Chapter 58: Chapter 58

What’s going on here?

Seraphina Redgrave didn’t quite understand; it’s just a painting, right? Could it really have frightened Ethan Sterling, known as The Reaper of Sovereign, so much?

Yes, "Snow Woman" is indeed Seraphina Redgrave’s work.

At that time, she put a lot of effort into it for the competition.

Ethan no longer looked at her, his gaze fixated on the painting.

The host announced that the art exhibition had ended. Five contest paintings were arranged on stage, and the Star Burning Cup had invited prominent figures from the art world to participate in the judging.

These figures are highly authoritative masters in the art world, and their selection determines the absolute fairness of the Star Burning Cup. Over the years, artists who have won the gold prize in the Cup have left a significant mark in the art world.

Several judges with serious expressions took the stage, both men and women, and scrutinized each painting repeatedly.

Without those complex PK sessions, the audience below might find it somewhat dull, only able to listen to the critiques of the paintings from the figures on stage.

"’Rose under the Setting Sun’ should win the gold award. Its brushwork and style are even more mature than last year’s gold winner. If it had participated last year, it would have taken the gold." A prominent figure spoke up.

"In my opinion, ’Snow Woman’ has more flavor, and it has a touch of Elder Vaughn’s essence."

Miranda Vaughn’s paintings have always been half-concealed; "See the Sea" has no sea, "Dance in the Rain" has no dancers. Follow current novᴇls on novel⁂fire.net

This "Snow Woman" also leaves a white space, reaching an unsurpassable level of artistry.

Mia Redgrave listened to the judges’ comments and couldn’t help but sneer, "Hah, even if you want to win, you don’t have to borrow someone else’s style . Miranda Vaughn is indeed the initiator of the Star Burning Cup, but can such crude imitation really win an award?"

Mia, although deliberately lowering her voice, still sounded abrupt in the quiet hall.

Someone next to her spoke up, full of ridicule, "Miss, it seems you haven’t been painting for long. Elder Vaughn’s style is not that easy to imitate."

Elder Vaughn’s paintings are supreme in this circle; many have tried to mimic them but failed. Even copies can’t capture their essence at all.

Thus, Elder Vaughn’s paintings don’t have forgeries, because no one can grasp Vaughn’s skill.

Therefore, for someone on stage to say it has "some essence of Elder Vaughn" is already a very high compliment.

Mia didn’t understand, and her face turned dark for a moment. Fortunately, the lights in the audience area were still dim, so no one knew who she was.

It’s just closely resembling, isn’t it? What does the painting even depict? Painting snow on white paper is just insane.

The Star Burning Cup gold award must be hers.

On stage, several of the masters were about to engage in a heated debate over those two paintings, leaving the other four almost neglected. Seraphina glanced at Ethan, who was looking at "Snow Woman" with an unfathomable gaze.

Seraphina had an indescribable feeling, as if Ethan was seeing something else in the painting.

Watching the increasingly intense discussion on the stage, Seraphina knew it was time: "Pain, pain..."

Ethan didn’t even glance at her.

What is going on; is he not planning to care about her?

Seraphina was speechless but continued to pretend, touching Ethan next to her in hopes he’d pay attention, but he still ignored her.

At this moment, a staff member responsible for maintaining order gently leaned down in front of Seraphina, "Miss, are you alright?"

Seraphina curled up as if she were in unbearable pain.

The gentle woman watched Seraphina, whose actions and expressions seemed unlike a normal-thinking adult.

She glanced at Ethan and, seeing he had no intention of moving, said, "Do you need to go to the restroom?"

Seraphina nodded immediately, placing her hand into the staff member’s offered hand, whimpering as she left her seat.

Feeling slightly guilty, Seraphina couldn’t help but look back at Ethan along the way. He seemed completely oblivious to her departure, absorbed in the painting.

Is it that engrossing?

Fine, Ethan is busy looking at the painting and should have no time to trouble her.

Seraphina was escorted into the restroom by the gentle woman: "Miss, if you need anything, just call me. I’m here at any time."

Truly a heavenly treatment.

Seraphina entered the restroom, closed the door, and walked to the window.

Looking at the dense crowd of security guards below, she smiled slightly. She knew that for a competition of this scale, especially with such distinguished guests, security would be very tight.

That’s why she had instructed Hector Shaw to place the item on the restroom ceiling.

Easily finding the fishing line near the window, she tugged lightly, and a black plastic bag filled with items rolled down from the roof.

Seraphina grabbed the items, restored the restroom to its original state, and then entered the stall.

Seraphina opened the bag, smiling slightly.

When she exited, the gentle woman didn’t even glance at her.

In the hall, two artworks had already stood out.

Only "Rose under the Setting Sun" and "Snow Woman" remained on stage.

The judges on stage were still in heated discussions.

Seeing the situation about to spiral out of control, the host stepped up to stabilize the situation: "It’s normal for judges to have disagreements. This year’s competition truly has many dark horses."

Hearing this, Mia nearly glided with pride.

Soon, she would stand on that podium, and Ethan would see her.

"Since the masters are in disagreement, why not invite the participants on stage to share their unique insights on their paintings?"

This is Plan B of the competition procedures, only activated when judges cannot reach a decision.

Ethan looked at "Snow Woman" on stage with a deep expression.

"Now, would the participants please come on stage one by one, starting with the artist of ’Rose under the Setting Sun,’ ID: A Dream within the Southern Bough."

The host put down the cue card and led the applause.

Mia displayed her most attractive smile, lifted her long gown, and slowly walked onto the stage.

Applause sounded from the audience.

The host, upon seeing Mia, couldn’t help expressing surprise: "I didn’t expect the creator of ’Rose under the Setting Sun’ to be Miss Mia! It really is a surprise for everyone. I’ve seen you dance before, and your skills are extraordinary. Who knew you could also paint?"

Due to Jonathan Redgrave, Mia had been packaged into a well-known influencer.

Mia stood beside "Rose under the Setting Sun," her smile bright and charming: "The host is joking. I only pick up a paintbrush occasionally when I’m in the mood."

"You must be exceptionally talented!"

In art, without talent, any effort is futile even over a hundred years.

Mia smiled shyly, maintaining a perfectly appropriate smile as she looked towards the first row where Ethan was seated.

The first row faced the stage directly, and furthermore, Ethan sat in the middle. With his formidable presence making him hard to miss, Mia naturally spotted him at once.

Mia’s heart pounded like a drum, but upon closer inspection, she realized Ethan’s gaze wasn’t on her at all.