Heartstrings on Fire Novel Full Episode
Chapter 541-550

Chapter 541 

Beatrice felt a tad awkward from a single sentence.

Everyone knew that Beatrice got her face done, it was an open secret among the high society ladies.

Every so often, Beatrice’s face would undergo a change.

Everyone had forgotten what Beatrice originally looked like.

But now, Beatrice’s face bears an uncanny resemblance to the woman standing in front of her.

In other words, Beatrice’s face was molded after this woman’s.

If they said they didn’t know each other, that would be a lie.

Beatrice’s first sentence was shot down, her plastic surgery was laid bare. That was the last thing she wanted to be reminded of.

Even though everyone was aware of it, she wouldn’t let anyone mention her plastic surgery.

The ladies around her seemed surprised, but Beatrice knew they were all laughing at her, looking down on her.

Beatrice was caught off guard.

Everyone knew she had amnesia.

If she admitted that the woman in front of her was her sister, wouldn’t that be admitting her past?

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And her past, which she desperately tried to erase, might be completely exposed.

But if she didn’t admit it, she couldn’t explain their resemblance.

Beatrice was seething inside.

Agnes was definitely here to stir the pot.

Agnes had been missing for four years, and the moment she showed up, she was already giving Beatrice a hard time.

She didn’t know what Agnes was up to next.

Just then, Laura walked in.

Laura was taken aback when she saw Agnes.

Agnes had been missing for so long. Why did she appear now, and at Beatrice’s birthday party of all times?

This birthday party was meticulously planned by her. It wasn’t just Beatrice’s birthday party, but a gathering of society ladies and even an auction was going to be held.

Various media outlets were invited,

A lot of water had gone under the bridge. Especially since this was the Capital, not Willowbrook Town.

Most people here didn’t know what happened in Willowbrook Town four years ago.

So, she couldn’t let Agnes destroy this party.

Laura was stunned.

Suddenly, her eyes welled up and she exclaimed with emotion, “You’re finally back.”

She walked up and hugged Agnes tightly, “Do you know how worried I’ve been all these years? Why did you leave back then? Even if your father passed away, you’ll always be my daughter.”

After that, Laura let go of Agnes and gave her a once–over, “You’ve lost weight. You must have been through a lot out there. It’s good that you’re back now.”

Agnes had to admit, Laura’s acting skills were top–notch.

She didn’t think that after four years, Laura’s scheming was still going strong.

But Laura’s reaction was exactly what Agnes wanted.

Agnes didn’t come to cut ties with them. On the contrary, she wanted to find the Swiss bank transfer slip.

Agnes needed to infiltrate the Thomas family. If Laura really had it, she would definitely keep it close.

She needed to get close to Laura to investigate and search.

Agnes also went along with it, but with a tone of helplessness, “Ms. Laura, I’m really happy that you still recognize me. I won’t lie, life hasn’t been easy for me outside. I came back to ask for your help. I don’t have a fixed place to stay, so I’m asking you to take me in.”

Chapter 542 

Laura was also a bit taken aback by Agnes‘ reaction.

How could this little lass be homeless?

All the assets of the Pritchard family back then, including Starlight International Group, real estate, and the Pritchard family’s mansion, all of it now belongs to her. Although she’s been missing over the years, but with Ivan at the helm, Starlight International Group has been thriving, almost regaining its former glory.

This girl really has the luck of the devil, so many top–notch guys are so good to her.

She holds the shares of Starlight International Group and is nominally the chairman of Starlight International Group.

Even if she completely ignores the company’s affairs and just relies on dividends, she’d have enough to compete with the country’s rich list.

Someone like that, crying in front of her and asking for shelter, must have an ulterior motive.

Already, there are reporters who are snapping away at this scene.

No matter what Agnes‘ purpose is, it’s a good thing that she didn’t cause a public scene.

No matter what Agnes‘ intentions are, Laura had to get through tonight first.

Laura would not allow her to ruin Beatrice’s birthday banquet and make Beatrice the laughing stock of everyone.

Otherwise, all their efforts over the past four years would be wasted.

Laura said, “How could i possibly say no to you? I’m over the moon that you’re back.”

With that, Laura even faked wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye.

Everyone was confused by this scène. Who exactly is this girl who just showed up?

At this point, Laura started introducing Agnes to everyone: “I would like to introduce everyone to my ex–husband’s daughter, Agnes. She and Beatrice are half–sisters, so it’s not strange that they look alike.”

Then she turned to Agnes as if to explain, “You’ve been gone so long you probably don’t know. Beatrice was in a car accident four years ago. She was lucky to survive but she hurt her brain and doesn’t remember the past, She doesn’t remember you, so you’ll need to be patient with her.”

Agnes didn’t know if Beatrice had told Laura about the reason for her accident.

Agnes pretended to understand, “So that’s why Beatrice suddenly didn’t recognize me. She lost her memory.”

After saying that, Agnes glanced in Beatrice’s direction.

Beatrice was standing there like a puppet, still somewhat unable to believe what was happening.

Agnes was back. She was really back.

Everyone finally understood the relationship.

So, this sudden appearance of a girl who looked like Ms. Beatrice was actually Ms. Beatrice’s half–sister.

That explains why they look similar.

But it seems like their relationship is quite harmonious.

Agnes‘ appearance was just treated as a minor episode.

After all, in the circle of the Capital’s wealthy, few people knew about their past.

Although Agnes was a popular celebrity four years ago, the entertainment industry has completely changed over the years, with wave after wave of newcomers.

Agnes only acted in one movie before leaving the entertainment circle, so everyone had long forgotten about her.

Besides, Agnes‘ current image is very different from the past, so no one would dig into who she really is.

This was fine too, Agnes didn’t want to attract too much attention.

The banquet hall was almost full.

Laura announced the start of the banquet, asking everyone to enjoy the food first as the auction would start later.

Chapter 543 

Long tables set up around the room are loaded with all sorts of food, dessert, and champagne.

The banquet hall has a massive dance floor.

The ballroom was filled with the lively tune of a waltz, and many men and women dressed in formal attire were gracefully dancing on the dance floor.

Agnes turned to Laura and said, “Miss Laura, I’m feeling a bit hungry, I’m gonna grab a bite.”

Laura grinned, “Agnes, help yourself.”

Agnes turned and headed for the buffet. She was really feeling a bit hungry.

Beatrice was standing off to the side, shaking like a leaf,

Laura sidled up to Beatrice.

Beatrice grabbed Laura’s hand in a death grip, quivering, “Why did that woman come back? Is she here to get back at me? Back then, I…

Laura cut her off abruptly, “You had a car accident and lost your memory, that’s the fact. You don’t remember anything, so chill out.” 

Laura’s words brought Beatrice back to her senses. Right, she lost her memory, forgot everything from the past.

Naturally, she had also forgotten what happened that night.

She couldn’t freak out, she couldn’t lose it every time she sees Agnes.

Beatrice still felt a bit jittery, “But Jared might show up today. What if he sees Agnes? I can’t let them meet. If they meet, my four years of hard work will have been for nothing.”

Laura said icily, “You think after she’s shown up in public, Jared, who’s been searching for her for four years, wouldn’t know? Even if you can prevent them from meeting today, can you do it for the rest of your life? Our priority now is to figure out what this woman is up to.”

Agnes was grazing at the buffet, grabbing some cake to fill her belly.

Beatrice was watching Agnes from a distance.

She has really changed a lot, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that this woman’s face always has a way of drawing men’s eyes.

There were already several men who had approached Agnes to invite her for a drink.

Compared to her past reserved demeanor, Agnes now chatted with them with an effortless grace.

Agnes‘ smile was a thorn in Beatrice’s side. Beatrice headed in that direction.

“Sister,” Beatrice stood behind Agnes and called out softly..

Agnes turned around and upon seeing Beatrice, she flashed a cryptic smile, “You never used to call me ‘sister‘“.

Beatrice with a harmless smirk on her face, “I had a car accident four years ago, I don’t remember a thing, sister. Don’t find it odd. Mama once told me I had a sister, it’s great to finally meet you.”

Agnes chuckled inwardly and approached Beatrice, “Beatrice, speaking of the car accident four years ago, do you remember anything?”

Beatrice was prepared, though she was a little nervous, she managed to keep a smile, “I lost my memory, how could I possibly remember?” 

Agnes probed further, “Don’t you remember, you hit me with your car four years ago, broke four of my ribs, and nearly killed me on the spot?”

“Agnes, you’re talking nonsense. The one who nearly died was me!”

Beatrice blurted out almost instinctively.

Only after the words had left her mouth did she realize that she had been tricked by Agnes into telling the truth.

Beatrice’s face paled instantly.

Agnes, however, broke into a grin, “I knew you were faking amnesia. I can’t believe people actually fell for it.”

Chapter 544 

Beatrice’s hand balled into a tight fist.

After four years of no contact, Agnes had become so cunning.

Since she couldn’t keep up her nonchalant act in front of Agnes, Beatrice didn’t want to pretend anymore.

She asked directly, “You disappeared for four years, didn’t you? Why come back if you disappeared? What’s your game?”

Agnes‘ face was beaming as she casually picked up a glass of champagne from the tower and took a sip.

Then she said nonchalantly, “Take a wild guess!” 

Seeing Agnes so calm and collected, Beatrice grew more uneasy.

She blurted out, “You came back for Jared, didn’t you? You’re divorced, Agnes. Don’t forget, you’re not Mrs. Whitfield anymore.”

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“Even though I’m not Mrs. Whitfield, you haven’t made much progress these past four years, Beatrice. Why have you gone to such lengths to make yourself look just like me? Isn’t it all just to catch Jared’s eye? But I guess you didn’t get what you wanted, seeing as Jared’s about to marry your sister–in–name.”

Agnes raised her eyebrows and sighed as if regretfully, “Looks like you’re destined to be his sister–in–law for life.”

Beatrice could hear the sarcasm in Agnes‘ words.

It was like a thorn in her heart.

In the past, Jared was her brother–in–law, and now he still is.

If he really marries Valeria Thomas, Agnes would be right; he might always be Beatrice’s brother–in–law.

Beatrice hadn’t even resolved the Valeria issue, and now Agnes showed up.

Beatrice said, “You’ve been gone for four years, you don’t know what’s happened. Things have changed between Jared and me. He doesn’t see me the same way anymore. But have you to thank for that. With no outlet for his obsession with you, he’s been treating me as your stand–in for the past four years. Honestly, I don’t care if I’m a stand–in, as long as he’s by my side, as long as he’s holding me, kissing my lips, I don’t care who he’s thinking about. I love him, I don’t need him to love me, as long as I can be by his side, that’s enough for me.”

Beatrice’s words seemed somewhat self–sacrificing.

Her arrogant and insolent attitude of the past was gone.

The smile on Beatrice’s face felt eerily familiar to Agnes.

Looking at it now, Beatrice seemed a bit like her past self.

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Even the curve of the smile at the corner of her mouth seemed to follow a precise standard.

It seemed Beatrice had really worked hard to please Jared over the years.

There was a rumor going around about the complex relationship between the Thomas sisters and Jared.

The so–called Thomas sisters were Valeria and Beatrice.

Regardless of whether Beatrice said this deliberately for her to hear, or whether Jared’s attitude towards Beatrice really had changed over the years, Agnes told herself not to care.

She didn’t return for Jared, and she didn’t want to get caught up in past romantic entanglements.

With a faint smile, Agnes said, “As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters. I’m not involved in any of this anymore, and you don’t need to see me as a rival. It doesn’t matter how many wives or lovers he has, I won’t care because we’re divorced, we’ve cut ties completely.”

A hint of confusion crossed Beatrice’s face.

Does that mean Agnes didn’t come back for Jared after all?

Chapter 545 

“Mr. Whitfield is here.”

Someone murmured this nearby.

Both Beatrice and Agnes turned their heads at the same time.

Upon seeing Jared slowly sauntering their way, both Beatrice and Agnes were flabbergasted.

Beatrice felt like her worst fear had finally come true.

She knew deep down that there was no way to dodge this bullet. The reunion between Agnes and Jared was inevitable.

What added insult to injury for Beatrice was that this reunion was taking place at her own birthday party.

And it was she who had invited Jared over just the day before.

Agnes, standing off in the distance, was also stunned.

She hadn’t expected Jared to show up at Beatrice’s birthday party.

She had always taken Beatrice’s words about her supposed close relationship with Jared with a grain of salt.

She believed that even if Jared had become a ladies‘ man, he wouldn’t stoop so low.

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Was he genuinely treating Beatrice – whom he had once laughed at as if she was a joke–as.his secret lover now? Agnes found it all too irònic.

Over the past four years, so much had changed.

But it was none of her business anyway.

Jared was now walking towards them, Beatrice’s gaze was glued to Jared.

Dressed in a suit, his noble aura was still enough to make countless women swoon.

Over the years, his status had only climbed higher, but his demeanor had grown colder.

But it was this aloofness, this seemingly nonchalant demeanor that made him even more irresistible.

As he walked past Beatrice, she called out to him.

But Jared didn’t even spare her a glance. He headed straight for Agnes instead.

Beatrice felt as if her heart had plunged into the deep sea.

As expected, once Agnes appeared, Jared was blind to her existence.

Even though they now looked identical, even though others could hardly tell who was who, Jared could tell at a glance.

He walked right up to Agnes.

Jared looked at Agnes and asked, “Why are you here?”

Agnes chuckled and replied, “Mr. Whitfield, if you can attend the party, why can’t I? Besides, it’s my sister’s birthday today. As her elder sister, I should be here to celebrate with her.”

Jared sneered, “Cut the crap, you’re not that kind–hearted. The staff at Comfort Oasis Retirement Home told me you’ve been there already?”

Mentioning Comfort Oasis Retirement Home, Agnes‘ mood darkened a bit, “My grandma has Alzheimer’s. Why didn’t you tell me the truth?” 

“I just want to know how you managed to find that place. The staff at Comfort Oasis said that a hacker had breached their information system. Agnes, you’ve really grown some balls over the years. What kind of people have you been hanging out with?” 

Agnes looked up and laughed, “That’s my personal business. You don’t need to worry.”

Beatrice, standing aside, was taken aback and furious upon hearing their conversation.

She couldn’t understand what they were talking about, but one thing Beatrice knew for sure was that they must have met before.

She thought to herself, “Agnes, you said you had cut off all ties with Jared, but since your return, you’ve caught his attention again. You’re still the same old

two–faced bitch.”

The atmosphere became incredibly awkward.

Beatrice stepped forward, lightly tugging at Jared’s sleeve, “Jared, the auction has started. I’ve reserved a few collectibles for you. If we’re late, they might be snatched up by others.”

Chapter 546

Their gazes clashed, like a standoff of sorts, but Agnes didn’t show any signs of backing down.

In fact, compared to Jared’s icy rage, Agnes’ face was a picture of calm.

Almost as if Jared’s presence was of no consequence to her.

Jared couldn’t figure out what emotion was lurking behind Agnes’ eyes.

He didn’t understand how this woman could remain so chill.

Suddenly, Jared turned on his heel, heading towards the auction stage. Beatrice shot Agnes a glance before hurrying after Jared.

She reached out, wanting to grab Jared’s arm.

Jared turned his head, shooting her a look that made her hesitate.

In the end, Beatrice withdrew her hand and stopped in her tracks.

It had been a long while since they last had any close contact.

Beatrice wasn’t as bold as she used to be, daring to approach him head on.

They hadn’t even held hands, which made Beatrice feel quite bummed.

Most of the things she said to Agnes were just wishful thinking on her part, only she knew how bitter she felt inside.

The auction started.

The first item up for bid was a gem bracelet.

The auctioneer began his introduction, “This is a bracelet Ms. Pritchard has been wearing since she was a kid. Even though it’s made of ordinary gems, it was designed and crafted by a master jeweler. Starting bid is ten grand.”

To the attendees, ten grand was just chump change.

Everyone knew that this gem bracelet was just the opening act. Even though the bracelet was designed by a master jeweler, because of its ordinary materials, it wasn’t worth much as a collectible.

But since it was Ms. Pritchard’s birthday party, everyone was willing to chip in a gift

Bidders started raising their paddles.

“Twenty grand!”

“Thirty grand”

“Fifty grand!”

“Fifty-five grand!”

The price of the bracelet gradually rose, finally settling at a hundred grand.

The auctioneer started the countdown, “Going once at a hundred grand, going twice.

For a gem bracelet to fetch a hundred grand, the guests were indeed very generous.

Beatrice stood off to the side, looking anxious.

Her gaze was fixed on Jared.

The bracelet wasn’t hers, it was Agnes. Beatrice had told Jared so.

Jared was here for the bracelet today, but deep down, Beatrice hoped Jared wouldn’t bid for it.

Up to now, Jared hadn’t made a bid

Maybe he wasn’t interested in the bracelet, and he was here at the birthday party just to celebrate with her?

Or because Agnes was already here, he didn’t need to buy this inconsequential bracelet to remember her by?

“Going thrice at a hundred grand

“One million Jared suddenly said, his words made the room go quiet

Everyone looked at each other, seemingly not quite processing what just happened

Even the auctioneer was taken aback for a second, his eyes wide with surprise

However, a second later, he dutifully announced “This gentleman bids one million Any bids higher than a million? Going once at a million, going twice at a million, going thince at a million congratulations to this gentleman for buying Ms. Pritchards personal gem bracelet for a million”

Everyone present was flabbergasted

The auction had barsly started and already, there was a major headline

A bracelet that wasn’t worth much was bought for a million, what was going on?

Chapter 547

Everyone present knew this guy.

Even though he wasn’t from the Capital, there was no one in the business circle who didn’t know who Jared was.

He was the chairman of the Tim Group, and also the youngest male on the Forbes list

His good looks had countless women’swooning.

However, when it came to Mr. Whitfield’s private life, there was a lot of speculation.

Some said that Mr. Whitfield had a brief marriage a few years ago. After his divorce, he was always surrounded by various rumors.

Word on the street was that he was the sugar daddy of the current hot female star, Sharon.

Recently, there were rumors of him getting married.

Although he didn’t publicize who the bride was, many media outlets speculated it was Valeria.

Valeria was the general manager of the Thomas Group, a strong woman who stood out in the business world.

But that’s not the point, the point was Valeria and Beatrice, the birthday girl today, were legally sisters. This was seriously complicated

Rumors had it that Jared and Ms. Beatrice were also involved.

Now he had bought a gem bracelet that Ms. Beatrice had been wearing since she was a child with a hefty sum. No one would believe that there’s no story behind this.

Was he trying to make this public at the birthday party under the watchful eyes of everyone?

Could it be that in the rumors, Mr. Whitfield’s fiancée was not Valeria, but Beatrice?

Everyone present had similar questions.

The media was thrilled, they didn’t expect such big news right from the start.

They no longer had to worry about the headline news for tomorrow.

Once this news broke, it would definitely draw a lot of attention.

Many media outlets turned their cameras to today’s birthday girl, Beatrice

Mr. Whitfield had spent a lot of money just to make her the center of attention, she must be the happiest woman today.

But Beatrice, in the camera lens, didn’t show any joy. Rather, she looked like she was about to collapse.

Beatrice’s fingers slowly clenched. She knew Jared would buy the bracelet, but she didn’t expect his bid to be so high.

This was just a gem bracelet with no collectible value. Was he really willing to spend a million on it?

Was a trinket from Agnes really that valuable to him?

In the end, the host brought out the bracelet, put it in a box, and handed it to Jared.

Jared carefully put it in his pocket.

Beatrice was sitting in the first row of the auction, surrounded by socialites.

Everyone was complimenting her with envy.

“Beatrice, Mr. Whitfield really cares about you. He spent a million to support you, that’s so generous, we’re so envious.”

“Ms Beatrice and Mr. Whitfield are such a good match, Beatrice, Mr. Whitfield is so generous, he must have given you a special birthday gift. Share it with us.”

But Beatrice didn’t receive any birthday gifts, not even a happy birthday from Jared,

She knew clearly that Jared buying this bracelet had nothing to do with her.

But everyone present seemed to misunderstand.

Beatrice forced a smile and said, “This is a charity auction, Mr. Whitfield just wants to contribute to charity, it has nothing to do with me”

What Beatrice said only made everyone more convinced of her relationship with Jared

Suddenly, the compliments turned into congratulations

As if she was about to walk into the wedding chapel with Jared

For Beatrice, this was both sweet and ironic

The sweetness was just an illusion, created by others compliments. The colorful candy wrapper didn’t contain candy, but a knife

Once the unwrapped the candy, the knife would pierce her heart

But she still couldn’t help but unwrap it, because those false envies made her feel like she was becoming Mrs. Whitfield

Chapter 548

Agnes watched all this quietly.

She couldn’t figure out what Jared was thinking

The bracelet wasn’t Beatrice’s, it was hers.

But she guessed Jared probably didn’t know.

She stopped wearing this gem bracelet when she was ten, seemed like her mother put it away back then.

She didn’t expect to see it here today, but Agnes didn’t want to guess what Jared was thinking.

The auction continued.

The next items up for bid were some of Beatrice’s jewelry and clothes. Some items were indeed of high value, but Jared didn’t bid again.

None of the items hit the million mark again.

Soon, the bidding for the last item began.

The item was “Venus”, which had a market value of eight million. This painting was the highlight of the night.

Many rich people and collectors came for this painting, and most importantly, the painting had no reserve price. Once the auction started, the bids kept coming.

In the end, the painting was auctioned off for twenty million.

The final bidder was Manuel, a wealthy man from the Capital who loved to collect famous paintings.

Everyone congratulated him.

Beatrice personally handed over the painting, saying, “Mr. Manuel, your chantable spint will be remembered by all. The twenty million will be donated in full.” Manuel chuckled, “Ms. Beatrice, it’s all because you’re so kind to bring out such a nice painting for charity”

The auction ended, and people started to gather around.

Someone said, “Mr. Manuel, you got such a treasure today, shouldn’t you let us have a look and broaden our horizons?”

Manuel wasn’t stingy, especially in his moment of triumph, he said, “Alright, let’s have everyone enjoy it.”

He put the painting back on the display stand.

Many people gathered around, including Agnes.

The painting was a masterpiece, with delicate strokes, rich colors, and high value for collection and study

Everyone admired and praised it.

After taking a look, Agnes suddenly said, “This “Venus’ is not an original, it’s a fake!

There was a stir at her words.

Beatrice immediately retorted, “Agnes, don’t spout nonsense here. This is absolutely the original piece. Don’t slander without evidence.”

This painting was something Beatrice picked up from the black market not long ago.

She spent over two hundred thousand on it.

But at that time, Beatrice also had experts confirm that it was a real piece, she felt like she hit the jackpot

She bought a treasure valued at eight million for only two hundred thousand.

So she felt it was worth it to use it for charity to gain fame.

But was Agnes here to cause trouble today?

Agnes said softly. “As for whether this painting is authentic or not, let’s have an expert examine it Mr. Manuel, you’re kind to do charity, but if you take a fake back, you’ll be the laughingstock”

Heaning that the painting might be a fake, Manuel couldn’t keep the smile on his face

He was really just passionate about collecting famous paintings, the more famous, the better

But he wasn’t an expert

He only attended today’s birthday party because this painting had been heavily promoted in the art world

To him, twenty million wasnt a big deal

But if hepard twenty million for a fake, wouldn’t he be a fool?

Manuel said, “You must authenticate this painting night away! if it’s a fake. Til sue you for fraud

Chapter 549 

Beatrice thought Agnes was here to just throw a wrench in the works, just to make her embarrassed.

She was itching to march over there and wipe that calm smirk off Agnes‘ face.

But Jared was there.

All Beatrice could do was bite her tongue, step forward and say, “This painting is definitely not a fake. If it turns out to be a fake, I’m willing to compensate Mr. Manuel tenfold its price. But if it’s proven to be authentic, then the one spreading rumors will have to pay the price.”

Beatrice thought to herself, what does Agnes know about art? 

1

In the past couple years, with Laura’s antique shop, she had learnt a thing or two.

This painting, with its technique and color use, was perfect. It couldn’t possibly be a forgery.

1

And she had it authenticated by an expert when she bought it. It was definitely not a fake.

!

Agnes was just stirring the pot, trying to ruin her reputation.

But Agnes just shrugged with a smile, “If I misunderstood you, I’m ready to face any punishment.”

J

Agnes‘ confidence made Beatrice doubt herself, what was her real intention?

But the vibe in the room changed instantly.

Wasn’t that girl Beatrice’s own sister? Why would she stir up trouble at this time?

They had just had a touching reunion scene.

And how long had it been?

A member of the press suddenly piped up, “Mr. Whitfield was married once before. His ex–wife was the eldest daughter of the Pritchard family. So if this lady is Beatrice’s sister, doesn’t that make her Mr. Whitfield’s ex–wife?”

The news spread like wildfire among the crowd.

Everyone started whispering among themselves. ̈

“Oh my god, their relationships are so complicated. No wond Beatrice addressed him as her brother–in–law.”

“If Mr. Whitfield and Beatrice’s sister are divorced, why would Beatrice try to mimic her sister? That’s really puzzling.”

“I heard that it was Beatrice’s sister who dumped Mr. Whitfield. After being hurt, Mr. Whitfield became a playboy.”

1

“That explains a lot. Mr. Whitfield’s heart must still be with Beatrice’s sister. Beatrice is trying to get his attention by mimicking her…”

The focus quickly shifted from the authenticity of the painting to their complicated relationships.

Although they were whispering, Beatrice heard every word.

This was Agnes‘ goal, to attract attention and spill the beans on all the past events.

If this continued, her past scandal of almost being jailed would be exposed, and all her effort to build up her reputation over the years would be wasted.

Though Beatrice was seething with anger on the inside, she maintained a righteous appearance.

She believed Agnes‘ real intention was to attract the media and everyone’s attention.

Agnes never studied antique painting appraisal, and she knew nothing about antiques.

Even experts wouldn’t dare to claim a painting was a fake just by glancing at it.

So she must be bluffing.

This boosted Beatrice’s confidence even more.

Beatrice said, “Alright, Agnes. If it’s proven that you’re slandering me, I’ll take action against you. As for the authenticity of the painting, I’m not worried because have nothing to fear.”

Everyone was eagerly anticipating the development of this conflict.

They were also looking forward to the appraisal of the painting.

Beatrice stepped onto the stage and said, “There are many professional artists present. I hope you can come on stage–to verify the painting. I entrust my innocence

to you.”

Chapter 550 

Many professionals were called upon the stage to start examining the painting together.

T

Truth be told, Beatrice wasn’t scared one bit.

!

There’s no way Agnes would have a clue whether the painting was real or fake, and most of the experts present today were specifically invited by Laura for her support.

Over the years, Laura started dipping her toes into this circle. She always had plenty of opportunities and was good at networking.

Most of these experts were friends with Laura.

Even if the painting turned out to be a fake, no one would probably dare to say it’s a fake.

Sure enough, after a round of observing and checking, everyone started saying, “This Venus‘ is genuine. If it’s a copy, it’s impossible to forge it so realistically. Ms. Beatrice has been misunderstood.”

Once someone expressed their opinion, the rest followed suit.

Beatrice was quite pleased with herself, thinking, “Agnes, this is the Capital, not Willowbrook Town..You’re no longer the Pritchard family’s missy, nor Jared’s wife. What tricks do you have up your sleeve to stir up trouble here? How many people would believe you based purely on your words?”

By this time, public opinion had shifted.

“So it turns out Ms. Beatrice was misunderstood by this lady, accusing someone’s charity painting to be a fake for no reason. If not for the purpose of slander, what’s her intention?”

“Right, Ms. Beatrice’s charity work over the years is well–known to all of us. Even though Ms. Beatrice had plastic surgery, it’s not illegal. It’s the kind heart that matters most.” 

“I think it’s Ms. Pritchard who dumped Mr. Whitfield back then and now regrets it. She wants to reconcile with Mr. Whitfield, but Mr. Whitfield is head over heels for Ms. Beatrice. Mr. Whitfield even splurged on Ms. Beatrice’s diamond bracelet, which must have made her jealous. That’s why she slandered Ms. Beatrice to ruin her birthday party.”

“Who would have thought that this pretty Pritchard family missy has such a nasty heart.” 

Everyone started discussing, no longer hiding their criticisms of Agnes.

Beatrice, hearing these comments, was over the moon with joy.

Beatrice walked up to Agnes with a hurt look, “Sis, you saw it all. We haven’t seen each other in years, and I’ve forgotten about the past. I don’t know if I did something wrong to hurt you before. Why would you come back and slander me like this? If it’s because of my past mistakes, I apologize. But today’s event is for charity. The money will be donated to the orphanage, helping thousands of kids change their tragic fate. If your words ruin it, you’d be ruining their lives!”

With that, Beatrice’s eyes welled up with tears. She looked so sad, as if she was about to burst into tears.

People around started criticizing Agnes.

“Ms. Pritchard is making a joke of children’s lives, she isn’t afraid of retribution?”

“If Ms. Pritchard is here to seek help from her stepmother, why is she burning bridges?” 

“Ms. Pritchard, please leave. You’re not welcome here.”

Suddenly, all eyes were on Agnes, and Agnes was secretly delighted.

In all these years, it seemed Beatrice’s acting skills had significantly improved.

What surprised Agnes the most was that in the past, Beatrice would surely step up her attack and act recklessly.

But now, she learned to use public opinion to attack her, playing the victim.

1

It seemed she really had changed.

But Agnes didn’t have the time to play along with her act.

Agnes glanced at her watch and felt that it was about time.

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