Chapter 101

"Mr. Scott, I think they're trying to butter you up," Harry said, clearing his throat.

William looked up, his eyes sharp and cold. "You think that's why?"

Harry was caught off guard and then shook his head.

William gave Harry a cold stare, his thin lips parting slightly. "Those old guys at the art association always see themselves as high and mighty. They wouldn't cave so easily. Someone must've done something to make them change their tune so fast."

Harry suddenly got it. "Could it be Samuel?"

William's brow furrowed slightly. "Probably. Go find out what he did."

Harry hesitated for a moment and then suggested, "Mr. Scott, why not just ask Ms. Carter directly?"

William shot Harry a sidelong glance. "Why all the chatter?"

Harry was at a loss for words, gave an awkward smile, and quickly left.

After Harry left, William rubbed his temples, Victoria's bruised face flashing in his mind.

He wondered if she was feeling any better.

William lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around his handsome features.

Daisy had just returned from visiting Victoria at the hospital and was immediately angered by William's brooding demeanor.

"You're here leisurely smoking after you and Alice have caused so much harm to Victoria!" Daisy glared at him.

William flicked the ash off his cigarette, speaking nonchalantly. "Aunt Daisy, are you my ant or hers? Why do you always side with her?"

Daisy was momentarily stunned but quickly retorted, "You brat, I'm being fair. That Alice uses her illness as an excuse to torment Victoria repeatedly, and you do nothing? You even enable her. You..."

William lazily stood up and walked to the window.

He looked down at the bustling streets below, his voice indifferent. "You know I owe her."

Daisy stomped her foot in frustration. "That's your debt, not Victoria's! You can't keep letting her hurt Victoria!"

William turned around, his gaze deep and silent for a moment before he spoke. "I know what to do. Don't worry about it."

Daisy sat down angrily. "I hope you mean what you say. If Alice targets Victoria again, I'll take Victoria to Harborview City and find her a good man! Anything is better than being your hidden mistress."

"Aunt Daisy!" William's brow furrowed, his tone growing heavier.

Daisy pouted, muttering, "Fine, fine, I give up. I won't interfere. Poor Victoria."

William's eyes flickered, but he said nothing.

Daisy sighed and continued, "I didn't just come here for Victoria. I also wanted to tell you that the Wayne family has moved back to Harborview City. You should know why."

William raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Daisy added, "Your grandfather's health hasn't been good lately. When I visited him at the nursing home, he mentioned you and said he wanted you to visit him."

William pondered for a moment and then nodded. "Alright, I'll make time to visit soon."

Daisy smiled with relief, patting his shoulder. "William, you're not getting any younger. Think carefully about who you like and settle down soon. Don't wait until it's too late."

William lowered his eyes, hiding the unusual look in them. "Okay."

Not long after Daisy left, the phone on William's desk rang.

William pressed the answer button, and Harry's voice came through immediately. "Mr. Scott, I found out from the art association. That Samuel is actually Joshua. He sent a video of Ms. Carter painting in his studio to the judges."

William's lips tightened, his eyes darkening, his voice icy. "What about Bobby?"

Harry replied, "His awards have been revoked, and he's banned from participating in any future art association competitions."

William let out a cold laugh, his tone mocking. "That's not enough. Since Victoria's name has been cleared, have the media spread the news. Inform his school too. Victoria doesn't need a backstabbing brother like him!"

His voice carried a chilling, murderous intent that sent shivers down one's spine.

Harry quickly responded, "Yes, I'll take care of it right away."

After hanging up, Harry immediately called various media outlets.

Within half an hour, headlines like "He Steals Sister's Work and Played the Accuser," "She Drops Out to Support Family, Only to Be Betrayed by Her Brother," and "The Truth Behind Sibling Fallout" dominated the trending lists, drawing countless onlookers and going viral overnight.

Bobby walked through the school like a rat in a maze, pointed at and whispered about wherever he went.

It was a stark contrast to the glory he had basked in the day before when he returned to school with the art association's grand prize.

Furious, Bobby gritted his teeth. "That Victoria! Bitch!"

If it weren't for her, he would be the rightful rising star in the art world. How could he have fallen to this point?

He clenched his fists, cursing viciously. "You wretched woman! How dare you ruin my future! I won't let you get away with this."

He put on a hat and sunglasses, covering most of his face, and hurriedly left the school, calling Alice repeatedly, but no one answered.

In a fit of rage, he smashed his phone, cursing, "Damn woman!"

It seemed she had abandoned him!

He stormed into Nora's hospital room, smashing everything in sight.

Nora was terrified, clutching her chest and trembling. "Bobby, why are you so angry?"

Bobby's eyes were bloodshot as he glared at her. "Mom, I'm done for. It's all over!"

Nora was horrified. "What happened?"

Bobby exaggerated the story, ending with a look of despair. "Mom, the school is going to expel me, and the training team has kicked me out. What am I going to do?"

He collapsed to the floor, crying his heart out. "Mom, you have to save me!"

Nora's face turned pale as she tried to calm him. "It'll be okay. Don't worry. We'll figure something out."

Bobby grabbed her leg, looking up with tearful eyes, pleading. "Mom, we have to find Victoria. If she admits to stealing the painting, I might still have a chance!"

Nora hesitated, then her eyes lit up with a plan. "Alright, let's go find her."