Ch. 1131..1135

Chapter 1131 The call quickly connected, and John said, “Peter, bring the documents regarding Coastrock City and wait for me at the airport.”

On the phone, Peter froze for two seconds. “Weren't you planning to go to Coastrock City for the cooperation next month?” “| changed my mind. I'll go there now.”

Peter did not dare to ask any more questions and quickly replied, “Yes, sir. I'll prepare it right away.”

The next day.

In Westchester City.

The night was completely dispersed by the newly risen sun, and the world brightened up.

Sylvia opened her eyes before the alarm went off.

Today was the opening day of the art competition, and the opening ceremony would be at 9 am sharp.

It was now 6 am.

Flint was still fast asleep in the crib.

The man beside her woke up as soon as she sat up.

She said to him, “You can sleep a little longer. I'll go wash up first.”

It was Monday, so it was still too early for him to go to work. There was no need for him to get up so early with her.

After saying that, she got out of bed and went straight into the bathroom.

Odell looked at her anxious figure and smiled.

Then, he also got out of bed.

It took about half an hour for Sylvia to freshen up and change her clothes before she was ready.

When she was dressed and came out of the cloakroom , the man who should have been lying in bed was standing by the door in a suit and tie.

He leaned back against the wall with one hand in his pants pocket. In his other hand, he held the still sleeping Flint. His posture was lazy and elegant, and his handsome face carried a smile that was filled with unspeakable tenderness

Sylvia could not help but walk up to him and ask with a smile, “Why didn’t you continue sleeping?”

He responded, “I slept early yesterday, so I’m not tired

now.”

Her face heated up.

Last night, to make sure she was energetic and refreshed for the opening ceremony of the art contest, she very sternly refused his invitation to make out and even kicked him. Thus, they went to bed early.

She glanced at him and said, “Flint hasn’t woken up yet. Let him sleep for a while longer.”

The little guy obviously still did not want to wake up.

“He’s fine. He can sleep again after breakfast.” After saying that, Odell smacked the baby’s bottom.

Flint was instantly startled awake and let out a cry.

Sylvia was speechless.

“Breakfast should be almost ready. Let’s go downstairs.” He touched her head and walked out of the room with Flint in his arms. Sylvia pursed her lips and followed them out.

When she came to the living room, she saw Isabel and Liain sitting listlessly together. The two children were dressed neatly, but their faces looked like they had not woken up yet.

However, they immediately roused their spirits when they saw Odell

Sylvia’s tips twitched

He probably woke up these two too.

At that moment, Aunt Tonya’s voice called out from the other side of the kitchen. “Syl, Odell, the food is ready. Sit down and eat.” The maid who followed her pushed out a small cart full of breakfast.

Sylvia said to the children, “Isabel and Liam, come and have breakfast. You can go back to sleep after eating.”

It was a Monday, so they had to go to school. They would not be able to focus in class if they did not rest well.

The two little ones responded with bleary eyes.

Sylvia pulled them to sit down.

Christopher and Simon also most likely got up early. She received a message from them right as she finished breakfast.

Simon asked if she had woken up yet. Christopher sent her the address where they were gathering

 

Chapter 1132 Sylvia replied to their messages and kissed Isabel, Liam, and Flint on their little cheeks. "You guys go back and get some more sleep, then go to school,okay?" Isabel pouted.

"We know."

Liam also pursed his lips.

"Go on, Mom."

Sylvia smiled and looked at Flint.

"Flint, remember to listen to Aunt Tonya at home today.

Don't disturb her when she's resting, got it?" She did not know if Flint understood or not, but the baby babbled excitedly. Just then, the tall figure of a man walked in front of her.

Sylvia looked up and met his dark eyes.

He pursed his lips and asked, "Is there anything you'd like to tell me as well?" Her lips twitched.

He was a thirty-year-old man.

What did he need her to tell him? However, seeing how he was well behaved recently,she thought about it and said, "Work hard at the office." Then, she picked up her bag.

"It's getting late. Christopher and Simon are waiting for me, so | have to go now."

She turned and headed out.

However, a long arm suddenly wrapped around her waist.

Sylvia was pulled back into Odell's arms in an instant.

Looking at his handsome face in front of her, her cheeks heated up, and she snapped at him, "What do you want?" He narrowed his eyes.

"You forgot something?"

"What?" Sylvia was confused.

Odell raised his hand and pointed to his lips with a calm expression She was speechless.

She glared at him.

‘Aunt Tonya and the children are watching! However, it was as if he did not understandher expression.

He smiled faintly and said, "You can't leave unless you kiss me." Sylvia’s throat choked.

Then, she stood on her toes and gave him a quick peck on the corner ofhis lips.

Odell instantly let her go.

She glared at him while blushing and turned around to walk out, not bothering to look at Aunt Tonya and the children

After she left, Odelllooked at the children.

Isabel was covering her face and snickering, and Flint giggled over Liam's shoulder.

However, they instantly stopped when Odell glanced over.

Only Liam's expression remained unchanged as he asked, "Dad, when are we leaving?" Odell looked at the time on his wristwatch. "Soon." The assembly point was near the venue of the opening ceremony.

Christopher and Simon were already there when Sylvia arrived, and the rest of the Westchester Art Association seemed to be present aswell.

Sylvia got out of the car and headed straight toward Christopher and Simon.

Unexpectedly, she was surrounded by people.

Chapter 1133 "Heh. The president is too biased. Is it because she's pretty?" "Who knows? But it's true that she usedto be quite amazing in the past.

Maybe the president thinks that she can get back to her previous level." "Hah. Did you forget that ink painting she did before?" "Of course not. Even my three-year-old nephew can draw that ink painting of hers."

Sylvia could not help but stop inher tracks.

Her face turned a few shades colder as she looked toward the group of people talking about her.

She was already in front of them, but they still had no intention of lowering their voices.

They were clearly deliberately trying to mess with her mind.

The group of people seemed to not have expected Sylvia to stop and look directly at them.

They instantly pursed their lips, but their expressions were very cold.

It seemed like they were telling her that they looked down on her even though she was invited by the president.

Only one young man quickly showed a fake smile and said to her, "Ms.Ross, why are you looking at us like that?" Sylvia recognized him. He was Haytham Lunder, and should have been in the Westchester Art Association for two years.

Some time ago, when she had not fully recovered her memory, Odell and her went to a barbeque restaurantto eat and ran into Lily and Simon.

This man had been with Lily and screamed at the restaurant owner because there were no more tables for him.

Sylvia said bluntly, "You guys are sh*t-talking me in front of my face. Why can't | look at you?" The fake smile on Haytham's face instantly froze.

The others also looked embarrassed.

However, one of them soon spoke up.

"Ms.Ross, your previous ink painting was garbage. Why can't we say a few things about it?” Sylvia's lips curled down. "Were you simply saying a few things?" That person choked and fell speechless.

Haytham put on his fake smile again.

"Ms.Ross, we don't mean any harm. We were just surprised that you came to participate, so we got a little carried away. An amazing person like you won't hold it against us, right?"

Before she could reply, another person in the group said, "Don't flatter her, Haytham.

It's been so long, but she hasn't made a single decent painting.

If she can make a painting that will blow our minds today, HI bow to her and call her Ma'am!" Sylvia couldnot help but look at him.

The person who spoke was a young man who looked quite lively.

She did not know him, so he must have joined the association not long ago.

She asked, "What's your name?" The man instantly retorted, "That's none of your business. | don't care to introduce myself to people like you who rely on connections to get to the top."

Sylvia frowned. Christopher and Simon walked over together, probably because they heard the commotion. They went up to Sylvia's side.

Christopher, who always had a smile on his face, said with a sullen face, "What's withthe commotion ? We're all from the Art Association.

If anyone isn't happy with the competition, then you can come to me straight." Many people shut their mouths sheepishly.

Only the young man who snubbed Sylvia earlier turned red with anger.

"President, you're too biased. So what if she painted a few famous pieces before? With her current level, who knows if she painted those by herself? Aren't you afraid that the Westchester Art Associationwill become the laughingstock of the art associations of other cities if you're so biased toward her?" Christopher's expression darkened as he glared at the man.

"What nonsense are you saying? Don't you know that slander is illegal?"

The young man snortedcoldly.

"Everyone already knows about that. I'm not slandering her."

Christopher was furious.

"Shut your mouth. If you continue to talk nonsense, then you can leave this place instead." "Fine, i'll leave! What'sthe big deal?" The young man was so angry that he turned and left. Haytham, who was standing beside him, was just about to call him back when he saw a luxury car coming up from the driveway. His expression lit up.

"Ms.Springsteen is here!"

Then, he ran toward Lily's car.

The others also changed their expressions and ran after him.

Before long, only Christopher, Simon and Sylvia were left in that area.

Chapter 1134 Christopher glanced toward Lily. His expression was stiff and unpleasant Simon also said furiously, "These people are really

too snobbish."

Even if Sylvia's skills were not as goodas before, her previous painting still beat Lily's paintings.

To be more precise, Lily's paintings may look good to ordinary people who did not know how to draw. However, anyone with knowledge in art would know that her paintings were average.

She was not qualified to join the Art Association at all.

The reason she was able to join the association was because she borrowed Master Springsteen's name.

Those people said that Sylvia relied on connections, but they ignored the fact that Lily also came in through the back doorand even flattered her like that.

What was that if not hypocrisy? When Sylvia saw this, she said to them, "President, Simon, I'm fine.

Don't get mad." She remembered that many of the people in that group were the helpers that Madam Springsteen found to keep heraway from Odell when he was still engaged to Lily, shortly after her "ink painting" incident.

They were probably all on good terms with Lily.

Christopher and Simon looked at Sylvia.

She smiled at them.

It was impossible not to be angry, and it was impossible not to hold a grudge about thepast. However, it was still not time to get back at them yet.

Christopher was relieved.

"It's good that you didn't take their words to heart." Simon added, "Sylvia, I'll always support you." Sylvia smiled.

"Mm. Thank you." She would also perform well today and would not fail their trust.

Before long, Lily walked over under their starry eyes.

Her long hair was let down, and she wore a beautiful long red dress and a pair ofhigh heels.

The makeup on her face was also very exquisite In short, every move and gesture shemade gave off an air of elegance. She walked straight to Sylvia and looked at her, then smiled at Christopher and Simon.

"Good morning, President Dendro and Mr.Amos." Out of courtesy, Christopher and Simon returned her greeting Then, Lily looked at Sylvia.

"Ms.Ross, it's only been a few days since | saw you, but you seem to be in better spirits. I'm sure you'll be able to paint something that will blow us away today." Sylvia replied indifferently, "Just wait and see, Ms.Springsteen." Lily snorted softly and was just about to walk past Sylvia.

"| forgot to mention, but | remember everything now, Ms.Springsteen," Sylvia suddenly spoke up.

Lily looked at her with indifference and confusion.

"What did you remember’ remember the fake engagement between you and Odell, and the things thatyour grandmother did to me to

get me to stay away from him." She inadvertently looked toward Haytham as she said that. Haytham and the other people around him participated in the online violence against her after the "ink painting” incident.

They met her in a restaurant and deliberately provoked her, forcing her to run away and be chased by the restaurant owner fordine and dash.

Even though she was pregnant at that time, they showed no mercy to her, forcing her to run to the road. Then, she sat on the road and met Madam Springsteen , who came to threaten her about Odell.

All that happened long ago, but they replayed clearly in her mind.

She remembered the faces of those people clearly.

Lily's expression changed.

Haytham and the others also instantly looked guilty.

Christopher and Simon were stunned, and Simon asked," Sylvia, you mean that Madam Springsteen schemed against you before? Also, why are you looking at Haytham and the others?Were they a part of it as well?" Before Sylvia could say anything, Lily said coldly, "Sylvia, my engagement with Master Carter was indeed fake, but | haven't heard a thing about my grandmother setting you up.

She wouldn't make a fuss over someone like you." Haytham echoed, "Ms.Ross, are you slandering Madam Springsteen and Ms.

Chapter 1135 "Yeah, we just said a few words about your ink painting back then. Are you saying that we can't say anything about your painting even though it sucked?" 1111 The group of people quickly pointed their fingers at Sylvia's painting again.

Many other members of the association did not know about the incident.

After hearing those words, they looked at Sylvia with disdain and contempt.

1 This time, Lily made no secret of her dislike for Sylvia and also had a contemptuous expression.

If it were before, Sylvia might have been at a loss for words and fled in disarray.

However, not only did she stand straight now, but her words were also very clear and crisp.

"| can tell whether you're talking about my painting or me.

| remember exactly what you all did to me." The group of people were stunned and subconsciously looked at Haytham. Haythain's eyes flashed, and he asked her, "Do you have evidence?" Hearing this, the others followed suit. "Yeah, do you have evidence to prove that we did something to you?"

“If you don't, then don't talk nonsense."

The scene grew chaotic again.

1 Seeing this, Christopher immediately shouted, "Shut up, all of you! | don't know about the other incidents, butl still remember the words you all used to taunt her in various groups, forcing her to quit the industry. How dare you have the nerve to ask for evidence now?" "| remember too.

| even saved all the screenshots.

Do you want to see them?" Simon piped up as well.

The group of people instantly froze and shut their mouths. groups, Torcmg ner io qun me mousiry.

How dare you have the nerve to ask for evidence now?" "| remember too. | even saved all the screenshots. Do you want to see them?" Simon piped up as well.

The group of people instantly froze and shut their mouths.

Sylvia sneered.

The scene was quiet for a few minutes.

Christopher composed himself and looked around, saying to everyone present, "The ceremony is about to start. Stop standing around here and talking about this.

Go in and get ready." At his words, the people around knew that the show was over, so they all went toward the venue where the openingceremony was held.

Only Haytham and a few others stayed with Lily.

Lily looked at Sylvia with a cold and arrogant face." Sylvia, | have to say, you've grown more courageous after remarrying Master Carter.

However, the competition here isn't about whose man is more powerful, but about one's own abilities.

| hope you won't let us down today." 17 After saying that, she walked past Sylvia and headed inside.

Haytham and the others followed her closely.

"Ms.Springsteen, why did you still say that when she slandered you and Madam Springsteen?" "We don't believe that she can

draw anything good now anyway."

"Yeah, we're justwaiting to see her make a fool of herself. Let's see if she can still keep the same confidence that she has now."

"Hehe... Maybe she'll cry and run to Master Carter and tell him to deal with us." "Ooh, I'm so scared!" "We have Ms.Springsteen. What are you scared of? Haha.

"Although they walked away, the sound of their laughter did not lade Christopher frowned with an expression of displeasure and helplessness.

Simon could not stand it anymore.

I'm going to shut them up!" Sylvia quickly pulled him back and smiled at him. "Let them talk. I'm fine."

She was really fine.

That was because the show had just begun.

When Christopher saw that she looked fine, he said," That's good.

We should also go in and get ready.

The contestants and the audience would be coming in soon." He also felt indignant for Sylvia, but Lilyand the Springsteen family were not people that the association could afford to offend.

He only hoped that Sylvia could keep up the same standard of paintings she showed him earlier during the judge painting session later.

Hopefully, nothing would go wrong.