Bonnie noticed Orson’s thoughtful expression and knew what was bugging him. She advised, “Don’t overthink it. I’ll still show you some pointers, even though I can’t accept you as my apprentice. Technically, it’s the same deal without the title.”
Orson agreed, thinking, ‘It’s crucial to keep all the benefits within the family. It doesn’t matter who gets to be Bonnie’s apprentice as long as it’s me or Kay. Also, Bonnie promised to teach me the art of painting. ‘I was worried about going home empty-handed just now, but what I ended up with trumps that.’ Orson slowly came to terms with what had transpired. Finally, his smile returned.
“You’re right, Master Bonnie. It was all my fault. I should’ve known to see things from another perspective.”
“It’s okay. What matters is that you see it now.” Bonnie checked the time and said, “It’s getting late. Care to join me for dinner?”
Orson nodded. “Of course! It just so happens I have a few questions about painting. We can discuss it over dinner.”
“Fine by me,” Bonnie replied, leaving the private room with him.
Meanwhile, Harold and the other two Shepards continued to look for Kieran but still failed. Trina’s brows furrowed as she said, “It’s been forever now. Where’s Master Kieran? Did the manager get the wrong information?”
Harold looked at Bailey, who was still sitting at the reception desk. The latter was sweating as he looked around, nervous and distressed.
Harold remarked, “Just look at how nervous the manager is. Do you think he’s mistaken? Good things come to those who wait, so let’s wait.”
Yolanda nodded. “You’re right. We must meet Master Kieran today. If she graces us with one of her paintings, our family’s status will soar in the high society circle. If that happens, one of the head honchos may want to collaborate with us.”
Since the older couple said so, Trina thought she should zip it. “Okay, I’ll do as you say, Grandma and Grandpa.”
Yolanda looked at her gratefully. “You’re the best grandchild anyone could have.”
A moment later, the older woman saw something out of the corner of her eyes, and her heart dropped.
“What’s wrong, Grandma?” Trina was bewildered. Then, she followed her grandmother’s gaze and looked at the hallway. Trina couldn’t explain it, but a deep sense of fear rose within her chest when she saw Bonnie.
Trina said, “That explains why Bonnie’s here. It turns out Master Orson’s here, too.”
‘I’ve learned not to mess with Bonnie the hard way. If I want to stay in Pyralis, I better stay out of her way.’
Yolanda recalled people looking at her and her husband mockingly at Orson’s art exhibition. Rage and resentment overwhelmed the older woman at that moment.
Yolanda sneered and said, “Look how smug Bonnie is next to Master Orson. It’s like she’s trying to show everyone they’re friends. I know Bonnie well enough to say she’s doing this on purpose. She knows we’re here and invited Master Orson to dinner to rub it in our faces!”
The more she spoke, the more irritated she became. “That’s it! I can’t stand her snobby look. I’m going over to teach her a lesson.”
