Chapter 206 Want to Snatch Someone Over
Olivia fell silent for a moment when she heard Andrew's question.
She didn't want to mention the dispute with her ex-husband's family in front of him.
Because it was ugly and embarrassing.
At the same time, she didn't want to drag Andrew into this mess.
She thought she should just leave.
But that painting was something Bianca really liked.
Bianca rarely expressed what she wanted, and whenever she did ask for something, Olivia would give her even the stars from the sky if she could.
She didn't want to give up the painting, especially not to Sophia's son!
Andrew softened his tone, as if coaxing her, and said, "Hmm? Why aren't you saying anything?"
When Bianca saw Andrew appear, and in a protective stance toward them, she immediately grabbed the corner of Andrew's clothes.
In her sweet little voice, she complained unhappily, "Mommy wanted to buy this painting for me. We saw it first, but they want to take it, and they said we came later and want to kick us out."
Bianca spoke clearly and logically.
Andrew immediately understood what had happened.
His eyes swept coolly over the people in front of him, finally landing on the staff member. "As exhibition staff, acting so biased—do your supervisors know about this? Aren't you afraid guests will report you?"
Andrew's presence was too intimidating. The staff member was so scared they could barely move, and facing Andrew's question, didn't know how to respond.
He instinctively looked toward Delmar, trying to seek help.
However, Delmar's attention wasn't on him at all.
He stood frozen in place, staring at the elderly man beside Andrew, as if not quite daring to believe his eyes.
After a long while, he finally came to his senses and stepped forward eagerly, asking respectfully and politely, "Excuse me... are you Ivan Franklin?"
When he asked this, his expression showed some uncertainty.
"I am." Ivan nodded lightly after hearing his words.
Then he looked at Delmar and said, "What is it?"
Delmar's expression suddenly became excited.
He took a few more steps closer and said joyfully, "I can't believe it's really you! Hello, my name is Delmar. I'm also a painter. Mr. Franklin, you're my idol. I got into this field because I was inspired by your work!
I've admired you for years and have always wanted a chance to meet you. I never thought I'd have the honor of seeing you here today. I wonder if I might have the privilege of shaking your hand?"
As he said this, he eagerly extended his hand to shake Ivan's.
But Ivan had no intention of reaching out.
Hearing that the other person was his fan, his expression remained unmoved. He simply replied coolly, "Hello."
Delmar wasn't embarrassed.
After all, the person in front of him was a top figure in the industry.
It was normal for important people to have some attitude.
Delmar's admiration didn't diminish one bit. He continued enthusiastically, "Mr. Franklin, did you come to view the exhibition today because there's a particular work you're interested in? Do you need me to introduce you to anyone?"
He seemed to have forgotten about the dispute with Olivia just moments ago, his mind entirely focused on Ivan.
Ivan didn't accept the offer.
After hearing Delmar's words, he glanced at Andrew beside him, then said, "That won't be necessary. You should deal with the matter in front of you first. This is an art exhibition, not a place for arguments.
I heard what you were saying just now. Let's make it clear right now—who does this painting belong to?"
Delmar assumed that Ivan had come over because he heard the commotion on their side.
Out of professional courtesy, and also to defend his student, he gave Ivan an embellished version of events. "Here's what happened. My student is quite artistically talented. I invited him to come view the exhibition with me today to broaden his horizons.
Shortly after we arrived, he immediately took a liking to this sunflower painting.
Just as we were about to purchase this work, this lady started making unreasonable demands, trying to compete with us for it, insisting that they were here first."
Sophia also caught on.
From Delmar's eager and respectful attitude toward this person, it seemed the elderly man before them had considerable influence.
Sophia didn't want to miss this opportunity, so she also stepped forward and said, "Mr. Franklin, I've heard you particularly appreciate talent. My son just won second prize in the Emerald City painting competition a few days ago. We take the development of his talent very seriously, so we specifically brought him here today to appreciate art.
The child likes this work, and we as parents are very supportive. We didn't expect things to turn out this way and become a spectacle for you."
After subtly showing off, she put on a modest appearance, trying to win his favor.
Then, in a seemingly understanding tone, she continued, "Actually, it's not impossible to let her have this painting. It's just that if someone doesn't have painting ability, forcibly buying such an excellent work home would really be a waste.
That's why we've been wasting our breath here."
She looked up at Olivia, using a negotiating and persuasive tone, "Olivia, how about this—you let Aiden have the painting, and we'll buy another one for Bianca. Does that work for you?"
Of course not!
Olivia didn't expect that Sophia's mouth could still twist the truth so well. Feeling annoyed, she prepared to refuse.
But before she could speak, Ivan couldn't hold back anymore.
He looked at Sophia with surprise and said, "You just said she has no painting ability?"
Sophia nodded and said, "To be honest, I know this child. She previously had severe autism and never went out, staying home for treatment. When someone stays alone for a long time, they might scribble things, but professionally speaking..."
She deliberately made it sound difficult, as if she didn't know how to phrase it.
How could Ivan not see through this little trick?
Precisely because he saw through it, he instantly felt repulsed by Sophia.
He laughed on the spot and said, "Are you joking? Your son only won second prize in the Emerald City painting competition, but Bianca won first prize nationally several months ago, and I personally judged that competition! And you're telling me she has no talent?"
"What?" Sophia's mind went blank for a moment.
She suspected she was hearing things.
Did Ivan just say who won first prize nationally? Bianca?
This child with autism?
How was that possible?
Sophia couldn't believe it or accept it.
She instinctively looked at Bianca standing beside Olivia.
She looked pretty much the same as before—how could she possibly know how to paint?
Wait, that wasn't quite right. The child's eyes seemed to have changed somewhat from a few months ago.
But even so, she couldn't have suddenly become that talented.
Sophia still couldn't believe it.
Even Delmar, after hearing Ivan's words, was stunned.
After a while, he asked in shock, "Mr. Franklin, are you serious?"
This little girl won first prize nationally?
Seeing their expressions, Ivan finally smiled with satisfaction and said, "Yes, otherwise why do you think I'm here today? I naturally came to see this little girl.
She's the most talented child in painting I've seen in all these years!"
"This is impossible!" Sophia simply couldn't accept this news.
She pointed at Bianca and demanded sharply, "She... hasn't systematically studied painting at all. How could she possibly win such a major award?!"
Her shrill, harsh voice made Ivan frown.
He said somewhat unhappily, "The fact that she hasn't studied makes her talent even more remarkable."
He continued with words that Sophia found unacceptable: "Many teachers from the International Art Guild are competing to take her as a student, but she already has a teacher."
At this point, Ivan glanced at Andrew beside him.
Those familiar with Andrew could see the hidden anger in his eyes.
He hadn't expected that just going to pick up Ivan would result in Bianca and Olivia being bullied here.
His eyes turned cold, his voice icy as he spoke, "Mr. Franklin, I heard that you came today to invite Bianca to join the International Art Guild?"
Ivan was startled.
Was that the case?
But he reacted quickly and understood Andrew's meaning.
The person standing before him was the honorary president of the International Art Guild. As long as he spoke up, he had the authority to let anyone join the Art Guild.
Moreover, Bianca was his student.
With Bianca's painting talent, if she didn't join now, she would join later. It was only a matter of time.
Therefore, Ivan also spoke up, "Indeed. Our International Art Guild's judging panel, after professional evaluation, confirmed that Bianca's future prospects are unlimited, so we want to specially recruit her and have her join the association early to become a member."
At this point, Ivan even took out an association badge and handed it to Bianca, looking at her kindly and saying, "Bianca, keep this safe. This is the recommendation badge proving your membership in the association. You're the youngest member of our International Art Guild."
Although Bianca didn't know what this was, she could sense that Ivan was helping her and Olivia out of a difficult situation.
She looked up at Olivia and Andrew, as if using her eyes to ask them: Should I accept this?
Andrew looked at her gently, rubbed her head, and said, "Bianca, you need to keep this badge safe, okay?"
Hearing his words, Bianca seemed to gain confidence.
She nodded obediently and replied, "Okay!"
Then she turned to look at Ivan, accepting the small and exquisite badge with both hands, and said politely, "Thank you!"
That sweet little voice immediately struck Ivan's heart.
"Hey, you're welcome!" Ivan quickly replied, his eyes fixed on Bianca, feeling incredibly envious.
Such a well-behaved baby, and so talented—why did she already have a teacher?
He really wanted to snatch her over to be his own student.