Second Chances

Chapter 57 

Kate’s words not only mentioned Emma, but also Llam. 

Kate and Elsie’s goal today was to deal a blow to Emma and Liam. 

Therefore, the table that had just been moved over was high. One could only paint while standing. 

Although Liam was tall, sitting in a wheelchair clearly meant he couldn’t paint using such a table. 

Elsie, Brad, and the others wanted to humiliate Liam to the extreme in front of everyone. 

This plan was not only vicious in humiliating Emma as an uncultured countrywoman, but also in humiliating Liam as a disabled person sitting in a wheelchair. 

A few people who usually support Brad started to stir things up. 

“Miss Johnson, aren’t you making things difficult for people?” 

“One has had a life of luxury since he was a kid and came from an affluent background, while the other is a countrywoman who catches fish and farms. With an exceptional painting as a point of comparison, she won’t dare to come forward to paint.” 

“That’s right. It’d be fine if Emma grew up in the Wilson family’s home. Despite being a modest family, they could afford education. But she was abandoned by them since childhood. She probably isn’t even as good as the late Aria.” 

“Aria’s talent is just average. Emma is definitely even worse. For once, Mr. Hall returns to the Hall family’s home today, so let’s not cause 

trouble.” 

A few people had some drinks, and as they talked, they became more and more offensive, even to the point of offending Liam. 

Outwardly, Elsie didn’t express her stance, but the corners of her mouth curled into a smug smile. 

“Since that’s the case, then let’s just skip over Emma,” she said. 

She couldn’t help but feel smug. “Who’s next,” she said. 

“You think you can skip over me just because you say so?” 

Just then, a woman’s cold voice sounded quietly. 

Emma crossed her arms and stared at Elsie. 

Elsie frowned as she asked, “Are you going to paint?” 

“Didn’t you guys specially set up these things just to make me paint?” Emma said with a smile as she tilted her head, stepping forward in her high heels. 

Emma,” Liam said as he grabbed hold of her hand. “If you don’t want to paint, you don’t have to paint. No one can force you.” 

Liam had long gotten used to these troublesome people. He had been enduring silently just so that one day, he could send them all to hell, 

But Emma stepping forward truly surprised him. 

Emma turned around and bent forward gently to look at him, saying, “No one can insult you in front of me, Liami I’ll show them that your woman will never make you lose face/ 

Mon, 

She became determined for Liam’s sake, and as Liam looked at her resolute expression, he was touched once again. 

With that said, Emma turned around and resolutely picked up the brush. 

Emma’s attitude caught people by surprise, but what was even more surprising was her performance next. 

Emma chose a high–grade fine brush, boldly wielding it with grandeur, and her brushwork was ever–changing. 

Several art patterns were created in one go, The brushstrokes were spontaneous, elegant, vigorous, and flexible. And just like that, a masterpiece was created. 

Now, those who were waiting to see Emma make a fool of herself were all astonished. 

These people thought, ‘How is she a countrywoman who doesn’t know painting? She’s practically a pro at it!‘ 

Even Simon, who had always been indifferent, could not help but frown when he saw Emma’s painting. 

“This painting… is gorgeous.” 

It wasn’t until someone couldn’t help but be the first to praise that discussions erupted. 

“Without decades of profound practice, one can never paint such a magnificent piece!” 

“This painting’s brushwork is naturally elegant. It feels even better than Kate’s painting just now!” 

Just then, a gray–haired elder in a long robe walked forward, frowning. His voice trembled with excitement as he said, “There’s harmony in motion. There’s blending of intensity and subtlety. Miss Wilson, I never expected that you have such accomplishment in painting at such a young age! I’m thoroughly impressed!” 

The person who spoke was Bernard Clinton, one of the most renowned painters in the world presently. 

The Clinton family had been renowned for generations and had produced countless literary and artistic talents. Emma received such high praise from Bernard. This immediately stunned everyone present even more. 

“Mr. Clinton said he was thoroughly impressed. Just how good must Emma’s painting be?” 

Even those who did not know painting g now sensed the depth of Emma’s talent. 

On the main stage, Simon’s gaze toward Emma also underwent a subtle change. 

Throughout his life, Simon had received gifts from distinguished families. Very few things could touch him, yet today, Emma’s painting deeply surprised him. 

It wasn’t just because of her painting skills, but also her choice of subject matter. 

In the painting, a group of friends and family enjoyed a leisurely lunch. 

It was a replica of Pierre–Auguste Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party“. 

It had always been Simon’s character and aspiration to make quiet, subtle contributions and foster a harmonious family atmosphere: 

Emma’s ability to choose such a painting showed her keen and perceptive mind. 

Having spent many years with Simon, Elsie naturally noticed the unusual expression on his face. 

It had been more than ten years since she last saw Simon being so moved. 

Elsie was so angry that the corners of her mouth twitched again and again, sensing a deep sense of crisis. 

She then signaled to Kate with her eyes right away. 

Kate’s face had contorted with jealousy long ago. She said sarcastically, “Emma, I used to be your teacher at school. When did you improve 

so much? Could it be cheating?” 

Right after Kate said that, some of the guests who didn’t understand suddenly realized something. 

They thought, it seems like Kate is still the better painter. After all, she was Emma’s teacher!‘ 

But what Emma said next immediately left egg on Kate’s face. 

“Miss Johnson, you were indeed an outsourcing teacher for Vark College, but it’s a pity that your level of skills is limited,” she said. “Not only are your professional abilities inferior to your students, but you also have poor judgment. You taught me for half a semester, yet you were still unaware of my true level of skills. No wonder you were fired after just two months of teaching. You are truly a ‘good‘ teacher who served for the shortest period before getting fired in the history of Vark College.” 

“You!” Kate said, her face contorting with anger. 

She looked at Bernard with a sense of threat and said, “Mr. Clinton, tell me. Is today’s painting better done by me or by an unknown person 

from the countryside?” 

Kate’s sense of threat was clear and to the point without any ambiguity. 

She was the heiress of the Johnson family in Troln City who was supported by Brad. 

As for Emma, she was just a female student, and she was supported by Liam, who had already lost his power and influence. 

On the surface, it seemed to be a competition between the two women, but in reality, it was a competition between two heirs of the Hall 

family. 

It was obvious at a glance who was more important. 

Of course, Bernard was well aware of the underlying currents behind this, but even so, the artwork spoke for itself. 

Kate’s painting, while beautiful, had an indescribable oddness to it. 

Her painting looked like it was pleced together from here and there. It clearly had a perfect and beautiful appearance, yet it was lacking in strength and character. 

It was as if it wasn’t painted by her at all. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Bernard frowned, and just as he was about to speak, someone spoke coldly with a deep voice. 

“It’s already the 21st century. Still want to pla 

A black wheelchair moved out automatically 

the trick of twisting the truth, huh?” 

Liam’s presence was strong. The moment he spoke, even Kate and Brad could not help but want to step back. 

Liam looked at Kate coldly and added, “What’s more, you know very well whether or not you paint this yourself