying down a
base of light colors. Using white, she
delicately painted petals that
seemed to dance on the canvas.
Curious, sguests went over to Alyssa's side. Alyssa, determined not to be outdone again, chose a grand ink painting, aiming to
overshadow Karen's work. As she worked her brush, creating majestic mountains, more and more guests were drawn to her
canvas.
Karen's audience was sparse, but those who stayed were captivated, watching her every move in silence.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAs tpassed, Alyssa's landscape painting was praised for its grandeur and depth, a rare talent in conveying the essence of
nature. Alyssa, smiling sweetly, suggested everyone take a look at Karen's painting as well.
Alyssa, facing Karen's masterpiece, was in disbelief, whispering to herself that it couldn't be possible. Kate, filled with regret,
clenched her fist tightly, drawing blood.
Karen approached Kate, her presence overwhelming. Kate avoided her gaze, unable to face Karen. Karen, radiant, addressed Kate,
"About that live vote we talked about, it's tto make good on that promise, isn't it?"
Kate scoffed, "It's just a family gathering, no need to make a scene. Let's skip the voting, shall we?"
Before Karen could respond, Arthur, unable to hold back his anger, intervened, "No vote? Who do you think you are? You dare to
trouble my wife and then refuse to accept defeat? This competition will be decided by a live vote, and I'll make sure of it. Someone
set up a voting platform now!"
Anguish and fury burned in her gaze as she looked at Karen, wishing she could tear her apart. This brief encounter was
broadcasted in high definition and slow motion by Percival to the viewers of his live stream, unbeknownst to Kate.
Vivienne, not missing a beat, pulled up surveillance footage of Alyssa provoking Karen on her laptop. With her phone in hand, she
logged into her verified Twitter account and posted the video with a caption that could stir any enthusiast: "Alyssa thinks
she's a match for Arthur? Watch Karen take her down."
v