Winona bit her lip, her fingers gripping the frame, turning white. She lifted her head, her voice trembling slightly. “Mr. Paben, I don’t understand your question. Everyone knows the truth. Why are you asking again? I know you’ve had issues with my teacher, but you shouldn’t stir trouble and embarrass him. You’re being excessive.”

Her tactic worked perfectly. Richard shot up, furious, and accused Cole. “That’s enough, Mr. Paben! If you have an issue, take it up with me. What kind of man attacks a student?”

Winona lowered her gaze, concealing her triumph.

Cole’s brow furrowed, unconcerned by Richard’s anger. He maintained his gaze on Winona. “Allow me to inquire again: are you certain Cyanbird gave you this painting?”

Everyone turned to Winona. She silently cursed him. She’d encountered Cole during her Art Association exams. All the judges had passed her except him; his low score prevented her from advancing. Now, he questioned her about this painting.

Could he have discovered something? No, that’s impossible. The underground seller assured me no one would find out. Is Mr. Paben trying to trick me? I need to stay calm… She had no way out. “Yes, Master Cyanbird gifted me this painting years ago in Mysonna. He admired my work and gifted it to me.”

Her firm response made Cole seem unreasonable. Even if he had conflicts with Richard, he shouldn’t attack a young girl. Many spoke up for Winona.

Robert was first. “Mr. Paben, you heard Winona’s answer. All of Seacrity knows Master Cyanbird gave her this painting, and the private seal can’t be faked, can it? Are you bullying the Carter and Chambers families? Winona is engaged to Victor and will be my daughter-in-law; we won’t allow you to slander her!” His words announced Winona and Victor’s engagement.

Zachary frowned. Winona’s engagement no longer concerns me.

Nellie, eyes reddened, also reproached Cole. “Mr. Paben, Winona is a child. How can you question her like this? This is the Chambers family, not the Art Association, and you’re not an invited guest. Leave immediately.”

The crowd became righteous defenders.

“Mr. Paben, leave! It’s wrong to ruin their happy day.”

“Exactly, don’t bully a young girl.”

“Leave… no one wants you…”

In the corner, Yvette opened her eyes, glanced at Jeremiah, then at the noisy platform.

Jeremiah looked down at Yvette, his voice soft and tender. “Did I wake you?”

Simon, Wyatt, and Sienna also turned. Wyatt got goosebumps. “That can’t be the Major General! In front of Yvette, he’s… cute? Oh my…”

Sienna sat beside them. “Yve… you slept soundly. It’s been lively. Some guy, Cole, the Art Association vice president, is questioning Winona about the painting. He seems to think there’s a problem with it.”

Yvette’s eyes, though still slightly lazy, held coldness. She stretched and languidly glanced at Cole. “The painting is fake.”

Sienna exclaimed, “The painting is fake?”

Silence fell. The crowd, focused on criticizing Cole, had forgotten the seated dignitaries. “The painting is fake?” What’s going on? Does Sienna know something?

Cole looked at Yvette, his eyes shining, hands trembling. Everyone was too focused to notice.

Sienna realized her voice had been too loud. But it’s not my fault! The boss said it!

“Sienna, why did you say it’s fake? Do you have evidence? Don’t make such claims.”

“Yeah, you’re accusing Winona because you’re close to Yvette. Did Yvette tell you to do this?”

The crowd turned to Yvette, suspicious. Did Yvette frame Winona?

Winona stepped down, clearly distraught. Tears streamed down her face. “Why are you bullying me? Since you returned, have I upset you? I’ve always made concessions, fearing your anger. I wanted to get along, but you never gave me a chance. This is the most important day of my life, and you used Sienna. You’ve gone too far!”

Her words evoked sympathy, especially from Victor, who rushed to her side, glaring at Yvette.

Yvette, legs crossed, tapped rhythmically with her left hand. Her gaze was calm and deep, a mischievous smirk playing on her stunning features—seductive and untamed.

The crowd was breathless. She’s too beautiful.

Jeremiah handed her orange juice. She took a sip, then, amidst stunned gazes, spoke.