Chapter 17:
Samira, feeling slighted by a junior, allowed her friendly facade to waver. “I should have handled this better. Elyse can select a painting from Vince’s study afterward, and we’ll let Elena have this one.”
Vince tried to ease the tension. “Yes, my study holds numerous paintings. They aren’t comparable to Peyton Davies’s latest masterpiece, but they’re still worthy pieces. Elyse, pick whatever you like.”
He added, “I see Elena has fine taste. She happened to choose a Peyton piece I recently acquired.”
Javier’s rage boiled over. He hated watching Elena take something Elyse had her eye on, while his parents even supported Elena. Unable to restrain himself, Javier sneered, “Fine taste? She probably doesn’t even know who Peyton is!”
“Be quiet!” Vince snapped, glaring at his son. He was furious at Javier’s foolishness, noticing how Elena’s siblings looked grim. Even he might not save his son if this went on. He wondered how his own child could be so dense. Elyse hadn’t spoken up, yet Javier was already defending her.
Javier craned his neck at Elena, determined to humiliate her. “If you really like the painting, why don’t you describe what makes it special?” He assumed Elena wouldn’t know how to reply.
Elyse kept her eyes on Elena, eager to see her embarrassed. She bet an ignorant girl from Foiclens could never appreciate this painting, and it was the ideal moment to showcase her own sense of sophistication. Elyse was ready to seize the moment when Elena couldn’t respond, planning to shine in contrast.
To Elyse’s surprise, Elena spoke calmly a moment later. “Who said I liked it?”
Javier smirked at Elena. “If you don’t know how to appreciate this painting, just say so. It’s understandable—this kind of art isn’t common to you since you come from the backwater. But claiming suddenly you dislike it now? That’s just absurd.”
“When did I ever say I liked this painting?” Elena remained composed, her gaze drifting casually around the room. There wasn’t a trace of unease on her face, despite being accused of contradicting herself.
Samira’s patience wore thin as she dropped her initial politeness. “Then why did you stare at it the moment you walked in?”
“Exactly. If you’re not a fan, why were you so fixated on it?” Javier chimed in, backing her up.
Vince stayed silent, but his expression made it clear that he agreed with them.
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Elyse gently said, “Elena, it’s okay if you don’t appreciate it. Vince and Samira mean well. There’s no need to feel awkward. No one here would mock you, but…”
Elyse paused briefly before continuing, “Every one of Peyton’s works is one of a kind. You shouldn’t dismiss it just to avoid embarrassment. Many people would give anything to own this piece—it deserves respect.”
Though her words seemed kind, they carried an undercurrent of condescension, subtly undermining Elena.
Louis was about to interject, but Elena stopped him with a light touch on his hand. Unbothered, she said slowly, “If you’re so well-informed, then you should have noticed this painting is a forgery.”
“A forgery?” Samira snapped, clearly irritated. “That’s impossible! If you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t spout nonsense.” Samira’s impression of Elena had plummeted to rock bottom. She saw no reason for Alexander and Jolie to bring someone like her back. Elena was embarrassing to be around—completely shameless in her lies. In contrast, Elyse was refined and thoughtful.
“Yes, Elena, it’s one thing to not recognize great art, but pretending you do is another,” Elyse added, her voice laced with quiet disdain. In her mind, Elena was nothing more than a fool. Elena had the audacity to critique Peyton’s work without an ounce of knowledge. Surely, no one would take her side now. It would be best to send Elena back to Foiclens where she belonged.
