From Now On, I Spoil Myself

This time, the wounds from the lashing left Holly bedridden for two whole days.

Only when her phone began to vibrate did she stir. A message from the staff had arrived, informing her that the island purchase procedures were complete. The secluded island, cut off from the outside world, now belonged to her.

Delighted, she immediately called the number.

The person on the other end asked her again to confirm, "Ms. Webster, are you sure you're coming to the island in three days?"

Holly had never been this determined. "Yes, I'm sure."

The staff replied, "Got it, Ms. Webster. We'll escort you to the island in three days."

The call had just ended when Oscar suddenly pushed the door and came in. "Going to what island?"

Holly pocketed her phone and changed the topic. "It's nothing. Mr. Moss, did you need something from me?"

He did not press further and simply said, "Your previous competition entry won an award. The organizer has invited you to attend the ceremony the day after tomorrow to receive it."

Had Oscar not brought it up, Holly would almost have forgotten about it. She could paint well and had secured a finalist spot in one of the country's most prestigious competitions just a month ago. She never expected that she would actually win.

On the day of the award ceremony, Stella dragged the family along and insisted on accompanying Holly to the venue.

"Holly, you're my sister. Of course we'll want to witness your moment of glory!"

Her tone then shifted. She let out a slightly regretful sigh. "I wish I could win something, too. My health has always been poor, so I never had the chance to learn painting. But it's fine! Your win is just like a win for me."

Holly said nothing, but a slight, ominous feeling rose in her heart.

The award ceremony began. Soon, it was time to announce the gold prize winner.

Holly sat in the audience, sweating nervously all over.

This award meant a lot to her. It was recognition of her work and affirmation from her peers in the industry.

The host pulled out the list of winners and suddenly looked puzzled. But just moments later, he regained his composure and announced, "Congratulations to the gold winner, Stella Webster!"

A murmur ran through the audience. No one had ever heard of that name, and they lowered their voices to whisper among themselves.

"Who's this Stella Webster? Is she new?"

"No idea. I was sure the gold prize was supposed to go to Holly Webster, the artist behind 'Sunset'!"

Holly froze. It took her some time before she regained her composure. She was about to get up to question the organizer when Colin pulled her back.

"Sit down. An hour ago, I contacted the organizers to switch the winner so Stella could go on stage. She enjoys the spotlight, so from now on, all your works will be published under her name."

Holly whipped her head around in disbelief, while Frank and Mary gazed at Stella on stage proudly. When their gaze fell on Holly, it was dismissive. "Don't take it to heart. It's just a prize."

Oscar's gaze was dark, and his attention was focused on Stella, who was glowing on stage. He didn't even notice Holly's pale face.

A chill ran through Holly's body.

Once again, Stella had stolen the spotlight that should have been hers. And the accomplices were all of them.

As everyone applauded, Stella thanked everyone except for Holly.

…

Back at the Webster residence, Holly returned to her room and packed up all her artwork.

And then, there were the dolls she had saved up three months of pocket money to buy, the handcrafted dolls she made alone in her room, and her worn-out clothes and dresses.

Then, she stormed into the living room and dumped everything in front of Stella.

Stella was understandably shocked. "Holly, what are you doing?"

Holly gestured at the items strewn across the floor and said evenly, "They told me to give you all my artwork, right? Well, not just that. You get everything I own."

After speaking, she glanced at everyone around her and smiled bitterly.

Stella could have their parents, Colin, and Oscar, too. Holly no longer wanted them.