“My apologies to everyone for the unpleasant experience at the exhibition.”
All eyes turned toward the source of the voice. On the main stage, arge screen slowly descended. Eddie stood beside Dale Reeves, microphone in hand.
A staff member tapped away at aptop, and in moments, Ivan’s painting was projected onto the screen.
“The purpose of hosting this exhibition,” Dale began, “is to give more children a tform to showcase their art. Their work is lively and imaginative, and it often surprises and inspires me.”
Eddie tranted each sentence as Dale spoke. The two <i>were </i>old friends, and their teamwork was seamless.
“As many of you know, whenever I hold an exhibition in a new country, I organize a children’s artpetition beforehand. Any child between the ages of three and twelve is wee to enter. There are three rounds of selection, and in the final round, I alone make the decision. The winning piece is disyed at every one of my exhibitions, and all proceeds from the auction go to the winner.”
“I want thepetition to be fair, just, and transparent. That’s why I make the final decision myself. A thousand people see a thousand Hamlets–everyone interprets art differently, and I respect that. What I cannot tolerate is anyone breaking the rules for the sake of victory–resorting to bribery, especially of my staff.”
As Dale spoke, his thick beard seemed to bristle with each word, his anger in for all <i>to </i>see. Eddie patted him on the shoulder, a gesture of reassurance.
“So, this time, I’ve decided to disy all the selected paintings and let everyone here <i>vote</i><i>. </i><i>Good </i>art resonates with people–it stirs the soul. In a moment, I’ll open up the voting system. Each piece will be presented to you, and you can vote anonymously for your favorite.”
As soon as he finished, murmurs rippled through the crowd, followed by a smattering of apuse.
No <i>one </i>had expected the situation to take this turn. Hamilton, gripping his cane, struggled <i>to </i>mask his anxiety. If Tammie’s painting didn’t take first ce–if word of today’s events got out…
No! Tammie would win, she had to! Damn it, if only there was a break, he could’ve bribed a few people by now!
09:38
One desperate scheme after another flickered through Hamilton’s mind, only for him to dismiss them all. On stage, Eddie continued to trante steadily
“In addition, regarding the bribery allegations, I will release a statement after a full investigation. If the usations prove true, the staff involved will be dismissed, and anyone caught bribing the judges will be permanently banned!”
Hamilton’s grip on his cane tightened until his knuckles turned white. He forced himself to stay calm. They’d taken his money–they would never betray him. Besides, even if they confessed, it wouldn’t do them any good. Who would be foolish enough to destroy themselves?
“You don’t need to wait forter. Looking for evidence? It’s right here.”
A familiar, confident voice rang out from the entrance. Alessia turned to look, and sure enough, it was Cole.
While Hamilton was still trying to reassure himself, Cole’s words sent another shockwave through the room.
Every gaze fixed on Cole as he strode in from the doorway. Each step seemed tond directly on Hamilton’s nerves, making him tremble despite himself.
Hamilton’s fingers whitened around his cane as he swallowed hard, tilting his chin up in a show of forcedposure.
Cole paused deliberately as he passed Hamilton, giving him a lookced with a half–smile, half–challenge.
Hamilton gave a dismissive snort, trying to appear unimpressed.
Cole, unfazed, tossed a sh drive to Eddie, then moved to Alessia’s side, taking her hand in his–a silent promise to protect her, no matter what.
09:38