Travis’s words ignited a frenzy. All eyes turned to Yvette, who sat with a faint, mischievous smile playing on her lips. A haughty, casual air surrounded her. The stunned silence was palpable.

“Looks like you’ve been quite idle lately,” Yvette said softly, nodding slightly at Travis in the video.

Sienna felt a pang of sympathy for Travis, musing, The boss really knows how to keep secrets. Turns out she’s a mysterious, internationally recognized genius artist. Another identity for the boss. As her employee, I’m feeling a lot of pressure.

Travis cringed under Yvette’s gaze, the years of her dominance flooding back. It had been miserable. With a sycophantic smile, he stammered, “No, no… I’m not idle at all. T-the phone signal isn’t… great.” He ended the call.

On the beach of Mysonna’s west coast, a sly grin spread across Travis’s face. He considered it a clever exit.

Back in the garden, the silence was suffocating. Then, someone spoke. “If Travis says Yvette is Cyanbird, doesn’t that mean Winona’s painting is fake? What could she possibly want? Why lie? It’s just too embarrassing.”

“Isn’t it obvious? This painting earned her a chance to become Richard’s last student.”

“Exactly. We’ve all been fooled. Yvette is the genius painter, Cyanbird.”

“But the apprenticeship ceremony is over, and the engagement has been announced…”

Winona’s head remained bowed, her hands clenched tight. Speechless, she was overwhelmed. Travis's confirmation had shattered her world. She dared not meet the curious gazes, unable to believe the woman she'd admired was Yvette. If Yvette had revealed her identity from the start, she thought, none of this would have happened. It was all Yvette’s fault. She was deliberately trying to make a fool of me; I want her to pay.

Her obsession festered. “My mom promised to deal with Yvette. But why hasn’t she taken action yet? What on earth is she doing?” Winona didn't know Yvette's words had terrified Nellie. She wondered if Yvette had discovered something.

Robert, who had just announced Victor and Winona’s engagement, felt deep regret. Everything was ruined. The Carter family was the laughingstock, Winona’s lies a permanent stain. The irony—a liar marrying into the Carters—was unbearable.

Yulia stared blankly at Yvette, who reminded her of a remarkable woman from over twenty years ago—even more outstanding than her mother. Would things have been different, she wondered, if I hadn’t listened to Robert, broken off the engagement, and humiliated Yvette with that check? There was no turning back. Only now did she understand Yvette's disdain for the check. As Cyanbird, Yvette wouldn't care about that sum; she could sell a painting for over thirty million dollars. Yulia mocked herself. It was too late.

Richard stood beside Winona, his expression shifting. The entire ceremony was a disaster. He’d hoped Winona’s painting would quell opposition within the Art Association, but it had backfired spectacularly. Had he known Yvette's identity, he never would have treated her so poorly. Now, he’d abandon Winona to save himself.

A calculating glint flashed in Richard’s eyes as he glanced at Winona. Her favor meant nothing compared to his reputation. Her reputation in the domestic art industry would be destroyed if today’s events became public. She was no longer worth his time or effort.

Sighing, Richard looked down at the silent Winona. “Winona, you’ve betrayed my trust with this colossal lie. Although I accepted you as my student, you haven’t officially joined the Art Association. With these witnesses, I declare the apprenticeship ceremony nullified. I cut all ties with Winona Chambers. We are no longer connected.”

Winona staggered, her eyes bloodshot, a fierce glint in them. Victor wanted to help, but hesitated, stepping aside.

Richard left with his cane, not glancing back. He walked swiftly, disappearing quickly.

Everyone was stunned by his abrupt action. His words were final.

Nellie finally registered the gravity of the situation. She never expected the Art Association director to be so unscrupulous, abandoning Winona after the ceremony. She glared resentfully at Yvette, who chatted casually, appearing indifferent. It’s all this wretched woman’s fault, Nellie thought. How could she be Cyanbird? But she knew she couldn't deny the truth, a cruel reality for her, Winona, and others. She was somewhat relieved she'd agreed to announce Victor and Winona's marriage. Without a painting career, the Carter marriage offered a path for Zeke's future.

Robert gritted his teeth. He couldn't accept this marriage either. Claude would kill me he thought, if he knew I’d chosen Winona for Victor. His reputation mattered little now. “Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, thank you for your hospitality. We must leave. Our housekeeper says my father is waiting at home. We’ll visit again.”

Nellie’s eyes widened in fury. What does he mean?

The guests understood. Richard’s words made it clear: the Carters were distancing themselves from the Chambers, the marriage annulled.

Nellie tugged anxiously at Zachary’s sleeve. “Honey, say something! The Carters clearly want to cancel…”

Zachary raised his head, his gaze cold. He looked at the anxious Nellie, then at the guests, finally at Robert. His voice was frigid. “Oh, the engagement was your and Nellie’s decision. Whether it stands is up to you. I don’t care.”

Nellie was stunned, speechless, her face pale. Zachary’s words finally broke Winona. She trembled, biting her lip, her eyes cold. Why does my father treat me this way? Why doesn’t he care? I’m his daughter. Why is he so ruthless?