Chapter 402 No Wonder Queenie and Bianca Are Mother and Daughter!
Leia''s expression turned unpleasant when she heard Bianca''sughter. ''Did I say something wrong?''
Ever since she was adopted into the Norman family, she had gone to an elite school and even studied
abroad for two years.
She did not believe that Bianca was anything more than a philistine!
Leia was not interested in art since she was young, but her mother was a big fan. She forced herself to
read up on art history so that she could humor her mother.
However, she would begin to fall asleep as soon as she opened a book and read about the boring
theories and the lives of famous artists. Eventually, she gave up and instead tried to please her mother
with other activities she was good at.
Leia stole a nce at Luke.
The man sat on his chair elegantly. He was straight like a pine tree, and his silence was imposing.
However, his demeanor changed as he filled up Bianca''s te.
His prating gaze would turn gentle, and the corners of his lips would inadvertently curl up with an
indulgent smile.
Leia''s heart felt as though it had been wed by a wildcat; bloody, itchy, and painful.
She lowered her gaze dejectedly.
Allison could not bear to see her son ignoring Leia.
Earlier, when Leia was confidently showing her knowledge about the painting, her impression of Leia
became better. She did not know that what she said was wrong.
Allison ced a scallop in Leia''s bowl and started praising her again. "See, that''s a cultured overseas
graduate for you. Leia is more knowledgeable than certain country bumpkins who have never seen the
world. I''m sure that some people here don''t know how to tell a genuine piece of art from a phony, let
alone appreciate art! Don''t you think so too, Father?"
Allison did not name any names, but she was ncing at Bianca disdainfully. Her mockery was
evident.
Old Master Crawford''s expression instantly sank. He mmed his cutlery on the table and frowned
hard. "If you don''t know anything, can you shut up? You''re embarrassing me!"
Allison did not know that Old Master Crawford had a passion for art history when he was young. He
had studied in France for several years and majored in art. He met his wife there, and they returned to
the country to start a business.
He had not dabbled in art since, but he retained what he learned.
M was one of his favorite impressionist painters, and he had collected several of M''s works.
Leia tried to show off her knowledge but failed miserably, and that had changed Old Master Crawford''s
impression of her.
He thought that Leia was knowledgeable and talented, but he realized that she did not know anything
at all.
His favorable opinion of her instantly vanished.
"Did I misspeak, Father?” Allison retorted in the face of Old Master Crawford''s irritation.
Bianca calmly interjected, "Aunt Allison, M is not English but French.
Also, he is an impressionist painter and not a realist."
Allison wanted tough at Bianca. What would country bumpkins know about art?
Old Master Crawford’s gaze sparkled under his bifocals. "You know art history, youngdy? Tell me
then, what can you say about this painting? Do you know if the scene is a sunrise or sunset?"
He lifted his walking stick and pointed at the painting of water lilies hung on the wall behind him.
Bianca opened her eyes wide and tried to take in every detail so that she could answer the old man''s
question.
However, she could not see the sky or the stars in the painting. How was she going to determine the
answer?
Leia red at her coldly, waiting for Bianca to make a fool of herself.
Under the table, Luke squeezed Bianca''s hand, telling her not to be nervous.
Bianca patted the back of his hand and smiled confidently at him.
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After scrutinizing the painting for a while, Bianca gave her opinion. "Old Master Crawford, the painting
depicts a sunrise. It''s not very obvious, but I can tell from the dewdrops on the lily pads. Also, the water
in the background is light blue, the water illuminated by the sun is golden, and the water under the lily
pads is blue-green. You will only get this scene in the morning. That is what nature tells me."
It was the first time that Old Master Crawford had a better impression of Bianca than Leia.
When he spoke to Bianca again, his voice was gentler. "I didn''t expect that you do know your art
history. Let me ask you again, what are the different art movements in Western oil painting, and who
are their proponents, and what are their famous works?"
Bianca answered his question urately and could even tell some of the artists'' amusing anecdotes.
Old Master Crawfordughed at Bianca''s humorous answer. He was full of praises for the young
woman.
Leia and Allison''s faces turned ashen. How did things turn out that way?
The dinner had improved Old Master Crawford''s impression toward
Bianca. At the same time, Leia seemed to have lost the old man''s favor.
It was veryte when Leia returned home.
Queenie was sitting on the couch in the living room, focusing her attention on a tome of art history in
her hands.
Her figure cast a long shadow, which gave the scene a tranquil grace. 1
For a brief moment, Leia''s face was contorted with jealousy.
Queenie and Bianca were passionate fans of ssical art. She became inexplicably flustered when she
made that connection.
She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths.
Then, she put on a pitiful expression and walked toward Queenie.
Queenie ced the book away when she saw that Leia was back. "Have you had dinner, Leia? Should
I make some supper for you?" She said caringly.
"It''s fine, Mom. I had dinner at Crawford Manor earlier...” Leia shook her head and sat dejectedly on the
couch.
Her pale lips were tightly pressed together, and her brows were gently furrowed.
Queenie could tell that her daughter was not in a good mood, and her expression became cold.
"Tell me, Leia. Did something unpleasant happen at Crawford Manor?"