Chapter 54
A few days later, Emily got her first paycheck. She paid back Bob first, and then used what was left to buy a cheap used phone. She got a new SIM card and saved Charles’s number-the only contact in her phone.
After that, she went back to her routine of waking up early for work. But now, she was even more careful to avoid the Bennetts. If something like the Hiltin Hotel incident happened again, she doubted she’d get lucky twice.
That evening, Emily came back after dark like usual. The Bennett residence, usually so quiet, was now bright and noisy. She instantly knew it was a private dinner party.
Given the Bennetts’ status, even a small private dinner would attract the top players in Cloudridge. Without hesitation, Emily turned and slipped into the garden.
The Bennett residence was huge, and she could sneak back to her servant’s room through the garden. She stuck to the corners, trying to avoid running into anyone she used to know. But every now and then, bits of the party drifted over.
“Welcome, everyone, to the party Mrs. Bennett is hosting for Ms. Lydia Bennett’s graduation.”
“And now, let’s take a look at Ms. Bennett’s graduation piece-The Disheartened Peacock!”
Emily’s hurried steps came to a sudden halt. She snapped her head toward the noise. Her lips went pale-one could see it even in the dim light.
She couldn’t help but step out from the corner, her hands clenched tight. Her legs trembled as she made her way toward the glittering villa hall.
Under the bright lights, everyone was dressed in custom-made gowns and suits, their eyes fixed on the painting hung high
on the wall.
Outside, Emily stood in her plain T-shirt. Through the crystal-clear window, she stared at the painting, too.
The painting depicted a peacock with its head bowed, tears streaming down its face. Its stunning tail feathers fell like scattered autumn leaves. The whole thing felt dark, heavy.
The host’s voice boomed from the hall. “This piece is from Ms. Bennett’s sophomore year. Back then, someone had their eye on it, and things got ugly. Ms. Bennett never got to finish the painting, and it’s been her biggest regret ever since.
“Ms. Bennett was born to shine, but she struggled for eighteen years. Drawing from that pain, she captured the pride of a peacock with the ache of defeat in this masterpiece.”
Emily’s face went even paler. Through the thick glass, the peacock’s tears felt like needles stabbing her heart.
‘No, that’s not right. When I painted that peacock, it wasn’t about sadness,’ she thought fiercely. To her, it was always proud; even crying, it should’ve stood tall.
“Emily?” A hesitant voice suddenly came from behind.
Emily quickly pulled herself together and turned around. A kind-looking woman was standing there, smiling warmly. That familiar face caught Emily off guard. Then it hit her-this was Louisa Perez, her favorite professor from college.
Louisa was glad to see Emily, but quickly sensed something was wrong. Instinctively, she glanced toward the hall. From where they stood, she could just make out the painting hanging high up.
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Chapter 54
Lydia and Emily had both been art students, and Louisa had mentored them both. She knew all about the drama that had gone down between them over The Disheartened Peacock.
Back then, everyone had accused Emily of plagiarizing Lydia, but Louisa had her doubts. Emily had been her most talented student, and they’d even spent time together outside of class. She was certain Emily would never do something like that.
The evidence, however, all pointed to Emily being the copycat, and the painting didn’t look anything like her usual style. Louisa had tried to defend her, but she had no solid proof.
