Chapter 125

Marvin examined Emma’s painting intently. “Emma’s work displays the style of Mondrian, a pioneer of geometric abstract art! Those unfamiliar with it might initially see only scribbles. But each color block and stroke symbolizes the artist's abstract understanding of the world! Not everyone can grasp such a masterpiece, let alone create it!”

After speaking, Marvin decisively placed his vote into Emma's ballot box. He added, “To bury such genius would disgrace the art world!”

Marvin, the day's most celebrated painter, was highly sought after by those attending the exhibition. His endorsement instantly swayed the crowd.

“Mr. Sowle’s explanation makes it clear,” one person commented.

“Those colored blocks are like dancing flames!” exclaimed another.

“This painting is superb! My favorite, actually!” a third added.

Whether their understanding was genuine or feigned mattered little; they followed Marvin's lead. Votes initially cast for other paintings were swiftly transferred to Emma's box. Works that had enjoyed high support quickly lost their advantage.

Pierce and the other students' faces fell. They watched helplessly as Emma secured the votes they had striven for, their disappointment palpable.

Soon, Emma's ballot box overflowed, with extra votes placed on the table beside it. In contrast, the other boxes remained nearly empty, a stark contrast. The voters may not have known which painting was truly superior, but they knew to follow Marvin's judgment.

Marvin, however, paid them no mind, his focus solely on Emma. "Little girl," he asked, "tell me, who are you?"

While Marsh might believe Emma's claims, Marvin's keen eye saw her true skill. He wouldn't believe she was just an ordinary art student. Knowing she couldn't conceal her identity, and unwilling to deceive him, Emma whispered, “Mr. Sowle, you must keep this a secret!”

"Of course! Absolutely!" The art giant seemed a childlike figure, eager to learn the truth.

Emma giggled. She wrote a word on Marvin's palm.

Marvin's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're really...?"

"Mr. Sowle, shush!" Emma cautioned.

"Okay, okay..." Marvin could barely contain his excitement. He had dedicated his life to painting and long admired Ava. Meeting her was a dream come true.

Ultimately, Emma won first place in the art competition, altering the summer camp rankings. She and Bob tied for first, their scores far surpassing everyone else's. The final outstanding camper spots were thus decided.

However, a significant test remained before the award ceremony. The camp offered no details about this test, merely instructing everyone to rest and prepare for the challenge.

Over the next few days, Liam took Emma aside.

"I think I know who attacked you," he said.

"Who?" Emma asked, anxiously.

Her summer camp videos had gone viral. Clips of her water ball performance, rock climbing, and mind-reading feats, though her face was obscured, clearly identified her to those who knew her. Coupled with Marvin’s public praise, she was now in the limelight. Her assailant was undoubtedly watching her closely.

That night, at the Icovine Estate, Liam outlined his plan.

"We'll cooperate, play along tomorrow, and lure the assassin out," he explained. "I'll have someone protect you, then we'll apprehend them."

Emma agreed; it was the only way to force their hand.

The next day, Emma announced a short leave from camp. Normally, Leroy's presence at the camp made an attack difficult. Her absence presented the perfect opportunity.

The camp holiday lasted three days. Emma needed to eliminate her would-be assassin within that timeframe. Two days passed without incident. Just as the plan seemed to be failing, the attacker finally acted.

On the third night, Emma received a text message containing heavily pixelated photos. She easily recognized herself; the images depicted her anesthetized and disheveled, leaving much to the imagination.

The message read: [Tonight, come alone to 8 Cloud Road. Otherwise, I’ll send these photos to Liam!]

Emma gripped her phone, unable to bear looking at the images. A chill ran down her spine, yet after a moment, a contemptuous smile touched her lips.

She realized the attacker's skill – they had obtained photos from her overseas training, knowing her deep connection to Liam. What they didn't know was that Aria Wilson had already shown these photos to Liam. He hadn't been angry, only concerned. He had even removed them from the internet. The attacker had somehow obtained a copy, hoping to use them to lure her to her death.

A minute later, Emma replied: [Just you wait!]

She was going to uncover their identity.