Chapter 64

Davin approached Eliana with an eager gleam in his eyes. "Younng lady, you're absolutely right. I've felt something was off about my recent works, but l couldn't put my finger on it. Could you tell me how to avoid this in the future?"

Eliana gave a small, knowing smile. "The problem isn't in the mountains, or the flowing water, or the mist. It's that you've started wanting too much. That hunger has dulled the very thing that made your work extraordinary-its essence. That's why your paintings feel...expressive lately."

Hearing that, Davin was taken aback.

He remembered Riley once telling him that the essence of his works was his greatest strength.

And now, hearing Eliana say the same-and point out it was gone-everything clicked.

"What? Mr. Gordon, your paintings have always been expressive!" Frieda's voice cut in sharply. "Don't let a few words from her shake your confidence. We all know your work's value. Trust yourself." She'd seen Davin's expression change and panicked. If he started taking Eliana seriously, it would make Frieda look like an ignorant fool-especially after she'd just called Eliana a country bumpkin who didn't understand art.

She couldn't let Eliana's opinion stick with him.

"Enough." Davin's tone was firm. "I'm not doubting myself because of her. I've felt something was wrong for a while now. She simply helped me see it clearly.Please step aside-I need to thank this young lady properly."

"No, don't listen to her." Frieda blocked him outright,desperation flashing across her face.

If Davin thanked Eliana in front of everyone, Frieda would never live it down. Everyone would think she was the one who didn't understand art. She couldn't let that happen.

She turned to Eliana, voice edged with challenge."If you're so skilled at painting that even Mr. Gordon's work doesn't impress you, then why haven't I ever heard of you in the art world?"

Eliana had been calmly studying Davin's painting.

But now, she turned toward Frieda with a look of amusement and mild mockery. "Who says I'm not in the art world?" The change in angle revealed her petite, delicate features. Davin's eyes widened-bright and alive again.

Recognition hit him. He knew her.

His beard quivered, but for a moment, he couldn't speak.

Frieda didn't notice his reaction. She laughed, smug and dismissive. "Eliana, you're delusional. My family collects masterpieces from renowned artists. If you had any reputation in the art world, I would have heard of you."

Frieda was certain that she had never heard of Eliana's name in the art world.

"It's not surprising you haven't," Eliana said evenly."I don't paint under my real name."

Frieda's brow arched. "Oh? Then what name do you use?" she scoffed.

"Riley," Eliana replied.

The name dropped like a stone in still water-instantly sending ripples through the crowd.

"Riley? The legendary painter?"

"She's actually Riley? No wonder her critique made sense to Mr. Gordon." "Oh my God... we're actually meeting Riley? This trip was absolutely worth it!"

Even those who weren't Davin's fans surged closer at the name.

"Riley? Is Riley really here?"

"Quick! Let me see!"

"Don't push me!"

Even if they were not all Davin's fans, they all adored Riley. Riley's work was unmatched in this era, but she was famously elusive-rarely releasing paintings and never appearing in public. They all wanted to catch a glimpse of him.

Rocco,standing nearby, stared at Eliana in shock. He knew the name well. Tristan admired Riley more than any other artist.

Tristan went out of his way to buy all the paintings Riley released on the market, paying above market price. And it turned out, Riley was Eliana?

Rocco's expression shifted with mixed emotions,but his gaze on Eliana didn't waver. He'd once thought she wasn't good enough for Tristan, but since Tristan didn't mind, he'd kept his mouth shut. After all, what mattered most was Tristan's taste, not his own. But now, his opinion had taken a complete turn. Eliana wasn't just a skilled doctor-she was also gifted with a paintbrush.

The discovery left him itching to run straight to Tristan with the intriguing news.

Across the way, Frieda's face darkened as she watched everyone buying into Eliana's words and rushing over to her.

She refused to believe it.

Her hands curled into fists, and at last, she snapped,her voice ringing out, "Everyone, calm down! Don't let her fool you! There's no way she's Riley!"

Her outburst doused the crowd's excitement like a bucket of cold water.

Murmurs rippled through the onlookers as doubt crept back in.

Someone finally asked outright, "You're saying you're Riley-do you have any proof?"

"Yeah," another chimed in, "I've never seen Riley in person, but I've heard in the art scene that Riley's a man."

"Right! And I heard Riley's quite old. You're young, and a woman... why should we believe you?" others echoed.

Frieda's lips curled in triumph. At last, people were thinking straight.

Believing Eliana on a few words alone would have been downright foolish.

She was glad there were still some sensible heads in the crowd.

She stepped forward, spearheading the attack."You claim you're Riley? Then prove it! If you can't, I should call the police right now and have you arrested for impersonation and attempted fraud!"

"No point talking to her," someone added. "Riley's paintings are priceless. She's obviously trying to scam us!"

"Call the police! Have her arrested!" another voice joined in.

Some people immediately pulled out their phones,ready to call the police.

Others closed in around Eliana, forming a tight ring to block any chance of escape.

Just then, Tristan arrived. He'd come to see what the fuss was about, with Doran close behind. The last thing he expected was to find Eliana at the center of the uproar-surrounded, shouted at, and accused from every direction.