I totally get where you're coming from, and that makes a lot of sense to me. I suppose this is one of those things that'd be worth re-examining if I were to ever to a second draft of this story.
I just want to be clear that I like the chapters as you wrote them and think they make sense that way. I was just sharing random thoughts that came to me while reading, not trying to suggest that you change anything if you were ever to rewrite. <3
I totally see how a moderately gifted artist who prides herself on her art, and has a lot of insecurities, could react negatively to and be hurt/feel attacked by a classmate who gives mean critiques. I think Evie's actions during the dinner also make a ton of sense. I just think she's kind of compliant too (but less so than her mother). I can't see her confronting the men at dinner even in a polite way because of the real and negative consequences that might have for her.