Chapter 4

"Painting?"

Adrian murmured softly.

After a moment of silence, he looked at me, his expression full of meaning.

"When I said I liked painting back then, I was just making conversation. I can't believe you took it seriously."

"Whatever. For old times' sake, I can give you a respectable job."

Hearing this, I froze.

The next second, I realized Adrian must have misunderstood.

He definitely thought I chose painting because of him.

But that wasn't the case at all.

When I was reborn, I discovered that all my savings had already been spent on exhibition tickets and painting supplies.

To avoid wasting them, I could only look at the exhibitions and paint myself.

As I painted more and more, I fell in love with this art form.

Over these years, my paintings had gained some recognition in the country.

Even abroad, I was occasionally invited to bring my works to exhibitions.

Therefore, my current income was much higher than Adrian's CEO salary.

However, I didn't plan to tell him this.

After all, Adrian had never chosen to believe in me.

And besides...

I looked down at myself.

This athletic wear I was wearing did look rather dirty.

But there was nothing I could do-I had come straight to this banquet hall right after getting off my flight.

I hadn't had time to change out of the clothes I'd worn while gathering inspiration in the mountains abroad.

But what did it matter?

I looked at Adrian with complete detachment.

"I really love my work. I'll keep painting. No need to concern yourself."

Hearing this, Adrian's face instantly darkened.

"Vanessa, must you be so ungrateful?"

"Forget it, Adrian. It's not worth getting angry at this kind of woman. Let's just ignore her." Bella tried to persuade him.

Just then, the server from earlier suddenly changed expression, pointing at me furiously.

"You thief!"

"Did you steal this athletic wear from another guest?"

"Impossible. I bought it myself." I frowned slightly.

"You're lying. I recognize this brand. They only do custom orders!"

"A pauper like you probably can't even afford one of their buttons!"

Hearing this, Adrian looked at me with even more disgust.

"Vanessa, how did you end up like this!"

"Exactly. Just now she said she had a job and didn't need help. Turns out her job is being a thief!" Bella's eyes were full of disdain.

"You have hands and feet. How can you do such sneaky things!"

Feeling everyone's pointing and whispering around me, my expression turned cold!

These people really would say anything to curry favor with Adrian.

I instantly lost all patience.

"I told you, these are my clothes!"

"If you don't believe me, feel free to call the police!"

"Otherwise, I'll sue you for slander!"

Hearing this, the server's eyes flashed with guilt.

"Why are you getting so worked up!"

"If not for worrying about disturbing Mr. Hudson's homecoming banquet because of a lowlife like you, I definitely wouldn't let you off!"

"Speaking of which, it's strange. Why hasn't Mr. Hudson shown up yet?" Someone in the crowd raised the question.

"A big shot like Mr. Hudson should appear at the most important moment of the banquet." Adrian said confidently.

"I heard Mr. Hudson came back with his wife and child this time!"

"Really? Which lucky girl ended up with Mr. Hudson?"

"A man like Hudson moves in a completely different circle. We can only dream."

Amid the chatter, Bella's face lit up with an excited smile.

"Adrian, can you invite Mr. Hudson to our wedding? Wouldn't that be incredible?"

"I'll try my best!" Adrian smiled confidently.

No sooner had he spoken than the banquet coordinator approached, his expression grave, a dozen black-suited bodyguards flanking him.