My words clearly hit their mark.
Vivian's smile stiffened for half a second before she smoothed it out. She had already been embarrassed earlier, and now that Camilla was finally basking in attention, she wasn't about to let me disturb that moment.
With a practiced smile, she said, "It seems Ms. Ashbourne has some issue with my daughter. If you're so dissatisfied, why don't you join the competition yourself?"
I nearly laughed.
If only you knew.
To someone like Vivian, even the most respected names in the art world meant nothing compared to her precious Camilla.
Keeping my expression polite, I replied, "Mrs. Morrigan, I think you misunderstood. I'm just curious. Are we certain Ms. Morrigan is truly the artist known as 'S'? Could there be some confusion?"
The air shifted instantly.
Camilla shot me a sharp look. "What are you trying to imply?"
It was subtle, but I caught it the flash of panic in her eyes. Fast. Barely there. But real.
