Chapter 159 The Performance

They exchanged a knowing nce.

Martha was the first to step forward.

At this moment, she didn’t even need to fake it–just thinking about her own humiliation was enough to bring tears streaming down her face.

“Scarlett, you look so beautiful today,” she said, voice hoarse and choked with emotion, as though holding back an an of feelings.

“When you first came to me, you were so small and thin. I was always worried I wouldn’t ibe /iable to raise you right. Every night, I slept with one eye open, afraid you’d wake up crying. And now, seeing you all grown up, graceful and radiant, reunited with your birth mother… I’m just so happy. Soi, /iso happy…”

Her voice broke, and she covered her mouth, quietly sobbing.

The act instantly earned sympathetic murmurs from the surrounding guests.

“So that’s the family who raised the Lane family’s long–lost daughter?”

“I remember hearing Madam Lane lost her child… Everyone thought the girl had died. This girl was really lucky to be found and raised well.”

“Raising the Lane family’s daughter? That makes them benefactors, doesn’t it?”

“Her personal bodyguard hit her adoptive parents? That’s outrageous!”

The tide turned rapidly in their favor. Seeing this, Franklin and Martha exchanged another look of satisfaction.

Scarlett had, after all, lived with them for six years.

That kind of upbringing couldn’t be erased–no matter how many bank statements Scarlett had showing they gave her just ten thousand for living expenses. They could always im that was just part of what they provided. Who would dig through all the Joyner family’s ounts?

They were certain the Lane family wouldn’t risk causing a scandal today.

After all, throwing out Scarlett’s adoptive parents at the matriarch’s birthday banquet would make Scarlett a target of public criticism. No one in high society would let her live it down.

If Scarlett was smart, she’d acknowledge their role in raising her and honor them as distinguished guests.

As long as they secured this public narrative, even if the Lane family refused to offer resourcester, there would still be plenty of social climbers eager to cozy up to them for their association.

Franklin wore a sorrowful expression. “We don’t want anything. Just seeing you is enough. But… after being family for so many years, I worry you might face challenges after going back.”

“So we decided to present this painting to Madam Lane in your name. We hope your new life will be filled with peace and harmony. As for the incident earlier, just pretend it never happened, alright?”

Sure enough, this speech drew even more sympathetic sighs from the crowd.

Chapter 159 The Performance

b“/bbSuch /bbselfless /bparents. Truly, nothingpares to a parent’s love.”

Foishe

bEven /bthe three Joyner brothers, who had been standing awkwardly at first, began to rx. Six byears /bbof /bfamily ties–no one could simply erase that.

Connor’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.

This was the oue he’d wanted.

If Scarlett acknowledged the Joyner family, then the whole “cutting ties and broken engagement” ordeal would be void. Now that she was officially the Lane family’s daughter, her mother likely wouldn’t object to their marriage anymore.

He nned to visit after the banquet, maybe even finalize the engagement that very night.

The rest of the Lane family remained silent, unsure of the full backstory.

But Sophia and Owen were fuming.

So this was what Scarlett endured in the Joyner household? Being surrounded and emotionally manipted. like this?

Their daughter had truly suffered.

They were just about to step forward and drive them out when someone gently stopped them.

Startled, they turned around.

It was Scarlett.

Sophia’s heart clenched.

Was Scarlett still holding on to old sentiment? Did she want to let the Joyner family go?

Honestly, whatever gratitude they imed didn’t justify her doing this much.

“Scarlett…” Sophia whispered.

Scarlett waved a hand to calm her, then stepped forward. She stood before the scroll Franklin had just unveiled–the so–called Gu Kaizhi original–and let out a cold chuckle.

“What’s with that face?” she asked.

Franklin’s expression darkened slightly, but Martha tugged at his sleeve. He immediately realized Scarlett’s status had changed–he couldn’t order her around like before.

So he quickly switched to a genial tone. “Scarlett, you want ito /iexamine the painting before presenting it to your grandmother, right?”

He gestured toward the flowing lines of the figure’s robe. “I know you’re not familiar with these thingsb. /bLet me exin it to you so you won’t be caught off guard if she asks. See here–this technique, delicate and

unbroken.”

Several art collectors nearby nodded in agreement, starting to regard this so–called adoptive father with newfound respect.

Chapter 159 The Performance

Finished

Franklin grew even more pleased with himself and continued, “Now look here–the way the shadows bare /bblended in the hair and cheeks, the use of azurite and cinnabar… It mirrors the description in Records of Famous Paintings Through the Ages: ‘Deep pigments, subtly applied. If we call this a masterpiece, I doubt anyone would object.”

The surrounding guests nodded in unison.