Elliana’s mind raced. The show, pretentiously titled “The Heiress’ Graduation Trip,” immediately established its exclusive social hierarchy, leaving no space for commoners. Yet, somehow, Hailee—a girl from a remarkably ordinary background—had inexplicably secured a spot among them. Why?
From Hailee’s first appearance, Elliana’s mind worked to unravel this puzzle. As contemptuous glances cascaded toward Hailee, Elliana swiftly connected the pieces. Beyond the artists—Kent, Townsend, and Cesar—everyone recognized Hailee, though she remained oblivious to their identities. Her presence couldn’t be coincidental. Some hidden agenda lurked beneath the surface.
After the final introduction, Haley reclaimed control with practiced authority and unveiled the episode’s challenge. “Today, we’ll guide our live audience through the Ublento Art Museum, immersing ourselves in masterpieces from renowned artists while experiencing the sublime beauty of refined aesthetics. The evening will culminate on the third floor, where we’ll witness the finale of the Stany Oil Painting Competition. I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve secured legendary oil painter Mr. Luciano Scott as our special guest.”
Before Haley’s final word faded, Vivien erupted with calculated enthusiasm, “Mr. Scott stands as an icon in the oil painting world and currently presides over the Calligraphers and Painters Association. Meeting him has been my lifelong aspiration!”
Haley’s smile glinted with manufactured warmth. “Mr. Scott devotes himself entirely to his craft and rarely entertains strangers. Our show has cultivated this rare opportunity for you all to encounter him personally. Seize this moment—let’s discover who might earn the privilege of becoming his student.”
Paige’s eyelashes fluttered dramatically. “Are we all eligible for consideration?”
Haley nodded with theatrical assurance. “Indeed, though becoming Mr. Scott’s protégé demands extraordinary talent. His artistic pursuit knows no boundaries, and his standards for accepting students remain formidably high. Fortune favors you all!”
Paige clutched Raylan’s arm with practiced excitement. “What an exquisite artistic journey awaits us! I’ve nurtured a passion for painting since childhood. I simply must excel and secure my place as Mr. Scott’s student, contributing my vision to the artistic community.”
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Raylan gazed at her with manufactured adoration. “Chase your dream. I stand behind you completely.”
Vivien chimed in with saccharine support, “You’ll triumph, Paige, without question!”
Several guests, self-proclaimed art enthusiasts, perked up at the prospect of studying under Luciano’s tutelage, eagerly anticipating their chance.
Only Elliana’s lips curled into a knowing, sardonic smile. In her mind, she’d rechristened this farce “The Heiress’ Dramatic,” a brutally accurate label for the production’s true nature. Haley and the others dressed today’s spectacle in cultural sophistication, yet every segment had been meticulously engineered to glorify Paige alone.
The nauseating reverence for Luciano particularly grated against Elliana’s nerves. Luciano was no devoted artistic purist—behind his cultivated facade lurked countless shadowy transactions entwining money and influence. His appearance undoubtedly came with an exorbitant price tag from Merritt, all calculated to elevate Paige’s social standing.
Elliana could map the coming charade with perfect clarity: Luciano would lavish praise on Paige’s “exceptional talent,” proclaiming her art’s transcendent potential before announcing—with practiced spontaneity—that he’d selected her as his final protégé. Regarding the evening’s competition, Paige had certainly submitted her entry long ago, with the championship trophy already engraved with her name. Once broadcast, this episode would catapult Paige’s reputation to stratospheric heights, unleashing a deluge of lucrative endorsements. This supposed cultural exploration masked a shameless vanity project funded by wealth and manipulation, with Paige as its centerpiece. As for whatever traps Paige had set along this carefully choreographed path, Elliana had yet to uncover them.
Having dissected these machinations and noting the cameras focused elsewhere, Elliana discreetly messaged Matthew. “Investigate Luciano’s meetings and activities over the past forty-eight hours.” Matthew’s response arrived instantly. “Consider it done, Lexi.”
Right then, Haley announced their departure. The production team had arranged transportation to the Ublento Art Museum. At Haley’s signal, everyone gathered their belongings and migrated toward the waiting bus.
Elliana pocketed her phone and reached for her suitcase.
In that moment, Vivien approached. With cameras trained on Paige and Raylan ahead, this exchange remained unfilmed, revealing Vivien’s authentic, tyrannical nature.
“You—come here!” Vivien jabbed a finger toward Hailee imperiously. “You’re responsible for my luggage!”
Everyone within this privileged circle recognized Vivien’s tyrannical tendencies and wisely avoided confrontation. They silently collected their belongings and departed.
Humiliation blazed across Hailee’s face, yet she swallowed her outrage and reluctantly grasped Vivien’s massive suitcase, struggling under its weight.
Elliana, witnessing this cruelty, found herself intervening. “Vivien, why should someone else bear your burden?”
Vivien, nearly turned away, froze at these words and slowly pivoted, her eyes hardening to glacial points as they locked onto Elliana.
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