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Novel Catalog
Chapter_19
Whitney’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing. The jewelry contest was her chance to turn everything around—reclaiming Skye Gem and taking down Monica and her allies once and for all. If Mr. Lippert was a judge and had a soft spot for landscape paintings, then this could be the perfect opportunity to outmaneuver them.
“That’s interesting,” Whitney said, her tone thoughtful. “Monica and Simon are trying to use charity auctions to get in his good graces. It sounds like they think they can buy his favor, but they don’t know what they’re up against.”
Tiana nodded eagerly. “Exactly! If you create a piece that appeals to his taste for landscape paintings, we can steal his attention from under their noses. I’ll help you gather all the info you need on Mr. Lippert, but you’ll need something special for this.”
Whitney’s lips curled into a determined smile. “I already have something in mind. If they think they can outbid me with their charity auctions, they’ll be in for a surprise.”
Tiana raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you have planned?”
Whitney’s eyes glinted with a quiet confidence. “I’ve been working on a piece that combines everything Mr. Lippert loves. A landscape painting, yes, but also with a unique twist—a combination of gemstones and art that will blow everyone else out of the water. It’s the perfect way to show off Skye Gem’s potential while hitting them where it hurts.”
Tiana grinned. “I knew you had something up your sleeve. Let’s make sure it’s ready in time for the contest. This is your moment, Whitney.”
Whitney nodded, a quiet fire burning in her chest. The Valentine family had made their move, and now it was her turn to counter. With this contest, she could reclaim everything she had lost and more. Monica and Simon would regret underestimating her. As for Mr. Lippert—he wouldn’t know what hit him.
For the next few days, Whitney focused entirely on preparing for the contest. She worked tirelessly on her piece, pouring her heart and soul into every stroke and setting the gemstones in a way that felt both natural and awe-inspiring. It was a balance of elegance and power, the kind of masterpiece that would leave a lasting impression.
Meanwhile, Tiana kept Whitney informed on every move that Monica and Simon made. They were pulling all the stops, attending high-profile auctions and events, trying to make connections with anyone who could help them. But they hadn’t counted on Whitney’s ability to outshine them at their own game.
The day of the contest finally arrived. Whitney entered the venue with a quiet sense of purpose. The pressure was high, but she knew she was ready. As she stood before the judges, including Mr. Lippert, she could feel the eyes of the room on her.
Monica and Simon were already seated, their expressions smug as they tried to hide their anxiety. But Whitney wasn’t fazed. She knew they couldn’t match her dedication, her vision, or the intricacy of the work she had crafted.
As the judges examined her piece, she caught a glimpse of Mr. Lippert’s eyes softening, clearly intrigued by the way the gemstones caught the light, creating a landscape that seemed to move with every shift. It was more than just a piece of art—it was a story, a world captured in a moment.
When the time came for the final deliberation, Whitney stood still, waiting. She could feel the shift in the room, the sense that something big was about to happen.
And then, Mr. Lippert spoke.
“I’ve seen many works in my time, but this one…” He paused, his gaze fixed on Whitney’s piece. “This is a masterpiece. The combination of art and gems—it’s brilliant. It tells a story I can feel, and I believe it embodies the spirit of the competition.”
Whitney felt a surge of triumph. This was it. She had won.
Monica and Simon’s faces twisted in disbelief as they realized their attempts to manipulate the contest had failed. But Whitney didn’t have time to relish their defeat. Her eyes were already on the bigger picture—the future she was about to carve out for herself.
With the win in her hands and Skye Gem secured, she knew the game had just changed. The Valentine family, Monica, and Simon—they were all about to learn just how far she was willing to go to take back what was hers.
