Chapter 205

Penelope watched as her artwork was taken down, destined, it seemed, for the nearest trash can.

She took a deep breath and walked forward. "Mr. Olson, please give it back to me."

The official looked mortified to see her.

"I'll... I'll hang it back up later."

"Don't bother."

Penelope took her design from him and turned to Susan. "Let's talk."

Susan raised an eyebrow. "What is there for us to talk about?"

"Feeling guilty?"

"Ha! Why would I feel guilty? That's ridiculous."

"Then let's talk."

With that, Penelope turned and walked outside.

In front of so many people, Susan couldn't afford to look weak. She followed, her expression radiating defiance.

As Penelope passed Rebecca, she gave her a look loaded with meaning. Rebecca, conscience-stricken, shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

A few moments later, on the terrace outside the exhibition hall, Penelope saw Susan and Rebecca approaching together, hand in hand, the picture of intimacy. "Rebecca, back in university, I thought you two were the best of friends. I can't believe she would stoop so low as to seduce your husband."

Rebecca bit her lip. "I guess I was just a poor judge of character back then." "Tsk. I wonder if she feels any guilt sleeping with her best friend's husband." "Probably not."

"True. Some people are just born rotten to the core."

"I... I really regret ever being friends with her."

They went back and forth, Susan insulting both Penelope and the "mistress" while Rebecca, the actual mistress, played along, absorbing the insults directed at her own actions.

The scene was so absurdly comical that Penelope couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"You still have the nerve to laugh!"

Susan shot her a glare, but Penelope's smile faded, replaced by an icy calm as she looked at them both.

"So, when did the two of you start scheming together?"

"What kind of foul language is that?" Susan snapped.

Penelope's gaze shifted between them. "Did you just become allies? It's possible. Birds of a feather flock together, turning from enemies to friend in an instant. But I don't think plotting

so. You two... you've been r

behind my back since we in

school, haven't you?"

"What are you trying to say?" Susan frowned.

"I could never figure out how your phone ended up in my bag. But now I realize, if

the person I trusted most was the one who put it there, I never stood a chance."

As she spoke, her eyes fell on Rebecca, who tried to appear composed, but the

frantic wringing of her dress betrayed her guilt.

"How did my phone get in your bag? You stole it, obviously! But it's been so many years. Why bring it up now? What's the point?"

"You're right. It's been years, and I don't really care anymore."

"Hah. But you'll always be a thief in our eyes."

"And? That doesn't affect me in the slightest."

"You really have no shame."

"Insult me all you want. Your words can't hurt me."

"You are you just looking for a fight?"

Penelope blinked. "What could you possibly do to hurt me?"

Susan snarled, provoked by Penelope's calm demeanor. She wanted to deliver a crushing blow.

"Fine, I'll tell you the truth! The

person who put my phone in your bag was none other than your best friend, Rebecca! Ha! Surprised? You stood up for her, and she turned around and helped me frame you. And all these years, you never even suspected a thing!"