Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 275

The design masters were captivated by Clara's concepts, drawing out their conversation longer than expected.

When they finally wrapped up, one of the veterans proposed an idea. "It's still early. Why don't we use the concepts we just discussed as a prompt and host a quick design face-off? Consider it a warm-up for tomorrow's main event!"

"I love that idea! We have plenty of art enthusiasts in the room tonight. After the sketches are done, we can auction them off for charity. It'll be a fantastic reward for everyone!"

"Brilliant! What do you say, Ms. Vance?"

Suddenly put on the spot, Clara hesitated. She couldn't speak for the entire room.

"I bet Clara is too scared. A real competition takes talent, not just a billionaire backer. Even Professor Thorne and Mr. Miller can't draw the sketch for her!"

"Exactly. She'd probably draw some kindergarten stick figures and completely ruin her fake persona."

"Frauds like her need to drop the act. I'm embarrassed just looking at her."

"..."

The vicious remarks rippled through the crowd, no one bothering to keep their voices down.

Clara's expression tightened, but she kept her composure. She wasn't just representing herself tonight; her reputation reflected directly on Professor Thorne and Leo.

Unable to stand the disrespect, Leo and Marcus were about to intervene.

Seraphina and Julian strolled over.

Julian swept his inscrutable gaze across the gathered crowd.

Seraphina flashed a saccharine smile. "I think a mini-competition is a fabulous idea! It's the perfect way to get our creative juices flowing for tomorrow."

"But I suppose some people might be terrified of exposing their true skill level and will refuse to participate. We shouldn't force anyone if they're too intimidated, right, gentlemen?"

She shot Clara a loaded, mocking look.

The veteran designers weren't fools; they instantly caught the underlying venom in her words.

It seemed Clara might actually be a fraud.

Now that they thought about it, they hadn't seen any of her famous works. They had only been impressed by her theoretical ideas—ideas that someone else could have easily fed her.

"Well, Clara, are you sure you don't want to join in? It's just a bit of fun," one of the judges offered diplomatically.

Seraphina scoffed softly, tilting her chin up. "Come on, Clara. Everyone was so shocked to hear you're Professor Thorne's protégé. We're dying to see your actual drawing skills!"

At her prompting, several other contestants chimed in.

Most of them already looked down on Clara. They were all graduates from the world's most prestigious art schools, while Clara was perceived as an uncredentialed outsider.

"Yeah, Clara, you have to do it! We've heard so much about you. We're so curious!"

"Totally. Hahaha."

"..."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify