Chapter 173 Present Evidence to Prove the Ownership of the Painting
"What the heck, Emily? My name's Bianca, and this is my painting! Where's the person in charge? Get them over here right now!"
Bianca finally understood what the reporter had said and glanced at the name at the bottom of the painting.
She couldn't believe Emily had convinced the exhibition's organizer to change the name back.
She shouted excitedly.
The commotion naturally drew the attention of others who were admiring the artwork. They all turned to look.
James frowned, not expecting such a significant mistake at the exhibition.
Of course, he thought it might have been intentional.
He recalled the guy who claimed to be Emily's classmate. Could Emily have bribed him back then to do this?
No wonder she agreed so readily when it was suggested that Bianca's painting be placed in the center.
So this was her plan all along!
People around couldn't help but start discussing.
"This painting is really special. I liked it at first glance. How could the organizer make such a basic mistake and get the artist's name wrong? No wonder the artist is so upset. They say every painting is like a child to its artist.
If someone took my child, I'd be even more upset! If it were me, my reaction would be even stronger!"
"It might not be a mistake. It could be intentional. Maybe someone bribed the organizer. Let's wait and see what the organizer has to say."
"But the artist showing up means the organizer must have known. I feel like there's more to this. Let's not jump to conclusions. This painting is genuinely warm and soulful, something only a pure-hearted person could create."
...
Bianca felt increasingly uneasy.
But no matter what, she wouldn't let Emily take the spotlight again. This painting had to be recognized as her work.
Allan had been waiting, anticipating Bianca's outburst.
So as soon as she called for the person in charge, he walked over leisurely.
On the way, he even encountered Emily.
When Bianca saw them together and noticed Emily's smirk, her heart sank.
They were in cahoots, just waiting to trap her.
"Emily, if you want my work, I have plenty. I can give them to you. But why team up with outsiders to scheme against me? I really care about and love this painting. You shouldn't take it and claim it as yours."
Bianca's eyes reddened as she spoke, feeling wronged.
James also looked sharply at Allan and Emily, jealousy flashing in his eyes.
Emily had been his fiancée not long ago. She should be standing by his side, not with another man.
"Are you the organizer of this exhibition? Shouldn't you explain why this painting, clearly marked as Bianca's, is now labeled as Emily's? Do you know what this is? It's no different from stealing a painting."
James immediately unleashed his anger on Allan.
Emily sneered, "Are you really trying to play the hero here? Isn't it a bit too early for that?"
"Emily, how could you become like this? No matter how tough things were, you never resorted to 'theft.' How is this any different from stealing? Change the name back and apologize to Bianca!"
James, seemingly unaware of the inappropriateness, kept defending Bianca.
Habit is indeed a powerful thing.
Even though he had his doubts initially!
Feeling wronged, Bianca said, "Emily, you can take any other painting, but not this one. I poured my heart and soul into it."
Turning to Allan, she added, "As the organizer, if you don't recognize your mistake, change the name back, and apologize to me, your reputation in the art community will be ruined. Who would dare to display their work at your exhibition?"
She was putting Allan on the spot.
Some indecisive people started to agree, "Yeah, if it happens once, it could happen again. Change it back and apologize."
Bianca's pitiful demeanor and confident tone fooled many.
Emily chuckled, "Bianca, you're shameless. You can turn a lie into the truth. Do you have any proof that the painting is yours?"
James immediately stepped forward, "I'm a witness!"
"Give me a break. A man who betrayed his fiancée to be with her sister? Your testimony means nothing."
Sophia couldn't help but mock from the side.
This comment made the onlookers look at James with disdain.
Initially, people admired James for his impressive appearance and demeanor.
Who knew he was actually a bad guy?
James felt humiliated.
He stared intensely at Emily, "Are you really going to let your people slander me? You were the one who called off the engagement. Bianca and I got together after that."
"Emotional infidelity is still infidelity. Besides, you were engaged to Emily. How many times did you abandon her to help Bianca?"
Sophia didn't hold back, painting James as the bad guy with just a few words.
Bianca's eyes flashed with hatred.
She couldn't let Sophia mess things up here.
Fortunately, she liked to keep evidence, so she pulled out her phone, "Here's a video of me handing the painting to the exhibition organizer. I clearly said it was mine and hoped it could be displayed for everyone to see."
The video was clear.
It immediately swayed public opinion in her favor.
Someone, feeling indignant, scolded Allan, "This is too much. You're an artist too, right? How would you feel if someone changed the name on your painting and claimed it as theirs?"
Bianca felt the shift in attitude and was pleased.
She looked at Emily, "Emily, just admit you stole my painting, and I won't hold it against you. After all, you're my sister!"
But didn't she notice that even with her "evidence," Emily and Allan remained calm?
Emily finally spoke, "Allan got dragged into this because of me. But Bianca, your video only shows you bringing the painting. It doesn't prove you painted it!"
That was a valid point.
Seeing the crowd swaying again, Bianca quickly said, "Emily, I'm being polite because you're my sister. Don't push it, or I won't let this go easily. I brought my painting here myself. If that doesn't prove it's mine, how can you prove it's yours?
Just because the name says it's yours, you think it is?"
James frowned, "If you keep being stubborn, you'll only embarrass yourself!"