Divorced, But Queen - Chapter 233: Chapter 233

Johan's expression flickered for a moment before he finally spoke, voice calm but edged with disappointment. "Mono's skill in art is indeed higher than mine. It's understandable you'd choose him."
Johan wasn't the petty sort.
But he'd already mentioned his intent to take Collin as a disciple and planned to make it official in front of everyone.
If Collin hadn't wanted that, he'd had plenty of chances to decline—yet he'd waited until this very public moment.
He hid it well, but the sting was real.
And seeing Collin publicly beg Mono for a spot—could it be that Mono had already made him a promise?
Johan sat up straighter, a shadow of irritation in his gaze as it swept toward Mono.
All eyes landed on the old master.
Mono's eyes narrowed slightly. "So you're Collin? Hannah's cousin?"
Collin suppressed his excitement and nodded quickly. "Yes, that's me."
Mono's attention shifted to the big screen. "You have talent, no doubt—your composition is rhythmic, your use of color is layered, your eye for detail is impressive. But..."
He paused, his gaze sharp, "you're too focused on technique. There's a lack of true feeling. Johan, on the other hand, excels in this area. His work breathes with genuine emotion—he's well ahead of me there."
Johan's work was raw and honest, deeply felt.
It was exactly because Collin was so technically brilliant yet emotionally distant that Johan had wanted to mentor him.
But now, even Johan was rethinking it.
A proud heart rarely listens well; maybe taking Collin on wouldn't have been such a good thing after all.
Mono's words had set Johan on a pedestal—any lingering displeasure evaporated. "You're too kind, Mono. Apprenticeship is about mutual willingness. Since Collin has his heart set elsewhere, I won't force him."
He turned his attention to the last row of paintings. "Who painted number eighteen?"
Katrina's heart leapt—wasn't that hers? She immediately stepped forward, hand raised high. "Johan, that's mine!"
Her voice trembled with excitement; Johan had noticed her. "You switched to art later in life?" he asked.
Katrina nodded, a smile breaking through. "You've got a sharp eye. I only started in high school."
Johan replied, "Your technique is still rough, but your ideas are fresh and you bring something unique. There's promise here."
He was praising her.
Katrina felt like she could explode with joy. "Johan, may I apprentice under you?"
If Collin was right—opportunity was something he fought for. If she got rejected, so what? She could handle embarrassment.
But if Johan accepted her, she'd finally have leverage against her family.
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and nerves.
Johan gave a gentle smile. "Of course."
Katrina's knees buckled—she dropped to the floor with a thud, tears springing to her eyes as disbelief hit her. "You'll really take me?" she cried.
Johan chuckled, rubbing his temples. "Let's hold off on the kneeling until the official ceremony, shall we? Get up."
Katrina could barely stand, but another girl hurried over to help her up, still beaming.
With Katrina settled, Johan turned back to Collin, who quickly cleared his throat. "Mono, I know I have a lot to learn. Please, let me be your student. I'll work twice as hard, I promise I won't let you down."
But Mono had already made himself clear. "I'm too old now, and I don't have the energy to take on another student. Besides, I already have one apprentice. I won't take anyone else."