Chapter 77 The Thorn That Moves the Heart
Everyone grew angrier as they talked, their voices getting louder and louder.
Many people were fans of Amelia and had been hoping that if their paintings could get Taylor's comments, this trip wouldn't be in vain.
Now, all their dreams were shattered.
......
Harsh words kept drilling into Yasmin's ears.
Yasmin's expression turned quite ugly.
People who didn't understand painting leaving was good for everyone with real talent. Were these people crazy? Instead of thanking her, they were actually cursing her?
But she quickly stopped caring about what these people said.
After all, they were all her defeated opponents.
Since ancient times, winners have always had the final say.
She didn't need to take them seriously at all.
"Everyone quiet down!" Brandon stood up and said, "Please check your painting supplies. If anything is missing, report it immediately. If everything's fine, then the competition begins now."
"Nothing missing."
"Nothing missing."
Brandon nodded. "Good, I announce the competition has started! You have two hours to paint. There's no specific theme, but it must be an oil painting. Please create freely!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the contestants began sketching their compositions.
Since everyone already knew there was no specific theme, many had thought ahead about what to paint.
Especially Yasmin—she didn't even need to make a rough draft and started painting directly without hesitation.
This caught Geraldo's eye.
Though his dissatisfaction with Yasmin's defiance of Amelia earlier remained, he couldn't help but show a hint of appreciation now.
Whatever else could be said, Yasmin's painting talent was undeniable.
Grant in the back row was the last to start.
He'd been called over at the last minute and had only recently learned about the competition, so he spent a long time on composition before finally beginning to paint.
Meanwhile.
After the auction ended, guests not participating in the competition were taken to the lounge area.
There were expensive drinks and exquisite snacks available.
Steven brought a sugar-free cake to Bobby.
"Dad, you came here without dinner. Have something to tide you over."
Bobby hadn't given Steven a friendly look these past few days, but this time he surprisingly didn't refuse his gesture.
After all, he was his son. No matter what mistakes he'd made, what father could truly be harsh with his own son?
Plus, Bobby's impression of Yasmin had improved slightly, so when Steven reached out, he took the opportunity to forgive him.
Steven felt relieved. Just as he was about to speak, there was a commotion at the lounge entrance.
Both looked up at the same time.
They discovered it was Amelia arriving.
As soon as she appeared, she seemed to carry her own radiance, easily drawing everyone's attention.
This was Steven's first time properly observing Amelia.
Undeniably, Yasmin was beautiful, but Amelia's appearance was even above Yasmin's.
Unlike Yasmin in her haute couture gown, she wore a well-fitted women's suit, possessing a unique kind of beauty.
Steven recalled the first time he saw Amelia, she'd worn drab country clothes, looking like a beggar.
Now in new clothes, she seemed completely transformed, becoming an invaluably noble young lady.
Making all the other socialites present seem like mere background.
Bobby also examined Amelia carefully.
While his eyes lit up, he also felt some regret.
"If she'd never been separated from the Richardson family, maybe your girlfriend now would be her instead of Yasmin. Having a girl like this as your girlfriend would bring honor to both you and me."
Especially regarding health—any future health problems wouldn't be a worry.
After all, Amelia could even treat natural aging.
Hearing this, Steven instinctively frowned.
"Dad, my girlfriend is Yasmin. My feelings for her are genuine."
But despite his words, Bobby's hypothetical planted a thorn in his heart.
He just hadn't noticed its existence yet.
Bobby glanced at Steven.
"You're my son. I know exactly what kind of person you are. What genuine feelings? It's just temporary novelty, plus with us blocking you, you want what you can't have even more. If you two got together smoothly, I don't believe you'd last."
Steven was speechless.
"Alright." Bobby shook his head. "Let's not talk about this. If you think it's genuine, then it's genuine. Since you insist, I'm willing to give Yasmin a chance. But the condition is she must win today's championship and make me feel she has at least some value."
"Don't worry, Yasmin will definitely win."
Steven was very confident about this.
Just then, there was another commotion at the door.
Samuel had arrived.
As soon as he entered, the first thing he did was find Amelia and stand beside her.
Bobby and Steven exchanged glances and walked over together.
"Samuel, Ms. Richardson." Bobby greeted them first.
Samuel and Amelia both gave slight nods, their air of detachment radiating from within, strangely similar.
This made Steven feel inexplicably uncomfortable.
He didn't quite understand what was wrong with him.
He heard Bobby speak: "Ms. Richardson, regarding my father's health, I have some questions for you."
Since Amelia had chosen to treat him, she wouldn't abandon Roman midway.
So she nodded directly: "Go ahead."
Bobby hesitated, moving his lips but too embarrassed to speak.
Samuel understood. He spoke at the right moment: "I'll handle some private matters. You all talk."
With that, he turned and left.
"Now there's no one else. Please speak freely." Amelia said.
Only then did Bobby speak: "Actually, it's about a friend of my father's. His physical condition is similar to my dad's. When he heard my dad had recovered recently, he came to ask about it."
Amelia raised her hand slightly.
"You don't need to continue. Treating Roman was something I agreed to early on, which is why I helped. But for others, I have no obligation to treat them."
Bobby quickly said: "If it's about the fee, don't worry. You can name any price."
"Then have him place an order through Shadow Operations Division. But whether I accept it depends on my mood and whether fate has arranged for me to treat him."
Getting even this response made Bobby very happy.
"Thank you, Ms. Richardson. I'll pass that along."
During their conversation, Steven kept staring at Amelia.
This was also his first time observing her at such close range.
The closer he looked, the more he felt Amelia's appearance was stunning.
Yasmin's looks had three parts resemblance to Amelia and she was already a famous beauty, but comparing them carefully, there was simply no comparison.
The thorn in his heart, without him realizing it, had quietly grown thicker.