The crowd stood frozen in shock.
Gasps erupted when someone finally broke the silence.
"Look! The dragonfly's eye is restored!"
"The lotus flowers! They're really there!"
"Mr. Macmillan didn't lie. Sophia truly mastered painting within a painting!"
"This is the highlight of my life!"
Exclamations rippled through the room.
Tears welled up in Mr. Winston Sr.'s eyes.
His trembling hands clutched his cane as he stared at the artwork.
Overwhelming gratitude mixed with deep remorse.
All emotions crystallized into profound appreciation for Sophia.
"Sophia, we owe this to you." His voice cracked with emotion.
Leaning heavily on his cane, he began lowering himself to his knees.
"Thank you, granddaughter."
The audience gasped collectively.
"Grandfather!"
"Mr. Winston!"
Ethan Sullivan moved swiftly.
He steadied the elderly man with firm hands.
"Please don't do this."
Sophia looked startled.
She immediately supported Mr. Winston's arm.
"Grandfather, are you trying to get me scolded?"
She patted his hand gently.
"This was nothing."
"Since you treat me as family, no formalities are needed."
Mr. Winston composed himself.
His red-rimmed eyes shone as he shook his head.
"Old Sullivan was my sworn brother."
"I failed to save him back then."
"This painting had to be preserved."
Memories flooded his mind.
He drew a shaky breath.
"I don't know how to repay you."
"Name anything in my power, and it's yours."
Suddenly, his expression turned resolute.
"I'm transferring all my Winston Group shares to Sophia!"
The announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd.
Liam Winston's fists clenched tightly.
Chloe Evans turned deathly pale.
"Grandfather, Sophia isn't family..."
Sophia frowned in refusal.
"This is too generous. I can't accept."
The Winston shares carried too much baggage.
She preferred seeing the old man enjoy peaceful retirement.
Too many vultures circled the Winston fortune.
Without shares, he'd become vulnerable.
Seeing his determination, Sophia changed tactics.
"If you really want to thank me, catch me some fish."
"I miss your cooking."
Her refusal was absolute.
Both Liam and Chloe gaped in disbelief.
Only Mr. Winston understood her true intention.
Knowing Sophia's ironclad resolve, he sighed in surrender.
"Not two fish—I'll catch you ten!"
His declaration rang clear.
"The shares will remain in your name."
"Sophia, the Winstons will always support you."
The unspoken message was unmistakable.
Everyone recognized this as his public endorsement.
Vincent Lowell tried slipping away unnoticed.
The promised humiliation of kneeling seemed unbearable.
But fate intervened.
"Mr. Lowell, where are you going?"