Chapter 171 Stolen Things Must Be Returned
Those in the audience who knew me couldn’t hide the shok Monica, who always besed Sate outshone me in every way, was especially cauled Hould I the one she looked downcom surpasster laughter, who had only barely passed the first round?
She had just been bragging to Bill moments earlier, bihe tables turned so quickly it was like karma struck, humbling all who underestimated me
The most stunned of all was Hill. His disbelief was evident as if he was sering me in a new life for the few
He muttered, “How could it possibly be her?”
“d
Carter’s voice cut through the tension, icy and sharp d why not? Isill, do you even know your con daughter
His words landed like a harsh slap across Bill’s pride.
Monica, unwilling to accept the possibility that I might be more talented than her daughter, immediately lashed out. “No way! I know Zoey’s painting skills better than anyone. She must have cheated. She must’ve hired someone to paint for her!”
Turning to Bill with urgency, she pressed on. “Honey, there’s a live competition coming up. A hired artist won’t be able to step onto that stage. If this comes to light, it’ll disgrace our family! It’s better to withdraw now than to humiliate ourselves later.”
Bill hesitated, unsure of what to do. He had never actually witnessed Zory paint before. What if Monica was right, and Zory hired an artist out of jealousy toward Sadier Wouldn’t the truth be exposed as soon as she stepped onto the stage?
This controversy had already turned me into a polarizing figure, dragging down the company’s stock value
with it.
If I were exposed on stage and the company stock plummeted, the humiliation would be far worse.
“You make a good point,” Bill muttered, furrowing his brow..
“Bill, I’m genuinely curious about how the Gardner Group runs. Instead of losing money, you’re somehow. profiting. It’s like you’re on a lucky streak. But as the CEO, it seems like you’re being guided by a woman. Doesn’t that seem ridiculous to you?”
Monica shot a disapproving glance at him. “Mr. Bolton, you’re Zoey’s husband, so of course, you’ll defend her. But have you considered the shame it would bring to both of our families if she were exposed!”
-Carter stood firm, responding sharply, “What proof do you have that she hired someone to paint for her?” “I’ve watched her grow up since she was little, I know her better than anyone. She must have hired an artist.
“You’re talking nonsense!” My mom, usually gentle and reserved, snapped in my defense. “It’s your daughter who hired an artist, your whole family must have hired them too!”
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Chapter 171 Stolen Things Must Be Returned
Will didn’t expect my mom to speak out, especially in this situation. Though all eyes were on the stage, he still felt a twinge of embarrassment.
However, when he saw my mom’s face flush with anger her protective stance reminding him of a mother hen, he couldn’t help but find it quite cute.
She was typically calm and composed, but now she seemed full of fiery spirit.
He cleared his throat. “Enough of the arguing. We’re past the point of turning back. The truth will come to light soon.”
Monica grasped his arm urgently. “Honey, we don’t have much time left. Once the truth is out, not only will the Gardners be in trouble, but our daughter’s future family will face public scorn. Our social circle will mock her for Zoey hiring an artist. You need to stop her now.”
My mom grabbed Bill’s other arm. “If you dare to go, I’ll divorce you,”
The moment the word “divorce” left her lips, Bill’s expression shifted sharply. He yanked his arm away from Monica and pulled my mom into his embrace.
“What’s all the commotion? It’s just a painting, nothing more than a joke for people to talk about.”
Tears poured down my mom’s checks. “You’ve never cared about Zoey, not once. She’s worked so hard, hoping to get your attention. Now that she’s finally on stage, why won’t you trust her? Just this once?”
Bill appeared moved by her words, perhaps because my mom was usually so distant and rarely showed such vulnerability in front of him.
It seemed to work on him. Whenever my mom cried at the Bolton Residence, he would always soften immediately.
“Alright, I believe her. Please stop crying.”
With that, Bill wrapped his arms around my mom and tried to soothe her.
From the stage, I could see everything clearly. I feared that my mom might soften once more and decide to stay with this sc*mbag.
The looks on Kate and Fiona’s faces were quite telling, but the most captivating expression belonged to
Anna.
She wasn’t just surprised. She was also visibly shaken.
I had chosen not just any name, but the alias of a deceased person connected to her…
As the saying goes, “If you have a clear conscience, you won’t fear a knock at the door in the dead of night.”
Perhaps she was already terrified, her mind racing with thoughts about the connection between me and Chloe.
Was it a mere accident, or was it something more deliberate?
But how many true coincidences exist in this world? Some things are simply the result of careful planning.
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Chapter 171 Stolen Things Must Be Returned
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The host continued introducing the names of others, one by one. I made my way to Anna, placing the S tag on her before raising my hand. “Ms. Sander, I am S nice to meet you.”
As soon as she took my hand, I noticed her palm was cold and clammy.
At that moment, what she saw wasn’t Zoey, but Chloe!
It was as if a ghost had returned to life and was standing before her, waving. Her body shook with fear.
“What’s wrong, Ms. Sander? You look like you’re scared of me. Have you done something you’re guilty of?” I whispered softly in her ear.
There was no microphone on us, so the people below couldn’t hear a word we exchanged.
All they could see was me stepping forward to greet Anna.
When her hand touched mine and felt my warmth, she finally realized I was alive, not the late Chloe.
Slowly, she regained her composure and spoke, “Ms. Gardner, I didn’t expect you to hide so well.”
“There’s still much you don’t understand.”
I flashed her a bright smile, then spoke softly. “Ms. Sander, I truly admire your courage, stealing from someone else and still standing before everyone so shamelessly.”
Anna’s face drained of color, her fear evident as she instinctively took a step back.
I seized her waist, a smirk playing on my lips. “Ms. Sander, stolen things must be returned. If I were you, I’d step down from the competition willingly.”
