Araceli POV
Raphael said slowly, "Wait, Ms. Chancey. I'm going to call Micah right now and have him apologize to you personally."
I sat back against my chair and wrapped my arms around my chest.
I was interested in Micah, too.
I leaned back in my chair and waited, only to see Raphael frown and then hung up the phone in annoyance.
I laughed, "He refused to apologize, didn't he?"
Raphael's face was cold.
"Micah is a genius. He has his own world, refuses to accept it, and doesn't give in to anyone easily."
I continued to say slowly, "Micah and Krish are different. Krish is more sensitive. Mr. Lancaster, I suggest you talk to Micah more often in the future."
Raphael narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at me with a provocative look.
"I will bring him to apologize to you in person."
With those words, Raphael took the papers on the table and left.
I shrugged indifferently.
The truth was, I didn't blame Micah, but I still wanted him to take responsibility for what he did wrong.
...
After work, I went to daycare to pick up Krish and Valeria.
After that, I took them to a restaurant.
I had arranged to meet with Rhett last time, but it was postponed to today because of Essel's car accident. I had to finalize this before Rhett left.
We took the elevator upstairs and walked into the restaurant.
Ornate crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, emitting a soft glow that illuminated the entire restaurant. My eyes were instantly drawn to a row of huge floor-to-ceiling windows.
The décor of the restaurant was modern and luxurious. The spacious dining area was covered by carefully selected quality marble flooring, each slab exuding a noble luster. The tables were covered with silk-textured napkins and topped with silver flatware and fine ceramic cup.
Led by the waiter, we walked towards a private room.
An old voice came.
"Come in."
I pushed the door open and walked in, leading my children.
"Araceli, it's been a long time since I've seen you. You're prettier than ever."
Rhett was an old man in his seventies. His hair had turned gray, but he had been in good health.
He came over to me with a big smile on his face and was about to give me a big hug when a figure stepped between him and me.
He stared at Krish for a few seconds and suddenly burst out laughing, "My goodness. It's your son, Krish, right? I thought you were lying to me before. So you really have kids! This must be Valeria, right? Araceli, they're really cute."
I laughed, "Mr. Elford, honestly, if I didn't have to take care of my two kids, how could I have turned you down? You know how much I love to paint."
Three years ago, I had to take care of Krish and Valeria and earn money at the same time. I was so busy every day that I simply didn't have time to paint and design. So, I rejected Rhett very firmly and decisively, but Rhett always came to persuade me again and again.
It was the first time I saw Rhett after five years.
"Since you are willing to meet me this time, have you figured it out?" Rhett sat down on the sofa. "If you want to continue learning to paint, I think they will understand."
Krish replied in fluent French, "I respect all my mother's decisions."
"That's a good boy. Your French is very good. Araceli, your son is very smart."
Rhett was joyful.
I smiled, "Thank you. But today, Mr. Elford, I would prefer to introduce my daughter to you."
I take Valeria's hand and say softly, "My daughter has some communication difficulties and may be a little rude. I hope you don't mind."
Rhett looked at Valeria with surprise and affection in his eyes.
For once, Valeria didn't resist, let go of my hand and walked to Rhett's face.
"Mr. Elford, actually, I would like to recommend my daughter to you as your student. Her name is Valeria Chancey."
I said with a smile.
Hearing this, Rhett was startled for a moment.
"Araceli, I only want to take you as a student. Even if it was your daughter, I wouldn't..."
"No, Mr. Elford. I believe you will take my daughter as a student. She is more talented in painting than I am."
I continued, "Mr. Elford, I brought some of Valeria's paintings. I would really like you to look at them before you make a decision."
Rhett looked at me seriously.
After a while, Rhett finally nodded, looked tenderly at Valeria, and said, "Don't be nervous, Vallie."
I took a file folder out of my bag.
Rhett took it, looked at the painting inside, and suddenly his eyes widened.
Shaking hands, he said, "Holy sugar..."
In these paintings, brilliant colors intertwined to create a mesmerizing visual effect.
In the upper left corner of the painting, Valeria had outlined an azure sky with quick, short strokes. The clouds in the sky took on soft curves, as if they were gently dancing. Through the gaps in the clouds, occasional rays of sunlight shone through, adding bright energy to the entire image.
Below, Valeria used a series of colorful dots and short lines to outline a lush forest. The leaves were colorful, ranging from dark to light green, as if they were a feast of spring colors. The woods were dotted with delicate flowers that bloom in a variety of colors and shapes, infusing the painting with life and beauty.
A sense of flow pervaded the entire picture, without strict contours or definitions. Valeria expressed her emotions and perceptions with quick, free brushstrokes. Her painting skills and imagination transcended the limits of her age and were awe-inspiring.
Rhett took a slight deep breath, lowered his voice, and said in French, "Valeria, you are a genius..."
Valeria blinked, not understanding Rhett's words at all.
She walked over to my side and took my hand.
When I saw the look on Rhett's face, I knew that I was right.
Valeria had inherited my talent for drawing perfectly, even more so than I had.
"Araceli, can I take these paintings back to France and study them?"
Rhett approached me, and his eyes lit up.
Valeria hid behind me in a hurry.
Krish glared at Rhett warily and stepped in front of Valeria.
Rhett saw that Valeria was frightened, touched his forehead, stepped back, and said apologetically, "I'm sorry. Araceli, I'm willing to take Valeria as a student. Or rather, I would like to learn painting with Valeria from each other in the future."
I smiled politely, "Rhett, Valeria is better than me. Am I right?"
I squatted down, looked at Valeria, and said seriously, "Vallie, from now on, Mr. Rhett Elford is your teacher. He will guide you and teach you how to use your drawing talent. You have to respect him, remember?"
Valeria nodded, looked at Rhett and gave him a hug.
Rhett smiled gratefully.