Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 1022

Lydia had a sly, mocking smile on her face. “This painting only got the surface right. Owen’s work is on a whole different level.”

Mr. Robinson jumped in right away, nodding. “Absolutely. I just got two of Owen’s real paintings not long ago. Lydia gave them to me. They’re so much more alive than this one.”

Chloe didn’t buy it for a second. She was sure her painting wasn’t a fake. Lydia was obviously just picking a fight. And Glenn clearly thought her gift wasn’t as good as Lydia’s. That stung.

“Every painting has its own meaning,” Chloe shot back. “If you think what I gave you isn’t as good as Lydia’s, you can just say so. Please don’t drag this painting through the mud.”

Damien was still studying the painting, looking it over and over. He honestly didn’t see what the problem was. “Glenn, are you sure you aren’t mistaken? I think it looks great.”

Mr. Robinson explained patiently, “It is a beautiful painting. It really does look like Owen’s style. But if you look close, it just doesn’t have the same spark as his originals.”

“My painting was authenticated by the auction house,” Chloe said, her voice rising. “I’ve even got the certificate. Are you really going to call it a fake just because Lydia says so?”

Wendy frowned. “If she says it’s a fake, what proof does she have?”

Janet huffed. “She’s just a kid. What does she know about art? She’s making this up. Show them the certificate and let’s end this.”

She met his eyes, not even trying to deny it. Connor’s eyebrows shot up, then he broke into a small, amazed smile. This girl. She was full of surprises.

Mr. Robinson saw Connor hesitate and quickly added, “If it’s not convenient for you, we can just—”

“It’s no trouble,” Connor said, getting to his feet.

In that moment, Chloe, Janet, and the rest all turned to look at him. They’d noticed him before, quiet but strikingly good-looking, with a composed, elegant vibe. He was always with the Norwood family, so maybe he was related? Janet couldn’t take her eyes off him. The second Connor stood up, it felt like he outshone everyone else in the room.