She got the divorce and bolted 17
Chapter 17
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Chapter 17
Miles watched Sienna walk toward the stage with open disdain, already plotting how he’d mock her later.
After all, they had known each other since middle school. He knew exactly what she was, or rather wasn’t, capable of.
She had average grades and zero musical talent. What was she going to do up there-recite the multiplication table?
Sienna, however, looked perfectly composed as she politely asked Rupert for permission to perform. He simply smiled and
nodded.
Watching this, Melody felt a quiet surge of satisfaction.
Back in her freshman year of high school, Sienna had been nothing but an unmotivated airhead. Melody had patiently explained simple math problems to her over and over, yet she still couldn’t grasp them.
On top of that, her stepmother never cared about her upbringing. Sienna never bothered to learn the refined skills expected of girls from prominent families, such as playing the piano, the cello, and dance.
Other than being born into money, what did she actually have?
With that thought in mind, Melody leaned toward Clayton and said softly, “It looks like Sienna’s going to perform. I wonder what she’s planning to do to impress everyone.”
Clayton lifted his gaze lazily, his eyes landing on Sienna. His tone dripped with contempt. “Her? What could she possibly do? She’d better not go up there and embarrass herself!”
At the side, Hayden laughed along. “Who knows. I’ve got faith in Sienna. Maybe she’ll do stand-up comedy and have the whole room laughing.”
Clayton clicked his tongue, but held no expectations either.
Miles was beyond excited, pulling out his phone and aiming it at the stage. “I’m going to record the second she makes a fool out of herself. I’ll replay it on loop!”
“Don’t go too far.” Clayton glanced at him.
“She started it,” Miles shot back. “I’m making sure she remembers this!”
Ignoring the warning, he rushed toward the front of the stage.
The previous performer finished a birthday song and stepped down. The waiter quickly brought out a table, spreading fresh paper and preparing ink and brushes.
The sight of that made Miles scoff loudly. “Sienna, seriously? That’s it?”
“My grandpa owns tons of calligraphy from real masters. You think this is worth showing off?”
Sienna ignored him, rolling up her sleeves and picking up the brush. She dipped it in ink, steadied her wrist, and began to write.
The brush moved like it had a life of its own, fluid and confident. In a matter of moments, a vivid painting began to take shape on the canvas.
Rolling hills stretched into the distance beneath a clear sky, with birds flying across the horizon, while tall evergreens stood firm and upright. The painting was harmonious, as if each stroke carried a wish.
Cleverly woven into the scene was Rupert’s name, hidden within the curves of the landscape, subtle enough not to distract, yet unmistakable once noticed.
Sienna gently blew on the paint to dry it, then lifted the painting with both hands and presented it respectfully. “I hope
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Chapter 17
you’ll accept this humble gift, Grandpa.’
Rupert took one look, and his eyes lit up. Endless praise spilled out of his mouth.
773
“Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Putting aside how you worked my name into the painting, your technique reminds me of William Morgan’s style! I’ve always wanted artwork from him, but unfortunately, he’s a man of solitude and pride. He hardly ever paints for anyone.”
“You have a sharp eye, Grandpa,” she explained. “I was lucky enough to learn a little from him.”
Rupert looked surprised. “But I thought William never takes on students?”
“He doesn’t,” Sienna said, “but when I was in college, I took a fine arts elective course. The original instructor had to take a semester off, so Professor William filled in for a few sessions. I just happened to be there at the right time.”
She added humbly, “But I’ve only learned the basics. I’m nowhere near his level. I hope you’ll still accept this.”
Rupert laughed heartily, holding the piece as if he couldn’t put it down. “For someone your age, this is already extraordinary! William’s work is known for being bold, dynamic, and full of energy that brings each piece to life. Your technique still needs refinement, but it already shows remarkable flair.”
Turning to his butler, he said, “Have this framed properly and hang it in my study.”
Applause erupted throughout the hall. Even Miles, who had been waiting eagerly for her to fail, stood frozen. His phone was still raised, but he was utterly stunned.
Sienna herself hadn’t expected a hobby she had once picked up on a whim to now be worth a million. Back then, she had avoided studying whenever she could. As long as she went through the motions, she could get by.
Because even if she worked hard, no one seemed to notice.
But someone had once told her that studying wasn’t the only path she could take and that she shouldn’t use that as an excuse not to learn. While she was in school, she should learn everything that she could. After all, every skill added up to another option for her future. It wasn’t for anyone else but for herself.
After that, she stopped living like she had given up on herself. She paid more attention in class, daydreamed less, and eventually got into a decent university.
When she stumbled into that fine arts elective class with a master instructor, she figured, why not try it out? If it were an opportunity, it’d be a waste not to take it.
It turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. After marriage, she’d practice on her own during quiet, boring days at home. Over time, her skills improved dramatically.
Pulling herself back to the present, Sienna walked over to Miles, who was still standing there in shock with his phone raised. She flashed a peace sign at the camera, then struck a few poses.
“Well? Did you get enough footage?” she asked cheerfully. “Want me to strike a few more poses so you can capture my heroic image?”
Miles awkwardly lowered his phone. “I-I wasn’t filming you! I was filming Grandpa!”
Sienna didn’t bother arguing with him. She held out her hand. “One million dollars.”
“You just did a few brushstrokes! Why should I pay you a million dollars?” Miles tried to weasel his way out.
Sienna leaned closer, lowered her voice, and smile lyly. “C’mon, Miles. You have to own up to it if you lose a bet. Or do you want me to show everyone that video of you in middle school, cross-dressing and dancing?”
Miles went pale, a flurry of colors flashing across his face. “Why… Why do you still have that video?”
Sienna blinked. “What do you think? And no, it’s definitely not because I had a crush on you.”
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Chapter 17
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Meanwhile, several guests who were art lovers came on stage, asking Sienna to paint a few artworks for them. With Rupert’s nod of approval, she agreed and did it all for free.
Down below, Clayton’s eyes followed Sienna as she worked, a mixed expression flickering across his face. He hadn’t known she was this talented.
Hayden nudged him with his elbow, teasing, “Look at how stunned you are! You don’t even know what your own wife is capable of! Keep ignoring her, and I bet she’ll fly right out of your grasp one day.”
Clayton threw him a cold glance and said nothing.
Nearby, Melody watched as Sienna stole the spotlight, jealousy bubbling underneath her polite smile. She couldn’t accept being overshadowed by someone she once looked down on. To be an all-rounder, Melody had practiced painting a lot, too.
Determined to make an impression, Melody quickly strode toward Rupert. “I’d like to paint something for you, too, Grandpa. May I?”
Beatrice’s expression practically screamed disdain, and her voice dripped with contempt. “You, an actress, are trying to paint? Don’t embarrass yourself. You do realize there’s a saying about sticking to your own trade, right?”
Melody froze, but she quickly forced on a smile. “I’ve practiced a little before. I know it won’t compare to Sienna, but I want to try.”
Rupert was fine with it. “If you want to, go ahead then.”
Melody hurried up the stairs on stage, but she was moving too quickly and suddenly strained the tight red dress she was wearing. As she made a big motion, the poorly fitted gown gave way with a loud tear.
After enduring a day of torment, the dress betrayed her, its back splitting open cleanly in two halves, exposing a large patch of snow-white skin.
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