Chapter 58
Even Emma raised an eyebrow. Kate's brushstrokes were undeniably odd, yet Emma couldn't initially pinpoint the flaw. Liam, however, saw through the deception instantly.
Kate, flustered, stammered, “Wh-what do you mean? How could this not be my painting? With so many people watching, how could I possibly fake it? Even if you want to defend Emma so badly, you shouldn't hurl accusations at me!” Her panic betrayed her.
Liam's eyes shone as he pulled a canvas from beneath Kate's artwork, which was painted on a gelatin sheet. He produced a special light pen and shone it on the canvas. A stunned silence fell over the room.
Gasps filled the air. "How... how is there a painting underneath?" "Could it be...?" The truth dawned: Kate had pre-painted the canvas and merely traced the outline, visible only to her under a specific light. It was blatant cheating.
Even Simon frowned; Bernard's disdain was palpable. "Miss Johnson," he declared, "your conduct is shameless! To belittle Miss Wilson while engaging in such deceit is a disgrace to the cultural community!"
The murmurs of the guests escalated. "I knew it! I never expected the prestigious Johnson family to raise such a daughter. It's shocking!" "Emma is far superior. Beautiful and talented... Perhaps Brad's judgment of women is questionable."
Brad and Elsie's embarrassment was evident. Elsie frantically attempted to appease the guests, subtly signaling Kate to leave. Deeply humiliated, Kate offered a flimsy excuse and fled in tears.
As the party wound down, Brad and Liam were summoned to the study. Liam's absence provided Elsie with an opportunity. She took Emma to the secluded backyard. Levi immediately texted Liam, fearing Elsie's intentions.
Liam received the message and found a pretext to leave. He found Elsie seated on a bench by the lake within the gazebo; Emma stood with her back to him, wearing a long dress.
Levi watched resentfully. "Mr. Hall, she's probably trying to manipulate your wife again. Should we intervene?" Having witnessed Liam and Emma's genuine affection, he believed Emma deserved better than another betrayal. Liam, however, remained hidden, silently observing Emma. He wondered, "Emma… will you trust me unconditionally?"
Elsie produced a stack of documents. "I understand you married Liam shortly after arriving in Troln City. There are likely things you don't know. This photo shows Clifford Lawrence, bitten to death by Rottweilers – Liam's doing, they say, because Clifford chose to work for Brad. The ensuing bankruptcy and desperation led to the husband's suicide, the wife's imprisonment, and the children’s suffering. Numerous families suffered similarly. This photo depicts Brad's abuse at Liam's hands – three days and nights without food or water."
Elsie revealed a collection of incriminating documents, portraying Liam's supposed cruelty. "This is the man you married," she hissed. "He's a demon!"
Emma remained composed, silent as Elsie continued her impassioned account. "Outsiders might think Brad and I oppress him, but you have no idea how he abused us. We endured years to achieve normalcy. If you want to survive, don't support him."
Unseen by Emma, Liam clenched his fists in the darkness. Each second felt agonizingly long. "Emma..." he thought, his knuckles turning white.
Just as his grip threatened to break his skin, Emma spoke, her voice calm but firm. "Are you suggesting I betray my husband to side with you and Brad?"
Silence descended. Elsie stared, stunned. Emma’s unwavering gaze hinted at something more, something that Elsie had not anticipated.