Paige’s painting, Riding the Waves, captured a lone white-sailed boat battling a wild, churning sea. It was a masterpiece of detail, with a composition that sang and a vibe that screamed. It was like a pep talk on canvas, radiating ambition and progress. Its direct and striking expression immediately conveyed the artist’s intent.

Elliana’s Lonely Sunset was a breathtaking autumn scene where the water melted into an endless sky. The setting sun and a single wild goose glided in perfect harmony. The colors were pure magic, wrapping you in a serene, almost otherworldly calm from the first glance.

As soon as Lonely Sunset was unveiled, the judges’ jaws hit the floor. They zoomed in on their tablets, dissecting every brushstroke, and then shuffled up to the canvas itself, eyes wide with awe. The closer they looked, the more they were hooked.

The technique felt like it had been touched by the divine—effortless yet perfectly balanced, flowing like a river. Even the old-timers, grizzled veterans of the art scene, stood there dumbfounded, humbled by its mastery.

But what really blew their minds wasn’t just the flawless craft—it was the painting’s soul. At first, it seemed like a stunning landscape, vividly alive with the autumn sky, the setting sun, and that lone goose soaring in sync. The details popped like nobody’s business.

But linger a little longer, and it was like diving into an emotional whirlpool. Sorrow, joy, melancholy, exhilaration—it all crashed over someone, pulling them into a strange, vibrant world of feeling. Some felt like laughing, others like sobbing, and a few wanted to scream at the top of their lungs.

When the emotions hit their peak and they snapped back to reality, that jaw-dropping scene was still there, staring back at them. It was like a spellbinding work of art, with a depth and uniqueness that left the judges feeling like they couldn’t hold a candle to it.

The judges dissected Lonely Sunset with their expert eyes, while the crowd just went with their gut. Either way, everyone was floored, caught in a shared state of wonder.

Nobody saw it coming—not from Elliana, the girl whispered to be a talentless nobody with no charm to speak of. Heads kept turning toward her, sitting quietly in the corner, as the murmurs rippled through the room.

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“I’m no art critic, but my gut’s screaming that Elliana’s piece blows Paige’s out of the water.”

“Same here.”

“Isn’t it wild? Everyone said Elliana was a zero. How’s she pulling off this kind of talent? Did she really paint it herself, or did she pay someone?”

“Nope, it’s all her. I saw the live stream of The Heiress’ Graduation Trip. She painted it right there on camera.”

“That’s insane. Who knew Elliana was a secret art prodigy?”

“Anyone catch that broadcast? Luciano tore into Elliana’s work, and Paige didn’t say a peep to back her up. Looking back, that’s pretty low.”

“Bet Luciano and Paige schemed to keep Elliana down, figuring no close-ups on the live feed would bury her. But Elliana flipped the script by entering this competition.”

“Now they’re eating crow in front of everyone, and they’ve got it coming.”

Luciano and Paige, catching the whispers, were on pins and needles, their faces twisted with unease.

In the back row, Darin’s and Kiara’s smug grins had melted into panic and disbelief. They couldn’t wrap their heads around Elliana suddenly shining in the world of oil painting. No way could they stomach their daughter being outdone by her.

The room buzzed with a tangled mix of vibes—some snickering, some fuming, others just soaking in the drama.

Elliana, the eye of the storm, stayed cool as a cucumber, like the whole circus was just another Tuesday.

Hailee, meanwhile, was practically bouncing off the walls. “Elliana, you’re unreal! I’m totally fangirling over you right now!”

Elliana shot her a playful glance. “Chill out.”

“Chill? No way!” Hailee was hyped, like she’d won the prize herself. “It’s obvious—you’re taking home the crown. After tonight, you’re gonna be the art world’s new rockstar, and I get to say I’m pals with the champ. How am I supposed to stay calm?”

Then, with a flicker of doubt, she added, “You’re not going to ditch me for being too ordinary, right?”

Elliana chuckled and gave her hand a reassuring pat. “Don’t be silly.”

Hailee, still buzzing, clung to Elliana’s hand. “Oh man, I finally scored an epic friend. No way I’m letting you go!”

Elliana, caught between amusement and not knowing what to say, simply smiled.

Suddenly, a judge standing by Lonely Sunset let out a shout. “No way! This can’t be real!”

Every head in the room turned toward the judge, eyes locked on the source of the outburst…

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