The photo of her back had already been posted by Caitlin. If she posted another one now, it would only look like she was trying too hard to cover something up.

So.

She couldn't post another picture from behind.

She needed something more convincing-evidence that would pin Caitlin to the wall as the thief, leaving her nowhere to hide.

Amanda narrowed her eyes. "Your twenty-third birthday is just a few days away, isn't it? Didn't you mention that Mr. Quinten was coming to The Capital to thank his little savior? Why not use this opportunity to invite him to your birthday party? That way, you'll be the talk of The Capital, and it'll prove once and for all that you're the true star behind this summer's most beautiful photo!"

After all, in a city like The Capital, Ann would be the first person to have Mr. Quinten attend her birthday celebration in person.

Amanda's words lit a spark in Ann's mind. She looked up at her mother, eyes shining. "You're right, Mom. I'll reach out to Mr. Quinten right away!"

This time, she was determined to outshine Caitlin, that country girl.

Without hesitation, Ann grabbed her phone and messaged Mr. Quinten, inviting him to her birthday party.

Mr. Quinten, who held his little savior in high regard, replied almost instantly: [Of course. I wouldn't miss your birthday for the world.]

Truth be told, he'd been hoping for the chance to thank his young benefactor in person.

When Ann read his reply, she turned excitedly to Amanda. "He said yes! Mr. Quinten is coming to my birthday party!"

Amanda broke into a satisfied smile. "Wonderful. I'll start making arrangements right away. I promise your birthday will be the event of the season."

"Thank you, Mom!"

That evening, Ann recorded a video. She looked vulnerable, her voice hoarse as if she'd been crying.

"I know being in the spotlight brings its own share of rumors, but I never imagined something like this would happen to me. Caitlin is my cousin, my own flesh and blood, I wanted to let this go it's just family noneed to make a big deal of it. But I never thought that by not calling her out, she'd turn around and accuse me instead."

"The truth is, the day that photo was taken, I also ended up saving an elderly gentleman. At the time, I had no idea who he was. It was only later I discovered he's the renowned calligrapher, Mr. Quinten."

"Mr. Quinten can vouch for me. I am who I say I am-I didn't pretend to be anyone else."

"In seven days, I'll be celebrating my twenty-third birthday, and I'm honored to say that Mr. Quinten has agreed to attend. The truth will come out then, for everyone to see. I'll be livestreaming the party myself. The only question is does my dear cousin have the nerve to show up?"

The moment Ann posted the video, the internet exploded.

"Oh my gosh! Victoria is amazing!"

"Is Victoria finally going to show her face?"

"She must be gorgeous!"

"Will N really show up?"

"No way! N's too scared!"

"By the way, who even is N? I've tried to dig up her info, but there's nothing out there."

Meanwhile, across town, Mr. Quinten learned of the injustice his young savior had suffered. He wasted no time posting a video of his own:

"Miss Templeton is telling the truth.

She was wearing that exact outfit when she saved me. The reason her photo went viral this summer was not by chance-spent money promote it, hoping to find the person who rescued me."

"I'll be attending Miss Templeton's birthday party as promised. I hope N has the courage to come as well. When the day comes, it'll be clear to everyone who's telling the truth."