Chapter 51

The studio had that familiar mix of paint and turpentine in the air, with sunlight pouring through the big windows, casting warm spots on the floor.

Samuel carefully set the painting on the easel and took a few steps back, quietly studying it.

Victoria stood off to the side, nervously fidgeting with her hands, waiting for his feedback.

Samuel looked more serious than ever.

His profile was striking, with a high nose bridge and sharp, focused eyes.

After what felt like forever, he finally turned to look at Victoria.

Victoria nervously licked her lips, holding her breath, waiting for his thoughts.

"Not bad." He broke the silence, noticing her hands shaking with anxiety, and finally smiled, giving a simple nod of approval.

Victoria's eyes widened in surprise.

"Really?" she asked, her face lighting up.

"Really," Samuel said, a smile tugging at his lips. "It's definitely good enough for the competition, though there's always room for improvement."

Victoria let out a huge sigh of relief, collapsing into a chair like a deflated balloon.

Samuel chuckled at her reaction and continued, "You've captured the white deer beautifully. The hurt and confusion in its eyes are really striking."

He walked up to the painting, pointing out details on the white deer. "The texture of the feathers here and the layering of the forest in the background are really well done."

Hearing Samuel's praise, Victoria felt a rush of joy, but she knew there was still a lot to learn.

She stepped closer to her work and asked, "Professor Brown, what do you think I should work on?"

Samuel thought for a moment, then said, "From a composition standpoint, you could adjust the position and size of the white deer to make it stand out more. Also, enhancing the color contrast would make the painting more impactful."

Victoria listened carefully, marking the changes with a pencil on the paper.

Samuel stood beside her, offering tips now and then. When Victoria misunderstood something, he gently corrected her, his hand briefly covering hers.

Victoria's heart raced as she felt his long fingers around her hand.

They were so close their breaths mingled.

Victoria suddenly felt a strange sensation and instinctively pulled back.

But Samuel's grip tightened, his gaze intense as if he wanted to melt her defenses.

Victoria awkwardly tugged at the corners of her mouth and tentatively asked, "Professor Brown, you..."

"Call me Samuel," he said hoarsely, "That title is too formal."

Victoria's cheeks turned red at his words, and she stammered, "Samuel."

Samuel looked at her gently, smiling. "Good girl."

They had spent a lot of time together, but never like this. Victoria's heart was pounding, and she didn't dare get too close to Samuel, afraid she'd lose her cool.

"I-I'll go get the drawing board," Victoria said quickly, then hurried to her desk.

Samuel watched her retreat, unable to hide his smile.

After going over some more details, it was time for lunch, and Victoria offered to treat.

Victoria was just about to call him Professor Brown, then quickly corrected herself, "Samuel, I just got paid. Let me treat you to a meal."

Samuel had helped her so much, and she hadn't had a chance to thank him properly.

She had just been promoted at Starry Studio Gallery, and her performance this month was good, earning her a couple of thousand dollars.

Although it was nothing compared to Samuel's income, it was a token of her appreciation.

Hearing this, Samuel readily agreed, "Sure, I won't refuse."

Victoria smiled and said, "I know a nearby restaurant that's pretty good. Let's go try it!"

"Okay." Samuel nodded.

After tidying up, they left.

Samuel found a parking spot, and they took the elevator to the top floor.

The restaurant manager saw Victoria and warmly greeted her, "Ms. Carter, it's been a while. What brings you here today?"

Victoria used to be a regular at this restaurant, often coming here for their Escargot, which Alvin frequently brought her to enjoy.

She was beautiful and polite, so the manager naturally remembered her.

"I'm here for lunch with a friend," Victoria said with a smile.

The manager nodded with a smile and led them into the restaurant.

The restaurant was simply and cleanly decorated, with several famous paintings on the walls.

Samuel glanced around, his gaze finally settling on a table by the window.

"Ms. Carter, this way please," the manager said, leading them to the window seat.

Samuel pulled out a chair for Victoria with a gentlemanly gesture. She thanked him before taking her seat.

The waiter brought the menu, and Victoria handed it to Samuel. "Samuel, order whatever you like. Don't be formal."

Samuel smiled and replied, "Alright, I won't hold back then."

He then ordered a few signature dishes, including the Escargot that Victoria had mentioned.

When the dishes were served, Victoria raised her juice glass and smiled at Samuel. "Samuel, thank you..."

Before she could finish, Samuel placed his hand on her glass and shook his head. "If you keep thanking me like this, I'll get angry." His tone was so serious that Victoria was momentarily stunned.

A weary sigh escaped Samuel's lips as he watched her. "Victoria," he said, the helplessness evident in his voice, "you know my feelings. Why do you insist on keeping your distance?"

His words struck a chord deep within Victoria, and she lowered her eyelashes to hide the turmoil in her heart.

She said, "I'm sorry."

Disappointment flashed in Samuel's eyes, but he forced a smile and said lightly, "There's no need for apologies between us."

With that, he placed Victoria's favorite Escargot on her plate.

Victoria looked down at the glistening Escargot, her nose tingling with emotion. She tried to suppress her feelings and looked up at Samuel with a bright smile.

A gentle smile touched Samuel's lips, and his eyes softened with warmth.

He thought, 'She's still young and shy, no rush!'

Noticing some sauce on the corner of Victoria's mouth, Samuel gently took a few napkins and wiped it away.

His actions were natural and smooth, without any awkwardness.

This tender moment was all witnessed by William, who had just walked in.