Chapter 203

Nora noticed Victoria's silence and assumed she had given in.

She commanded, "I've already talked to your dad. His design company has some connections in the art world, so we'll start by setting up an exhibition for Bobby. Once his legal issues are sorted out, he'll change his name and start fresh. With you painting for him, he'll be famous again in no time!"

Bobby kept glancing at Victoria, his eyes full of hope. "Dad's company might be small, but with Professor Brown's help, we'll be fine."

"Exactly," Nora said, looking at Bobby with a doting expression. "Bobby was born to be an artist. A little setback is nothing. We'll bounce back! Plus, signing with your dad's company is also a way to support him."

Nora continued, her tone condescending, like a seasoned art critic, "If we hire a new artist, it would take a lot of time and money upfront, with no guarantee of success. But Bobby's already got a lot of buzz, so we can save a ton on marketing!"

Victoria listened to their self-serving conversation in silence for a while before finally speaking up. "Bobby, I thought after everything that happened, you'd have learned something. But you're still just as unreasonable!"

She paused, muttering, "But with a mom like that spoiling you, it's no wonder."

Nora, used to being domineering in front of Victoria, didn't think she needed to be polite to get her to do something. Her tone grew even more forceful. "This time, the painting has to be better than your previous works. I know you can do it, and Bobby has the talent. This has to be perfect!"

Bobby, fired up by her words, his eyes shining and cheeks flushed, said, "Mom, I won't let you down!"

Victoria watched the mother and son duo, stunned. She hadn't even agreed, and they were already planning their success?

She pressed her lips together, glaring at them coldly for a moment before suddenly laughing. "You two are dreaming!"

Victoria had had enough. She knew that arguing with them was just a waste of time and would only make her more upset.

"You're kicking me out before I even finish talking? Victoria! Is this how I raised you?"

"Mom, don't get upset. It's not good for your health," Bobby reminded.

"Look at her, treating me like an enemy. How can I not be angry?"

Victoria grabbed a decorative item from the table and smashed it on the ground.

Bobby and Nora jumped, staring at her in shock.

"Get out! Stop causing trouble here!" Victoria shouted.

With that, she stormed upstairs, leaving a stunned Nora and Bobby behind.

A few days later, a video of Nora and Bobby pressuring Victoria to paint for them started circulating in the art community.

Though the video was shot from a clever angle that didn't show their faces, the conversation made it clear who they were. Those familiar with the situation quickly identified Nora and Bobby, turning them into a laughingstock.

Bobby had previously stolen Victoria's painting to win a silver award in a competition and then falsely claimed that her gold-winning piece was his. When this deceit was exposed, he even kidnapped and imprisoned Victoria.

Bobby's crime of kidnapping was serious, and getting medical parole was already a lenient act. Expecting the victim to help him make a comeback was pure fantasy!

And Nora, as a mother, had no boundaries in her favoritism towards Bobby. She brought him to Victoria's home, demanding she paint to help his comeback. It was sheer madness!

The internet was flooded with insults and ridicule.

Harry watched the edited funny video, laughing so hard he didn't notice William walking out of his office.

"What's so funny?" William asked, his voice cutting through Harry's laughter.

"Just a funny video," Harry replied, quickly trying to hide his phone when he realized who was standing there.

William had been particularly sensitive to the name "Victoria" lately, and any mention of her put him in a foul mood. So, Harry definitely didn't want him to see this video.

William didn't say a word, just extended his hand.

Harry hesitated for a moment before reluctantly handing over his phone.

William looked down at the screen, hearing Nora's arrogant tone in the video. His brow furrowed, and he spoke coldly, "Find out how Bobby got out."

"Yes, sir," Harry replied, quickly taking back his phone, fearing William might smash it in anger.

He then reminded him, "Mr. Scott, there's an important investment seminar this afternoon."

The highly anticipated investment seminar was held at an exclusive private club in Silvermist City.

Attendees included wealthy businesspeople from across the country, covering a wide range of industries.

The moment William stepped into the banquet hall, he caused quite a stir.

At twenty-eight, dressed in a black suit that highlighted his tall, lean frame, he was strikingly handsome. His deep, narrow eyes were sharp as blades, exuding an intimidating aura.

Both men and women couldn't help but steal glances at him, their eyes filled with admiration.

"Is that the president of the Scott Group? He's so young and handsome, no wonder he's the dream man of so many single women!"

"Yeah, I'd marry him even if I had to pay for it!"

"Dream on! Mr. Scott isn't just any man! He's handsome and capable, with countless admirers. Do you really think you stand a chance?"

"Enough already."

The chatter among the women was incessant.

"Mr. Scott is here!"

Those skilled in socializing immediately put on their most ingratiating smiles, hurrying over to greet him warmly.

The Scott Group, under William's leadership, had been on a meteoric rise in recent years, backed by the powerful Scott family. Their strength was formidable.

In the fiercely competitive business world, everyone was eager to collaborate with the Scott Group, hoping to seize an opportunity to soar.

Alvin was out of town, so Victoria attended the seminar in his place.

Her gaze casually swept across the open-air venue, and she spotted William in the crowd.

Her heart gave a slight, almost imperceptible tremor, but she quickly looked away, maintaining her composure.

Victoria had gained some recognition in the local art scene and was Joshua's only student.

Many fashionable socialites wanted to chat and take pictures with her.

To help promote Alvin's company, Victoria kept a polite smile, patiently engaging with these ladies.

Through the dense crowd, William's gaze occasionally fell on her, his eyes flickering with an unreadable light.

Today, Victoria wore a light purple evening gown with a V-neck design, elegant and noble. A light purple crystal flower adorned her chest, making her look charming and delicate.

Her waist was cinched tightly, accentuating her full, rounded bust.

Already stunningly beautiful, she looked like a blooming rose, captivating and radiant.

William's eyes darkened as he watched her smile and nod at those around her, a sudden, inexplicable irritation rising within him.