Divorced, But Queen - Chapter 218: Chapter 218

Westin's mind was spinning. 'Could this be another copy by my senior?'
He leaned in close, recalling Mono's methods for spotting forgeries, his gaze flicking over the brushwork again and again until finally, he caught a subtle difference—the faintest edge, a certain sharpness to the strokes.
Shocked, he murmured, "My senior's imitation skills are getting frighteningly good. Even your signature is identical, Professor."
Mono sighed, a touch of helpless pride in his voice. "Her style is always dark and heavy. That vortex painting is actually the least intense one. For years, I've kept these hidden from the world."
His casual tone, however, hit the room like a thunderclap.
Everyone knew Mono had taken on a disciple, but none had ever seen her work.
Now they understood why.
This kind of painting was simply too controversial, too unsettling for public display—anyone who looked at it, artist or not, was left shaken.
Westin, eyeing Gael who remained completely unfazed, couldn't hide his curiosity.
Mono noticed and explained, "We have so many of her paintings at home. Gael's gotten used to them—nothing can faze him now."
Westin's eyes lit up. "Professor, could we see some more of her work? Does your senior only copy your pieces, or can she imitate other artists too?"
Mono lifted his chin, a note of pride slipping into his words. "She can copy anything—if you're willing to let her see your work, she'll recreate it in no time. But as for visiting, that's not up to me. I'll have to ask first."
Westin nodded with anticipation. "I'm sure my senior will agree."
Mono motioned to the entrance. "Enough chatter, it's freezing out here. Let's head inside."
"Right," Westin agreed quickly.
At the door, Liam let out a low whistle. "Who would have thought Mono's apprentice was that talented?"
Hannah replied coolly, "With a master like Mono, it would be a tragedy if she wasn't."
But she thought to herself, Collin's work is even better than this.
Liam remembered the three paintings he'd recently returned—authenticity disputed by experts and finally declared imitations.
Aria had so many forgeries in her possession; she must know Mono's apprentice personally.
He decided not to tell Hannah for now—no need to invite unnecessary trouble.
He offered, "Hannah, do you want me to take you back to your apartment?"
She smiled. "Jazmin's probably still at my place. Please, drop me off."
When Hannah got home, her aunt Jazmin Gibson rushed over, excitement written all over her face. "Did you get to see Mono? Did you talk to him about taking Collin as his student? Did he remember your cousin?"
Hannah squeezed her aunt's hand. "Of course I brought it up. Don't worry, Auntie, Collin's talent will absolutely impress him. At the judging in three days, if Collin wins gold and asks to become Mono's apprentice before Johan does, I'm sure Mono will agree."
Her tone was so assured that Jazmin's smile nearly split her face. "I can't thank you enough."
"We're family. You and Zander have always treated me and my brother so well. Helping Collin makes me happy."
Zander Gibson, the head of the Gibson Group, had married late due to work.
Collin, just a little younger than Hannah, had shown astonishing talent for art from an early age.
Unlike some families, Zander and Jazmin had never tried to force their son into a career he didn't want.
Zander had trained Dexter, the older brother, to inherit the business. The two families had always been close.
Liam drove straight home, intent on returning those three paintings to Aria and maybe getting his hands on Mono's apprentice's contact info.