"His Award, My Revenge: The Day I Accepted the Honor for My Father " - Chapter 10

---- Chapter 10 Three days had passed. I sat in the front row of Lincoln Center's grand theater, my black turtleneck dress clinging tightly to my body. I had spent hours choosing this dress-it perfectly concealed every scar on my skin. For three days, Alex's words had echoed in my mind: "Our paths have diverged, and there can be no intersection." He was right. We could never intersect again. But at least, I could let him know the truth. My hands rested calmly on my knees, but my heart was hammering wildly in my chest.

'Two years of waiting, two days of final preparation-all for this moment tonight. "Next, let us welcome the renowned education expert, Mr. Vincent Collins!" Iwatched my father rise, adjusting his suit, that familiar smug smile plastered across his face. The spotlight hit him as thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Isneered inwardly: Enjoy it, Vincent. This is your final moment of glory. "Ladies and gentlemen!" Vincent's voice boomed through the microphone, filling the venue. "Tonight, I'll share how strict education cultivates true genius!" Strict education?

| traced the scars hidden beneath my long sleeves. Want to know what strict education really means? I'm about to show you. "My daughter Canvas-from the age of four, I subjected her to the strictest training!" Vincent spoke passionately. "In this era where the rich rely on connections and the poor on effort, we have no right to fail!" Iclosed my eyes as those painful memories flooded back: four-year- old me tied to a chair with ropes, fingers pricked with needles until they bled, painting while starving until I collapsed... "strictness is the greatest love!" Vincent's voice soared.

"I shaped her ---- talent with iron discipline! Look at the results-she's about to receive the highest honor at the National Youth Art Competition!" Love? I nearly laughed out loud. Torturing your daughter to the point of suicide-is that your love? The applause grew even more enthusiastic. Vincent basked in his false glory, completely oblivious to the cold gleam in my eyes. "Now, please welcome this year's gold medal winner-Canvas Collins! Itook a deep breath and slowly stood. This was the moment I had been waiting for.

Each step was steady as the spotlight found me, thunderous applause filling the air. Taccepted the trophy, facing over a thousand audience members and countless cameras. My voice rang clear throughout the venue: "Thank you all. Tonight, I want to tell everyone how this 'education expert! cultivates genius." Vincent froze momentarily below the stage but continued applauding smugly, obviously awaiting my words of gratitude. Tbegan unbuttoning my high-necked dress. "Everyone, please look carefully." The dress slipped off, revealing my pale shoulders and arms.