Jenna felt a twinge of annoyance. She wondered if they knew Jerrold hadn't actually created the painting.

Masking her feelings with a smile, she suggested, "“Jerrold's talent is remarkable. How about a live demonstration for those who haven't seen your work?" Her words hid her true skepticism.

As Jenna's suggestion hung in the air, a buzz of agreement rippled through the crowd. Many hadn't seen Jerrold's prowess at the competition and were curious about his talent. After all, even the great artist, Kenneth, chose him as his student.

"Absolutely, let's see Jerrold create something," echoed a voice from the crowd.

"Yeah, I never knew Jerrold had such a knack for art," another added.

Jerrold glanced at Lilah, who asked him gently, "Do you feel Like drawing?"

He wasn't particularly inclined to paint at that moment.

Lilah spoke up. "Jerrold draws when inspiration strikes. It seems it's not the right time now. His work will be available for all to see in the future."

Jenna, hearing this, grew even more suspicious. She suspected Jerrold's acclaimed painting might have been a deception.

“But an artist should be able to produce quality work even without inspiration. Vera can draw anytime, too," she countered, looking pointedly at Jerrold. "So many here are eager to see your work.

Wouldn't you like to showcase your talent? I'll offer an incentive.

I'll buy your painting for a hundred thousand dollars. How about that?"

Jenna proposed.

"Jenna's so generous, isn't she?" remarked someone in the crowd.

Jenna smiled, “Jerrold, being Kenneth's protégé, is bound for greatness. By buying his early work, I'm securing a treasure."

As curiosity about Jerrold's artistic skills grew, Lilah, observing Jenna's pushy demeanor, reassured, “His talent will be evident to all soon enough."

Jenna's disdain hung heavily in the air, her skepticism toward Jerrold intensifying. She couldn't fathom why Lilah wouldn't allow him to paint unless he lacked the skill.

Jenna's heart ached for her own daughter Vera, outshone by Jerrold in the competition.

“Miss Phillips, are you hesitant because Jerrold's true ability might disappoint Kenneth?" Jenna asked, her eyes narrowing.

She knew her words might provoke Lilah and Gerard's family, but she felt compelled to speak up for her daughter.

Lilah's face grew stern. “What are you implying?"

Jenna pressed on, “Jerrold's painting at the competition, completed in just an hour, didn't seem like a child's work. Are you suggesting no one suspects your manipulation?"

Though tempted to accuse the Harris family directly, Jenna refrained, shifting the blame onto Lilah instead.

"Jenna, what do you mean?" Brenda asked in a cold tone. Richard's expression darkened at Jenna's insinuations, and a chill seemed to spread through the hall under Gerard's icy gaze.