Liana shouted, “Why didn’t she continue bidding if she wanted the painting? She never nned to buy


    it in the first ce the only Wanted to trick mel


    The onlookers shifted their opinions about the situation.


    “Could Ms. White have done that to Ms. Gardner because she was upset with the divort


    “That’s unnecessarily petty, What’s the meaning of pulling that after a divorce?


    “It is not meaningless. She must have been indignant after losing her marriage with the distinguished


    Mr. Beckett


    “She looks proper on the outside but mean on the inside. Women like her only use their brains on petty


    todet


    Liana felt great hearing the barrage of criticisms on Alice.


    “Ms. White, did you really do that? Javier knitted his brows and looked sternly at Alyssa. Simrly,


    Newton was waiting for her answer.


    “Ms. Gardner, it was a misunderstanding.” Alyssa took a step forward. Her face scrunched up into a


    pitiful expression. “I was the one who first bid for the painting. You followed suit.


    “I liked the painting and wanted to contribute to charity at the same time. Those were the reasons I bid


    for it at a higher price–to win the bid at once. Jasper and Landon could attest my word because they


    were there.”


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    There seemed to be a twist in the incident.


    “You-” Liana scrambled for words as she jumped in anger.


    “I can vouch for her!” Landon jumped out to defend his crush without hesitation. “Ms. White started the


    bid, followed by Ms. Gardner. Ms. White was the one who wanted the painting.”


    There was a gleam in Jasper’s eyes. Landon seemed to be everywhere these days.


    “I intended to purchase the painting for my collection. Grandpa has the original painting in his study,


    and I like it. Even if it was a replica. I would like to collect it. The sight of it reminds me of the good time


    I spent with Grandpa.”


    Looking helpless, Alyssa pursed her lips. “Ms. Gardner seemed to want the painting as well I bid


    against her for a few rounds, but I decided that I should not deprive her of what she wanted and gave


    up on the bidding war.”


    Alyssa continued, “What exactly was my fault? Ms. Gardner, why would you use me in that


    manner? If it makes you feel unfair, I’m willing to purchase the painting from you and make up for your


    losses.”


    Things had changed in the court of public opinion. Alyssa’s bright eyes were full of tears. She had


    convinced everyone with her exceptional acting. 1


    Jasper tilted his head and stared silently into her crystal eyes as he breathed hard. He watched as she


    acted.


    “You–Nonsense- Liana was about tounch into a tirade when Sophia went up and secretly pinched


    her. Feeling the pain, Liana was distracted and almost lost herposure.


    Sophia interjected, “Haha! It was a misunderstanding. Dad, Lia is at home most of the time and rarely


    joins events like an auction. She blindly followed what the others were buying. She bought the painting


    just to make you happy, that’s all


    Sophia gave Liana a look. “Your mom called because of an emergency at home. Call her back now.


    Don’t keep her womed.”


    Gritting her teeth, Liana left the scene, looking dejected.


    After some thinking, Newton grasped Alyssa’s hand and said, “You should have told me that you liked


    the painting. I would have given you anything you wanted, even if it were a Georgian–era antique!


    “I’d even get you the Mona Lisa if you wanted that! I am generous when ites to things that you set


    your eyes on.”


    “Thank you, Grandpa. I don’t need anything else when I have your care and attention.” She squeezed


    his hand and smiled sweetly.


    By that time, the guests finally saw through the dynamics of the family. Jasper might have divorced


    Alyssa on paper, but they appeared to