Chapter 6

After Clara left, the annex grew much quieter, and heavier with a suffocating silence.

Lena became even more withdrawn, spending her days locked in the art studio, her canvases filled with dark, somber tones.

She had a secret, one we all knew.

She was secretly dating a struggling art student named Leo Hayes, a world she carefully guarded as her own.

But that secret was soon uncovered by Victoria.

That day was the annual Albright family charity gala. Lena's painting, "Starry Night," was chosen as the centerpiece auction item.

The bidding started at a hundred thousand dollars, and a mystery buyer eventually snatched it for a staggering three million.

Everyone assumed the Albrights were just building Lena's reputation. Brandon even publicly put his arm around her, declaring her the family's pride.

Mrs. Albright was also very pleased, praising Lena in front of everyone, hinting she was one step closer to becoming Mrs. Albright.

Lena, however, went pale. She spent the entire evening fidgeting, unable to relax.

After the gala, the man who bought the painting found Lena at the end of the hallway.

It was her boyfriend, Leo Hayes.

He wore a cheap, ill-fitting suit, his hair meticulously plastered down with gel, which only made him look more out of place and nervous.

He excitedly grabbed Lena's hand.

"Lena, I did it! I sold my family's house, borrowed money from every relative and friend, and scraped together three million. I wanted to prove to the Albrights that I can make you happy!"

Lena stared at him, tears streaming down her face, her lips trembling, unable to utter a single word.

Just then, Victoria arrived with a group of reporters she'd hidden in ambush.

Flashbulbs flashed wildly, capturing the two of them in their distressed state.

"Well, well, isn't this our future Mrs. Albright? Getting cozy with a penniless artist?"

Victoria's tone was laced with poisoned mockery.

"I hear he blew his entire family fortune just to buy your painting? Truly heartwarming. Brandon, you certainly have a way with your foster sisters, don't you?"

Behind her, Brandon's face was thunderous.

The next day, the news exploded everywhere.

"Albright Foster Daughter Caught with Penniless Artist, Elite Dreams Shattered."

"Madly in Love or Calculated Scheme? Art Prodigy Accused of Social Climbing and Shameless Stunt."

Leo was expelled from the academy for "conduct unbecoming and bringing disrepute," and all his gallery contracts were terminated.

His life was ruined overnight.