Chapter 95

As soon as the words were spoken, the lights in the hall dimmed suddenly.

William slowly stood up and walked towards the center of the stage.

A spotlight shone on him, highlighting his tall and dignified figure. He seemed to stride through the light with an air of nobility, each step exuding an unparalleled aura of grace.

All eyes were fixed on him, and the audience collectively held their breath.

Once William reached the center, he clasped his hands together and nodded slightly. His magnetic voice resonated through the microphone, "It's an honor to be here at the Art Association's award ceremony."

He paused, glancing around the room before his gaze settled on Victoria. A slight smile curved his lips as he continued, "First, I want to congratulate today's award-winning artists. Your works are truly remarkable. I hope you continue to pour your energy into your creations, bringing more excellent works to the world and promoting Crystalia's art globally."

As William concluded his speech, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. He stepped back behind the curtain, and the host immediately took the stage to introduce this year's award winners.

Bobby won the silver award for Victoria's painting "The Wounded White Deer." Being the youngest among the winners, he received significant praise and attention.

Victoria watched him bask in the adulation on stage, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

'How shameless,' she thought. He took her work to win an award and had the audacity to revel in it!

With the announcement of the silver award, the ceremony reached its peak.

The host, smiling, announced, "Next, let's congratulate Ms. Carter for winning the gold award. Her piece 'Seeking Warmth' deeply moved every judge."

The screen lit up with the artwork, depicting a small yet warm corner under towering concrete buildings where an old man and a stray cat shared a moment. The sketch highlighted the city's coldness and the old man's tenderness towards the cat.

"Beautiful."

"No wonder she's Joshua's student; such a clever concept."

The audience murmured, not just in admiration of the painting but also because of Victoria's identity.

William, seated below, kept his eyes on the screen displaying the artwork.

Though he had only glanced at it briefly, he couldn't deny its brilliance.

Alice noticed his reaction. A hint of sarcasm crept into her smile as she thought, 'Well, Victoria, enjoy your moment while it lasts.'

She glanced at Bobby, who gave her a slight nod.

"Now, let's welcome Ms. Carter to the stage to receive her award," the host announced.

Victoria, both nervous and excited, stood up and walked lightly to the stage.

As she reached the center, the lights brightened, illuminating her and making her shine.

She wore a pure white off-shoulder evening gown, the hem reaching her knees, cinched at the waist to accentuate her slender figure. The unique floral design on her chest, adorned with two pieces of sheer fabric, added a touch of mystery. Her long hair cascaded down her back, and her bright, delicate features exuded an ethereal charm.

The host, smiling warmly, asked, "Ms. Carter, do you have anything to say about winning the gold award today?"

Victoria smiled and replied, "Thank you all for this opportunity. I will continue to work hard."

The audience applauded, cheering for her.

"Finally, let's welcome Mr. Scott to present the gold award," the host invited with a smile.

William stood up once more and walked towards the stage.

"Congratulations," William said, taking the trophy from the usher and handing it to Victoria.

His deep eyes, like a bottomless pool, revealed no emotion yet seemed to draw one in.

"Thank you," Victoria said, momentarily stunned before reaching out to accept the trophy.

But in the next second, Bobby suddenly stood up and shouted, "Wait! I have something to say!"

His words immediately drew everyone's attention.

Victoria froze, a sense of unease creeping in.

She knew Bobby had always harbored resentment towards her, and this was the perfect moment for him to strike.

"Victoria, even though you're my sister, I have to say that the painting you won the gold award with isn't yours!" Bobby's voice was loud and clear. "That painting is mine. I can't believe you had the audacity to steal it and enter it into the competition!"

The audience erupted in whispers, their eyes darting between the two siblings.

Victoria's face turned pale. She wanted to defend herself but was rendered speechless by the sudden accusation.

William's expression darkened, a cold aura emanating from him.

Bobby felt a chill run down his spine as he met William's sharp, menacing gaze, causing him to shrink back slightly.

But remembering the hefty reward Alice had promised, he gritted his teeth and continued, "Anyone can see that the brushstrokes and style of my piece are identical to hers. This proves that Victoria stole my work!"

As Bobby finished speaking, the audience buzzed with discussion.

"So Victoria stole her brother's work?"

"This is a disgrace to the art community!"

"I can't believe I thought Victoria's work was good!"

"Is she really Joshua's student? Did she deceive him too?"

The audience's condemnation grew louder, some even questioning Joshua's judgment.

"Bobby, stop slandering me!" Victoria demanded angrily, forcing herself to stay calm. "This isn't true! You're the one who stole my work, and I didn't expose you. Now you're twisting the facts?"

"Ridiculous! If this piece was stolen from you, then was my first-place piece in the national competition a few months ago also stolen? Anyone can check and see if my style matches these two paintings!" Bobby retorted confidently, glancing smugly at Victoria.

The audience quickly pulled out their phones to verify the information.

Sure enough, Bobby's award-winning piece had the same style as the two paintings in question.

The crowd erupted, loudly condemning Victoria and demanding her disqualification.

Victoria's face turned ashen, her mind buzzing, and she swayed, nearly collapsing.