Chapter 97
Marchioness Depende’s eyes moved to Felice and Claude.
Between them, Julian and Count Legrand were both causing a bit of a stir.
But it wasn’t just the Marchioness—now everyone in the Aurelia Gallery had their eyes on that group.
“Isn’t Lady Felice’s dress, and even her ring, surprisingly expensive-looking?”
Naturally, all attention turned toward Felice.
Even before tonight, people had been eyeing her with suspicion—simply for being Claude’s partner. And the dress and ring she wore, the Marchioness could admit, were truly high quality.
But there was something off: her hat seemed obviously handmade, and her shoes were plain, with not a single jewel in sight. And the necklace—usually the statement piece—looked worn and old.
Yet somehow, on Felice, all these mismatched things came together in perfect harmony. The colors and patterns felt sweet and charming, as if each item had been chosen with care and love.
“But isn’t that ring… a Weatherby ring? The kind made only for the royal family?”
“Oh, you’re right!”
“How could she have a royal ring…?”
“It must be fake. Just look at her necklace—doesn’t it look like a cheap garnet pretending to be a ruby? The color’s off.”
So the gathering meant to discuss sponsorship for artists became an impromptu critique of Felice’s accessories.
The Marchioness, watching her only pupil be gossiped about in public, felt a surge of annoyance. She stood up—she’d had enough.
Just then, Julian spoke up, challenging Claude:
“Baron Racliffe, have you ever considered becoming my sponsor?”
Those who didn’t know any better might think Julian was just testing his luck with a wealthy Baron, but the Marchioness saw right through him. Stubborn as ever, Julian was openly challenging Claude.
Frankly, the Marchioness hoped the whole patron event would collapse on the spot. For once, she wanted to forget about her nephew and her student, and just go home to rest.
* * *
“No.”
Claude replied with an easy smile, flatly turning down Julian’s challenge.
“Is there something you dislike about my art?”
“Yes, there is.”
“What part don’t you like?”
“It just doesn’t appeal to me. I’m a businessman—intuition is important. And your work just doesn’t speak to me.”
Despite his blunt words, Claude’s voice was impeccably polite.
Felice felt a chill run through her at the cold exchange.
She had no idea why Claude seemed so antagonistic toward Julian. Was it because Julian’s painting, introduced by Count Legrand, had turned out to be a fake? Or because Julian had spurned the Count’s support, right in front of everyone?
Either way, Felice tried her best to keep her expression neutral.
Objectively, Julian was a highly skilled artist—and unlike Felice, he was a fully recognized student at the Royal Academy, which was a huge advantage for any painter.
Talent could only get you so far; in the end, an artist needed to sell paintings, and academic or family connections were just as important.
Among the ten artists introduced today, Julian was considered the most promising.
Of course, Claude had always claimed to know nothing about art, so perhaps he truly didn’t care.
“Pity.”
Julian chuckled at Claude’s words.
At that moment, the Marchioness’s voice cut in, saving the awkward scene.
“As it happens, Duchess Vanessa said she’d like to see your work, Julian.”
With that, Claude and the others bowed politely and stepped aside.
Julian greeted the Marchioness with a courteous nod.
“It’s an honor to meet you at this gathering, Marchioness.”
She answered his greeting with a warm smile, then turned her attention to Felice.
“How have you been, Lady Felice? We already greeted each other, but earlier it was so crowded I didn’t have a chance to really ask.”
Felice responded with a bright smile and a respectful bow.
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