Chapter 228
Sylvie’s grades were all thanks to cheating, and without exception, every one of her award-winning paintings was actually done by Winifred.
"That means Winifred’s skills must be incredible," Rowena thought. "In this competition, she’s probably going to be my strongest rival."
Meanwhile, Sylvie was sitting there with her legs crossed, humming a little tune. She was thoroughly enjoying all the rumors swirling around Winifred at school, the insults, the contempt, the disdain.
"Winifred, who would’ve thought you’d have a day like this?" Sylvie thought. "When you exposed my secrets back then, did you ever think you’d end up facing the same fate? This is what happens when you cross me."
Everywhere Winifred walked, heated gossip would break out, but she just scoffed coldly.
“Those posts? Yeah, I made them. If you want to mess with me, you better have enough leverage, otherwise, you’re in for some real trouble," Sylvie thought.
“Let things get even messier. When the time comes, we’ll see who really comes out on top," Sylvie thought.
“I know you didn’t steal that necklace,” Olivia said, after psyching herself up over and over before finally working up the nerve to approach Winifred. Olivia finally managed to say those words to Winifred’s face.
Seeing Sienna’s lonely, isolated figure, Olivia just couldn’t hold herself back; she had to go over and try to comfort her, even though Winifred always acted so distant.
Winifred paused, stopped in her tracks, and turned to face Olivia, arching a brow at her.
“Isn’t that what everyone’s saying? That I’m the thief?” Winifred said.
“That’s just a load of crap. Someone’s clearly trying to set you up, Winifred. I believe you. You’re loaded. There’s no way you’d bother with petty stuff like stealing,” Olivia shot back without hesitation.
Winifred couldn’t help but be amused. Olivia was getting even more worked up than she was.
“What’s your name again?” Winifred asked.
“Olivia,” she blurted out.
“Oh,” Winifred said, then turned and walked away.
Olivia stared after Winifred, baffled. “Wait, that’s it? She’s not even going to ask me anything else?” she thought.
“Wait, Winifred, aren’t you going to say anything? You’re just going to let them drag your name through the mud like that? That can’t be good. It might really mess up your rep-,” Olivia called after her.
Winifred lifted her eyelids, looking utterly uninterested, and replied lazily, “Explain what? I didn’t take it, so why waste my breath? It doesn’t bother me in the slightest.”
Honestly, the more they talked, the better it was for her.
“But —” Olivia stammered, still trying to find the words.
“School’s over. Go home," Winifred said, waving her hand dismissively. She slung her backpack over one shoulder and strode off toward the school gates with a bit of a swagger, looking totally at ease and carefree.
At a secluded mental hospital in Vallaris, Sienna and Josef sat quietly in their chairs. Soon, the doctor led in a man who looked quite a lot like Sienna— his deep-set eyes carried a brooding, almost ruthless edge.
The moment he saw Sienna, he froze, his eyes slowly filling with tears. In utter disbelief, he reached out, his hand soft and gentle, as if afraid she might shatter at a touch. “Selina?” he whispered.
Sienna stood up and gently took his outstretched hand. “Jacob, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Sienna,” she said softly.
Jacob Bayer’s eyes flickered, his whole body tensing up, like he’d just snapped out of a long dream.
"That’s right. Selina is already…" he thought. "You’re Selina’s child,” he said.
“Yes, Jacob,” Sienna replied softly.
Jacob was overwhelmed with emotion, wiping away the tears that had gathered at the corners of his eyes.
He shot Josef an unfriendly glare and barked, “You get out!”
Josef just stood there, speechless. “Wow, way to play favorites,” he thought. "I'm his nephew. It’s unfair!"