Chapter 441
Chapter 441:
Mariana paused, gently setting down her brush. She turned to him, a subtle smile curling on her lips.
If Kolton looked closely at her work, he would notice Maia’s name scattered throughout the painting. The world depicted was filled with countless versions of Maia, yet Mariana believed that this world didn’t require Maia at all.
Kolton stepped closer and gently asked, “Are you feeling more calm now p>
“Yes, Dad, I’ve calmed down,” Mariana replied, moving closer to take his hand.
Gone was her earlier frantic energy; now, she appeared composed, an elegant young lady from an esteemed family.
“I regret the damage my brief competitiveness caused to Cooper Group,” Mariana said, her eyes beginning to glisten. “I apologize for my rash behavior that night. Dad, I am truly sorry p>
Kolton felt his anger subside as he watched Mariana take responsibility for her actions. Still, he replied firmly, “Consider this a tough lesson and remember it. You must know both yourself and your opponent to succeed.” He hoped this moment would serve as a teaching opportunity, encouraging his daughter to learn and grow from it.
“Dad, I get it,” Mariana said with a nod, though a part of her hesitated. She questioned, “But Dad, are we really going to overlook what Maia did p>
After all, Aurora Apparel Company was an important part of the Cooper family’s business. It wasn’t the most vital asset, but it was too significant to just discard. Kolton’s gaze narrowed when he heard that.
He had no intention of letting it slide without a fight. What did Maia think she was? Despite her talent and fame, to the elite families, she was nothing more than a bug that could be squashed at any moment. Yet, Maia was suddenly in the spotlight. Particularly his cousin Hurst, who seemed to be getting too close to her, with whispers circulating about an affair between them.
Although they acted friendly on the surface, Kolton and Hurst had never really clicked. To deal with Maia, Kolton knew he had to be indirect and avoid leaving a trace.
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“You don’t need to stress over this,” Kolton said, glancing once more at Mariana’s painting. “Just focus on your art and prepare for the upcoming international exhibition. Stick to what you do best and aim for the success you deserve p>
Mariana pressed her lips together and nodded.
Her true gift lay in painting, with fashion design coming in a close second. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if she lost to Maia.
What Mariana couldn’t accept was Maia having the audacity to flirt with Chris.
As this thought crossed her mind, she bit her lip in frustration.
“If you can shine at the exhibition, it will make the Cooper family proud too!” Kolton said, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat. “Mariana, I believe in you, got it p>
Although Mariana had studied design in college, her talent for painting had been evident since she was a child. Over the years, she had received more accolades for her painting than her design work.
Mariana knew Kolton was right; she needed to focus on her strengths to achieve the success she deserved. That would be her true triumph.
As she considered this, her face softened. She nodded with determination and said, “I’ll put in my best effort and won’t let you down, Dad p>
“Good, very good,” Kolton chuckled heartily. “Then I won’t interrupt your painting any further p>
Once Kolton had left, Mariana turned her attention to the unfinished painting. She grabbed her brush, dipped it into the paint, and began applying it generously.
The earlier chaos faded into the background as a new scene started to emerge.
Before her, a stormy ocean unfolded, with a fragile boat tossed violently by the furious waves. In the distance, a massive whirlpool began to form, its churning waters towering over the scene. The sky above was dark, filled with ominous clouds, signaling an approaching storm.