Chapter 69

The high-definition, unedited video clearly showed every word enunciated. The design director personally confirmed that Chapane had never sold the dress to Elsie. The sound of discussion instantly erupted into an uproar, reporters' cameras flashing. Elsie's face flushed; the situation became acutely awkward. A wealthy woman, usually friendly with Elsie, was the first to speak, “It’s just a gown. Does authenticity truly matter?” Another chimed in, “Exactly! As long as it looks good, why be so inflexible?”

Several people defended Elsie, and the emcee quickly intervened. “Mrs. Hall may be an unwitting victim, but this doesn't derail our gala,” he announced. “Let’s have Mrs. Hall change and continue.”

Elsie hastily fled the stage. Backstage, trembling with anger, she hissed, “That Sean! How dare he oppose me publicly!”

Her stylist offered a calming suggestion, “Mrs. Hall, regaining composure is paramount. We still have our trump card. Showcase your donation; everyone will see your generosity.”

Elsie steeled herself. ‘I won’t give up. I’ll turn this around!’ she thought. Gritting her teeth, she declared, “You’re right! We still have Theo Golden’s treasure.”

Theo Golden, a globally renowned artist, created ceramic artworks worth over $200 million, highly coveted by the world's elite. Elsie, leveraging Simon's influence, had secured Theo's authorization for a donation. This would undoubtedly catapult her to fame.

“Have the delivery people arrived?” she asked through gritted teeth.

“Yes, they're at the door,” the stylist replied.

Elsie sneered. “Good. Let's go onstage.”

She greeted the artwork's deliverers—several of Theo's protégés—who carried a high-grade rosewood box containing her carefully prepared "trump card."

After changing, Elsie returned to the stage with them. Someone noticed their vintage gray-green jackets. Whispers spread, “Those are Theo Golden's jackets! Elsie's donating his work? How did she get so wealthy?”

Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd. The women thought, "A $200 million donation was impressive. Elsie, as host, is donating a single Theo Golden artwork worth that much! She's donating $200 million alone!!"

Admiring murmurs filled the room, soothing Elsie's wounded vanity. Regaining her composure, she cheerfully announced, “Despite a minor setback, I'm thrilled to share this priceless treasure: 'Serenity,' a signature Theo Golden piece.”

Gasps of, “'Serenity'!” and “His finest work!” echoed through the hall. “Elsie is truly remarkable!”

The audience was ecstatic. 'Serenity,' Theo's most prized and expensive porcelain vase, was legendary. Speculation had surrounded its owner; now, Elsie possessed it, authenticated by Theo's protégés.

'Serenity' instantly overshadowed the gown incident, leaving only awe and admiration for Elsie. However, hidden resentment burned within her. She glared at the man who'd exposed her, a sinister glint in her eyes.

“While I lost the Chapane gown, I'll donate 'Serenity' to the auction,” she announced. “Mr. Rivera, what will you donate?”

Elsie anticipated Sean’s donation would pale in comparison. 'I've donated $200 million! What could be more valuable than Theo’s "Serenity"? Sean is making a fool of himself!' she thought.

The tide had turned. Touched by Elsie's generosity, the audience felt Sean had been overly aggressive. Reporters turned their cameras on him. His agent panicked, “She's the mistress of the Hall family! Why provoke her?”

Sean scoffed, “So what? She’ll lose that status soon.” He thought, ‘Emma, my niece, should be the mistress.’ He called Emma, “I did what you asked. It’s your turn.”

In a secluded corner, Emma answered, "Don't worry, Uncle Sean. She dared to be sarcastic; I'll handle her."

Prepared and disguised with a hat and mask, Emma sneered and approached the stage.

“Ms. Weeds, you claim 'Serenity,' but what proof do you have?” she asked.

Elsie, finding Emma vaguely familiar, retorted, “Nonsense! Theo sold it to me personally. His protégés can testify! Security, remove this woman!”

Emma, drawing out her words, sneered, “Master Theo abhors piracy. He'd never sell to someone who supports knockoffs. You wore a fake gown; you're unworthy of his work!”

Theo's protégés realized the truth. ‘Our master would never!’ they thought. ‘We were unaware of the gown incident.’

Theo's senior protégé declared gravely, “Ms. Weeds, is this true? Did you wear a counterfeit gown?”