Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 35
She should have at least waited for the contest results before making any moves. Leaving so suddenly without any savings for her independence messed up all her plans.
The world seemed especially harsh on Macy, leaving her feeling suffocated.
“Ah…”
Macy sighed as she sat on a bench in the square, munching on a steamed potato that Hils had given her. Whenever she felt her resolve waning, she thought of Yannick.
The memory of his condescending look, as if mocking her for knowing nothing about the world and doubting what she could achieve, surprisingly fueled her determination.
“I won’t go back.”
Finishing her potato quickly, Macy grabbed her neatly packed paintings and headed to her next destination: the Lois Gallery, known for actively investing in new artists.
“Your style is too similar to Yannick Horton’s…”
But even there, the gallery director mentioned Yannick as soon as he saw her work. Macy, sensing the situation, replied cautiously.
“I’m related to Yannick Horton. I suppose I’ve been influenced by him…”
“Are you saying you’re his sister?”
“Yes…”
“Then why didn’t you come with Yannick Horton? It would’ve made things easier.”
“We had a bit of a falling out…”
“A falling out?”
The director’s expression changed subtly, as if assessing the truth, and he stared intently at Macy. Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, she looked away.
‘Does he know my brother personally? Is he going to contact him?’
As she worried needlessly, the director spoke again.
“What did you say your name was?”
“Macy Horton.”
“And your age?”
“I just recently came of age.”
“I see.”
Was age a problem? She had heard that even young artists were accepted if their skills were good enough.
“Follow me for a moment.”
“Sorry?”
“I want to discuss this further in my office.”
“Oh, okay!”
Surprised by the unexpected turn of events, Macy followed him down a corridor lined with paintings until they reached his office.
The office had a desk, a sofa for guests, and a table. The director laid out more of Macy’s paintings on the table and examined them more closely. His gaze was sharp and discerning.
“How does 70-30 sound?”
“What do you mean?”
“The commission split if your paintings sell. The gallery takes 70%, you get 30%.”
“Really? You’re going to display my paintings in the gallery?”
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
“No! It’s great! Thank you so much!”
Macy bowed deeply.
The commission split wasn’t ideal, but she had to accept it as a newcomer. Having her paintings displayed in a gallery was more about gaining recognition than making money. Building the name ‘Macy Horton’ was crucial for future opportunities.
‘I thought I’d have to search longer, but I got lucky!’
This was Macy’s first contract, and she was thrilled. Her cheeks flushed with excitement, and her heart pounded with a sense of accomplishment.
The director prepared the contract and gave a brief overview of the gallery.
“Our gallery showcases a lot of young, promising artists. You know Roycius Fiddle, right? I discovered that.”
“Really? You have a great eye for talent!”
“That’s right. People say Yannick Horton has overcome his slump, but I disagree. His work lacks passion now.”
“…”
“His depictions are half-hearted. In my opinion, he’s past his prime.”
It was understandable. Macy had deliberately done a poor job on the paintings she gave to Yannick after her recovery. Yannick couldn’t tell the difference as long as the basics were there, and buyers were more interested in his name than the quality.
But the director saw through it.
“The art world stagnates when you only focus on your own work. Your paintings, while similar to Yannick Horton’s, show a refined touch. You’ve taken his unique brush strokes and added more detail. I hope we can build a good relationship from here.”
“Thank you so much, Director. I’m really grateful for this opportunity.”
Macy nodded and bowed repeatedly. She felt genuinely appreciated for the first time by a professional. Her face lit up with newfound hope.
“But have you left home? You don’t look well.”
“I did wash this morning…”
Macy felt embarrassed about her appearance.
“Not dirty, just a bit pale. I noticed your walk seemed a bit off too.”
“Oh, I still have a slight limp.”
“Ah, I heard Yannick Horton’s sister had a name manifestation at birth. It looks like you’ve received some treatment if you’re walking now?”
“Yes.”
The director seemed to know a lot about Yannick’s family.
