The Killer Queen ( Noella Briony ) novel Chapter 140

Master Killian stood with an air of pride beside Noella.

Glancing behind him at the exhibition hall, he took in the artistic atmosphere. A symphony of colors and strokes had turned the modest space into something out of a Renaissance dream, with a luminous full moon hanging high above the carefully curated exhibits. Clearly, this was Noella's handiwork. She had indeed surpassed the teacher.

He couldn't fathom why these upstarts thought they could get the better of the talents he and the other old guys had painstakingly nurtured.

"Kiddo, don't let them walk all over you," he said, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. "It's just an art exhibition, and not everyone deserves an invite."

His gaze shifted to Walden, who stood there, stupefied.

The Gruber family had thrown a fortune at the chance to have Master Killian grace their gallery. They had sent out invitations like confetti, but to no avail—they hadn't garnered a single response.

Walden approached hastily. "Master Killian, our gallery would be honored to host you as our premier artist. We've sent numerous invitations, but we've heard nothing back. We truly seek your presence!"

If Killian agreed, the Gruber Family’s gallery would make its mark on Imperial City and ascend to new heights.

Killian regarded Walden with a look that bordered on disdain. "Who are you, again?"

Walden's cheeks flushed a shade of crimson. In front of the press and the public, Master Killian had snubbed him. If word got back to his family, the other Grubers would never let him live it down. As a bastard son, he had to excel in his work to secure a foothold in the family.

"Master Killian, I am Walden of the Gruber family. Our gallery in Imperial City is about to open, and we'd be privileged to have you."

Master Killian gave Walden a look that could only be described as 'are you serious?'

"Why would I forsake my apprentice's gallery for yours? Is it you who's lost his senses, or am I just too brilliant?"

Walden struggled to maintain his composure.

"Girl, a gallery isn't complete without artwork. Bring me my tools!" Master Killian extended his hand, and Noella stepped forward to roll up his sleeves. He was about to create a masterpiece—right there and then!

The Schnabel family and the media were agog with surprise.

Sienna nudged Tristan, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Honey, can you believe Noella is Master Killian's apprentice? Our little girl is a protégé of a painting legend. How did she manage that?"

Tristan, although clueless about when Noella became acquainted with Master Killian, puffed out his chest with pride. "Our daughter is exceptional!"

He leaned toward Marcel, whispering, "Dad, did you introduce Noella to Master Killian?"

Marcel looked baffled. "I don't even know the man, let alone introduce her."

He wondered if perhaps Palmer had arranged the meeting. It wasn't beyond the realm of possibility—given the Pollack family's clout, they could have sought Master Killian's support for Noella in advance.

Master Killian rarely painted in public anymore, and never with an apprentice. The media present were in a frenzy.

Who would dare call Ms. Schnabel's gallery a joke now? With Killian's arrival, the Grubers were the real laughingstock!

As Master Killian prepared to paint, Walden frowned. "Master Killian, isn't painting before the media a desecration of art?"

Master Killian put down his brush and looked at Noella. "Who is this guy? Annoying, isn't he? Can we hit him?"

Yes, but not in front of these people.

Noella glanced at the persistent Walden and summoned security.