sts. It was where a handful of finalists were chosen to compete for the grand scholarship, a prize

he perfe

nd. The air buzzed with nervous energy and the low hum of

hear? She broke off her en

ped her. For he

is the real deal. Her work is incr

submission piece, a small but intensely detailed charcoal drawing. It wasn't

gh the crowd like royalty, Liam in a tailored suit and Chloe in a designer dres

in front of

ng," Chloe said, her voice dripping with

her, darling. She's trying her best." He looked at me, his eyes cold and dismissive. "It'

envy, Liam?" I as

"What else w

hen you were working on your big submission, the oil painting... did

erceptibly. "Of course. When you h

interesting. Because true art, the kind that comes from the soul, is

ped talking and were listeni

u implying?"

y attention back to my own drawing. "Just maki

. The Dean of Northwood Academy, a formidable woma

s, the quality of submissions this year is extraordinary. It makes our job o

nd passion, her eyes scanning the room. My heart was a

ive finalists who will present their main portfolio piece at the fin

. They were talented students

list," she pause

in shock. I simply nodded, keeping my expression neutral. I knew my technical ski

r face, "is an artist who has shown exceptional, raw potential. Her work has

pted in poli

nd humility. She turned and threw her arms around Liam, who hugged her tightly, bea

. "She's the special one. Y

congratulations from everyone they passed. They were the g

less-talented sister wh

y they wanted eve

while longer, I