Chapter 402 No Wonder Queenie and Bianca Are Mother and Daughter!
Leia's expression turned unpleasant when she heard Bianca's laughter. '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 glance 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 plate.
His penetrating 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 clawed 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 placed 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 glancing at Bianca disdainfully. Her mockery was evident.
Old Master Crawford's expression instantly sank. He slammed 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.
Monet was one of his favorite impressionist painters, and he had collected several of Monet'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, Monet is not English but French.
Also, he is an impressionist painter and not a realist."
Allison wanted to laugh at Bianca. What would country bumpkins know about art?
Old Master Crawford’s gaze sparkled under his bifocals. "You know art history, young lady? 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 glared 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.
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 accurately and could even tell some of the artists' amusing anecdotes.
Old Master Crawford laughed 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 very late 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 classical 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 placed 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?"