?Chapter 786:

    Alice was equally impressed, letting out amazed gasps again and again. She never would have guessed that Maia’s understanding of art ran so deep.

    “Ms. Watson, I had no idea you knew so much about modern art. It’s really impressive. Inviting you to this exhibition was the best decision. I feel like I’m learning so much from you.”

    She hurried ahead, buzzing with excitement, chatting about modern art with Maia like a starstruck fan chasing after her idol.

    Just then, a voice boomed through the PA system: “Could the artist Matias Watts please make their way to Exhibition Hall 4, where the piece ‘Rebirth’ is on disy?”

    The entire hall fell silent for a few beats.

    Maia stopped in her tracks, a slight frown creasing her brow. Her eyes lifted toward the ceiling speakers as the announcement echoed once more.

    Without hesitation, she turned sharply and strode straight toward Hall 4.

    Alice hurried after her, bubbling with excitement. “Wow, Ms. Watson! It’s super rare to hear a broadcast like that at an art show. Usually, when they call out for an artist, it’s one of two things: either there’s a big problem with the artwork that needs exining, or a collector is interested and wants to talk about buying it privately.” She held up two fingers for emphasis. “Ms. Watson, don’t you think it’s probably the second one? Let’s check it out. This painting has to be something special.”

    Maia said nothing and simply picked up her pace.

    Outwardly, she looked calm, but inside, curiosity and worry churned. Was something wrong with her piece?

    Chris stayed close behind, moving instinctively at her side, quietly parting the crowd like a skilled bodyguard.

    To Alice, Maia’s silence only confirmed that she agreed with her.

    She figured that Maia was just as eager to see the piece called Rebirth.

    “Ms. Watson, don’t stress. I’ll ring a friend of mine and get us a prime spot,” Alice said, pulling out her phone to call the director of the Gascoyne Museum.

    At that same moment, many other visitors shared Alice’s curiosity. They all surged toward Hall 4, eager to catch a glimpse of Rebirth.

    The air buzzed with chatter.

    “Why’s there such a crowd? Who’s this Matias Watts? Never heard the name before. What’s the deal with that painting?”

    “Move it! I just heard the piece is breathtaking and caught the eye of one of the sponsors.”

    “Wow! On the very first day of the show, something like this happens. That painting must really be something else!”

    Everyone was itching to find out what made the artwork so different from the rest.

    Within minutes, Hall 4 was overflowing with visitors.

    All eyes gravitated toward the painting titled Rebirth, the crowd pressing close around it.

    At that moment, the canvas rotated, revealing the front: a frail bird suspended between life and death.

    A gloom hung over the image. Each feather was rendered in aggressive strokes, as if sorrow and finality clung to every inch. The audience’s reactions were mixed.

    Quite a few viewers looked underwhelmed once they got a closer look.

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