Chapter 68
Chapter 68:
Elliana’s laughter reverberated through the quiet room, sending ripples of tension across the gathering.
Paige froze mid-bow, while Luciano’s smile vanished instantly. All eyes in the room swiveled toward Elliana in perfect unison. Why did she laugh just now, of all times?
Paige’s enthusiasm in maintaining her charade evaporated like morning dew under the harsh sun. Her elegant demeanor crumbled as she jerked upright, her eyes hardening into ice as she glared at Elliana. “Elliana, what are you laughing at this time p>
Paige was genuinely angry. Why couldn’t Elliana simply allow her to complete the ceremony without disruption? How infuriating! Absolutely maddening! This wretched Elliana must be consumed with jealousy—that explained all her troublemaking!
Luciano’s features contorted with anger, his piercing gaze drilling into Elliana. “Elliana, how much further will you push your appalling lack of manners p>
Fury boiled through his veins. To so brazenly disregard his esteemed position in the art world—he would certainly teach her a lesson!
Elliana’s eyes still danced with amusement as she replied with unsettling calm, “Chill out. I’m merely curious. You all worship Rosa so devoutly, but has anyone bothered to ask Rosa herself how she feels about it? What if she disagrees with this whole ceremony? Wouldn’t that put you all in an awkward position p>
Her question struck Luciano and Paige speechless. Naturally, they had never consulted Rosa—they hadn’t even met her. They merely exploited her name for publicity.
Luciano’s expression darkened further as he glowered at Elliana. “What right do you have to speak here? Merely witnessing Rosa’s wax statue at today’s ceremony should be considered a tremendous honor for someone like you p>
Paige chimed in, “Elliana, disrespecting me or Mr. Scott is one thing, but how dare you disrespect Rosa? She’s a legendary figure in the art world p>
Elliana chuckled. “Forgive me, I’m simply so familiar with Rosa that such words came naturally p>
Her remark triggered waves of laughter from the audience, while the live chat erupted with mockery and disbelief.
“Has this Elliana lost her mind? Claiming intimacy with Rosa? Preposterous p>
“Rosa stands as a legend in the art world. How could she possibly associate with someone like Elliana? Pure fabrication p>
“Elliana is attempting to elevate herself using Rosa’s name, just like Mr. Scott does p>
“People exploiting Rosa’s name for publicity isn’t uncommon, but Elliana’s excuse is laughable. Of all possible lies, she claims friendship with Rosa. How utterly ridiculous p>
Elliana’s casual demeanor inflamed both Luciano and Paige, yet despite their simmering rage, they dared not act against her before the millions of viewers watching the livestream.
Paige, having lost all desire to continue the performance, signaled Haley to pause the broadcast, fearing she might fumble before the massive audience.
Haley grasped the situation immediately and announced to the camera that the livestream would pause for an hour, allowing guests to dine and rest. The grand finale of the Starry Oil Painting Competition would commence afterward, with broadcasting resuming at seven o’clock sharp.
With the livestream terminated, everyone exhaled in collective relief.
Luciano’s face darkened like gathering thunderclouds. No longer concerned with maintaining his facade as a distinguished master, he unleashed a torrent of abuse at Elliana. “You shameless woman! Do you believe your prestigious title as Mrs. Evans shields you from consequences p>
Paige glared venomously at Elliana, eagerly awaiting Luciano’s harsh retribution that would satisfy her own thirst for vengeance.
Everyone expected Elliana to cower before Luciano’s wrath. Hailee, trembling with anxiety, tugged at Elliana’s sleeve, whispering urgently, “Elliana, Luciano’s bodyguards surround us. Don’t challenge him directly, or you’ll suffer terribly p>
Elliana gently patted Hailee’s hand before facing Luciano with a subtle smile. “Oh? I’m quite curious to see how you plan to deal with me p>
“You…” Malice flooded Luciano’s eyes, his carefully cultivated artistic persona completely shattered by naked hostility. He smirked, gesturing sharply to the bodyguards looming behind him. “Teach this insolent woman a proper lesson p>
Hearing this, Paige clenched her fists tightly, her eyes gleaming with vicious anticipation. If Luciano administered severe punishment to Elliana, it would mark a tremendous victory for her today.
Meanwhile, in the Evans Group CEO’s office, the abrupt termination of the livestream left Cole unable to monitor Elliana’s situation at the museum. His expression hardened ominously.
Myles, standing nearby, felt an inexplicable dread crawling up his spine. Was Cole about to unleash his temper again?
Having weathered Cole’s foul mood throughout the entire day, Myles flinched like a nervous sparrow at the slightest movement.
As anxiety gnawed at Myles, he watched Cole manipulate his phone, expertly hacking directly into the museum’s surveillance system. When the surveillance footage materialized on the screen, it revealed Luciano commanding his bodyguards to teach Elliana a lesson…