Chapter 122

A murmur swept through the crowd as heads turned toward the source of the voice.

Striding toward them with an easygoing attitude, a blond man in a bright floral shirt and slipped his hands into his pockets.

Everyone quickly recognized him as Stephen Rowe, the celebrated host of the evening and the internationally acclaimed artist responsible for First Light.

Spotting a new chance to seize the spotlight, Lainey wasted no time replacing her furious look by a soft,almost fragile one as she hurried over to welcome him.

From several paces away, she jabbed her finger in Eleanor's direction and called out, "Mr. Rowe, you got here at the perfect moment! That's the one! She's the troublemaker. She's been making a scene at your event, hiding behind her boyfriend's status. During the interactive game, she trashed your artwork and made everyone else pretend to agree with her just because her boyfriend is influential."

Her entire story was a convincing show, cleverly twisting the facts to fit her own agenda.

Most of the other socialitês watched her performance with disbelief, but no one dared to intervene.

Stephen's expression darkened, his brows knitting together as clear distaste flashed across his features.

He had no patience for people who threw their weight around. To him, that was the ultimate disrespect to his art.

"I want to hear what she has to say," Stephen replied.

Hearing this, Lainey could barely contain her excitement.

She was certain Stephen, with his refined taste, would have nothing but contempt for Eleanor,whom he considered shallow and shallow.

Eager to drive her point, Lainey dramatically retold everything Eleanor had said before, blowing every detail out of proportion.

Lainey wasted no time twisting the story. "You know what she said? According to her, your painting ought to be called Deliverance, because apparently, you're just sitting around hoping for redemption."

She punctuated her words with a mocking laugh. "Honestly, can you believe it? It's ridiculous! Anyone with sense knows your artwork celebrates new beginnings, the beauty of the sunrise, and a fresh start."

Intent on dragging Eleanor's name through the mud, Lainey remained unaware of the shift in Stephen's expression, his eyes shining brighter with every word. He looked as if he had discovered a soulmate at last.

The second Lainey finished and thrown a smug glance Eleanor's way, Stephen raced across the room toward Eleanor, nearly tripping over himself in excitement. "Incredible! You, my dear, are the first person who's ever truly grasped the meaning behind my art!"

Years of searching had led him to this moment, a genuine connection with someone who saw straight to his soul.

When he saw this unfold, Nolan's expression turned thunderous.

Moving without hesitation, he wrapped his arm protectively around Eleanor, holding her close as he fixed Stephen with a glare as cold as ice.

He spoke with a quiet warning in his voice. "I'd appreciate it if you showed a little more respect."

With a flair for theatrics, Stephen pressed a hand to his heart, feigning deep distress. His vivid blue eyes practically shimmered with a sense of betrayal. "Miss Warren, I'm absolutely devastated. Your boyfriend is far too intimidating."

Nolan's scowl only deepened.

What a sly piece of work!

Eleanor refused to let anyone stain Nolan's image.

Gently slipping from Nolan's hold, she offered Stephen a measured, courteous smile. "Please don't take offense, Mr.Rowe. My boyfriend's only looking out for me, and he meant no harm. As for your idea that l understand you, but I wouldn't go that far. I just gave my interpretation of what you tried to express on canvas. There's really no reason to make such a big deal of it."

Her message was unmistakable-there was no special bond, and he ought to keep his distance.

Stephen looked even more crestfallen at her response, but he straightened up and, with artistic grace,dipped into a formal bow. "As you wish, Miss Warren. Still, if you two ever split up, let me be the first to know.I'll be here waiting."

A storm brewed in Nolan's gaze, and it looked like he wás just a moment away from snapping.

Noticing his growing irritation, Eleanor squeezed his hand gently, then turned to Stephen and politely shut him down. "Thank you for the flattery, but that's never going to happen."

The entire room fell into stunned silence.

Nobody had expected Eleanor to have such a genuine understanding of art, let alone be the first to decode its true meaning!

It became clear that Eleanor's appreciation surpassed that of even the so-called internationally renowned experts.

Did Lainey even bother to do her homework before launching her little scheme?

All she had really done was set herself up as the punchline.

Absolutely nothing had gone according to Lainey's plan.

Regret hit her so hard it felt like a punch to the gut!

She had shown up hoping to humiliate Eleanor, not hand her the spotlight.

What a nightmare!

It was almost unbearable for her to accept!

"Eleanor,you infuriating bitch! Just you wait! One day, you'll regret ever crossing me!" Cursing Eleanor under her breath, Lainey simmered with rage. She wouldd remember every humiliating second of this disaster.

When she finally took control of the Benton family, Eleanor would be the first on her list!

She would see to it that Eleanor never had another chance to shine!