Chapter 14
Christina sneered at Yanina, “Oh, so you know Sherman, huh?”
Yanina simply nodded, keeping her thoughts to herself. Christina, however, was brimming with excitement. “Hmph, sure, everyone’s heard of Sherman, but he’s a recluse. Not just anyone gets to meet him. Steven here, he’s the exception- Sherman’s last apprentice!”
“Last apprentice?” Yanina raised an eyebrow, looking at Steven.
“Absolutely!” Christina boasted, her eyes sparkling with pride. “Sherman, a national treasure, doesn’t just let anyone into his
circle.
Steven stood there, smiling serenely, seemingly unfazed by Christina’s show, Meanwhile, Carl’s face fell; his granddaughter was clearly not listening to him.
Ethan caught his father’s unhappy expression and exchanged a glance with Sherry. Sherry turned to her daughter, “Didn’t you say Steven brought a gift for Grandpa? Where is it? Show it to him.”
The mention of a “gift” lit up Christina’s face. “Yes, Steven brought Grandpa a special painting by Sherman!”
“Oh?” Carl’s interest was piqued, despite his earlier displeasure with Christina.
Sherman Harnett’s work was highly sought after. He had withdrawn from the public eye in his forties, and no one knew where he’d gone. Every piece of his was a priceless masterpiece, It was impressive that Steven had managed to get his hands
on one.
As Steven carefully unrolled a Peony Painting, the Zamora family gathered around, curious. Yanina stood up for a better look, but as soon as she saw the painting, she let out a soft “huh?
“What’s with the ‘huh?” Christina snapped at Yanina. Move over and stop blocking the light!”
Sherry gave Yanina a dismissive look. “It’s not surprising Yanina doesn’t understand. Art appreciation is a cultured thing.” She was barely stopping short of calling Yanina uncultured.
Carl was getting angrier, but with Steven there, he had to hold back.
Quinci quickly added, “Sherman’s painting is stunning; every stroke is magical. Look at that lark–it’s like it’s about to dance.
off the canvas!”
Ethan agreed. “The colors are amazing, and the blending is masterful. Steven’s got some real talent! It’s rare to find even a couple of Sherman’s genuine pieces, let alone a Peony Painting in such good condition.”
Christina was glowing with pride, but Yanina couldn’t help but chuckle at the painting.
“What’s so funny? Christina’s smile vanished, replaced by a frown. Yanina sighed, not wanting to argue with Christina. She gut up to head back to her seat, but Christina grabbed her arm and said, “If you’ve got something to say, spit it out. Stop being sarcastic!” Christina thought, Is Yanina laughing at the painting or making fun of my boyfriend?
“Christina Carl warned.
“Grandpa, it’s fine, Yanina reassured him, then turned to Christia. “You really want to know what I was laughing at?” “Of course! You need to explain yourself today!” Christina demanded, her voice cold.
Yanina sighed. She’d planned to tell Carl privately to spare Steven’s dignity, but with Christina’s insistence, there was no paint in holding back.
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Chapter 14
“Go on, say it! Why are you just standing there?” Christina’s frustration grew as Yanina hesitated.
Yanina looked around at the others and softly said, “This painting is a fake.”
Yanina’s declaration dropped like a bomb, leaving the room in a stunned silence.
Christina looked the most upset. “No way! Steven took this from his family’s treasure vault. It can’t be fake! You’re just jealous and trying to drag him through the mud?”
Sherry stood up, her face clouding over as she addressed Yanina. “Yanina, making false accusations is not something you should do as a part of the Zamora family. Saying that in front of Steven is hurtful. It could look like you’re trying to sabotage Christina’s marriage.
As she continued, Sherry turned to Steven. “Steven, ignore her. I know your painting is genuine,”
Just as Quinci was about to pull Yanina away, Carl smiled warmly at her and gently asked, “What makes you think the painting is a fake?”
His question caught everyone off guard. “Carl, she’s just a young girl. What could she know? Are you taking her seriously?” Sherry asked, clearly puzzled.
Steven managed a strained smile, fighting to keep his anger in check. “Mr. Zamora, I went through a lot to get this painting from my grandpa’s collection. He’s treasured it for over a decade, and it’s definitely an original by Sherman! But Yanina here says it’s fake. Maybe she can point out what’s fake about it?”
His confident tone bolstered Christina’s confidence. Christina glanced at Yanina and said, “What does she know? She’s just jealous of us! Yanina, if you don’t explain yourself today, this isn’t over between us,”
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