Chapter 8

"Since you recognize them, then that means you know full well who these paintings belong to. Yet you still have the nerve to show your face here?" I said, my tone calm but carrying a little bit of a snark. May's expression immediately darkened as she gritted her teeth and roared, "Julia, you bitch!" She came closer and closer. Her gaze dripped with resentment, as if she wanted nothing more than to tear me into shreds. "Do you think you'll be able to turn things around just by winning this competition? Keep dreaming!" I ignored her frenzied shouts and simply focused on shielding the children behind me. "If you have more things to say, we can discuss them elsewhere." "Elsewhere? You wish!" she said, sneering. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have ended up like this. My paintings were removed from the exhibition, my awards revoked, and my parents want nothing more than to kick me out. Even Randy…" Her voice faltered when she mentioned "Randy", and her hate-filled eyes stayed fixe