It was Phoebe . She acted like she was standing up for Kaia , but really , she was just looking for a way to humiliate her in front of everyone . Others chimed in , " Yeah , you should at least look at your granddaughter's gift . She'll feel bad if you don't ." Ruth quickly tried to signal Kaia to put the painting away before she embarrassed herself . However , Kaia didn't catch the look and said calmly , " Grandpa , let me open it for you ." Lincoln and Ruth instantly regretted it . They wished they had prepared a different gift for her to give instead . But now it was too late - by tomorrow , the whole town would be whispering about how pathetic they were . Honestly , they thought they shouldn't have let her come to the party in the first place . Before Kaia could do anything else , Sienna snatched the painting and unrolled it . The moment everyone saw it , the room went quiet . Then someone blurted , " Wait . Is this a painting by Mr. Collin Crawford ? " " The same Mr. Collin Crawford whose paintings go for several million dollars ? " another asked . " No way ! He hasn't painted for the public in years . Only his closest friends can get one of his works . " Melvin and Emma's eyes nearly popped out of their heads . " How's that even possible ? " Phoebe rubbed her eyes , like she couldn't believe what she was seeing . " This seal is definitely his ," Sienna said , her hands trembling as she held the painting . This was a Collin original . One of his pieces had once gone for 15 million dollars . If she messed it up - even the tiniest bit - there was no way she could ever cover the cost . Andrea's face went pale . She didn't buy it for a second . In her mind , there was no way Kaia had gotten a real Collin original - it had to be fake . While the shock still hung in the air , Andrea stepped forward , putting on a concerned face . " Kaia , how could you give Grandpa and Grandma a fake painting just to show off ? " I get you wanted to make them happy , but lying like this is embarrassing - for you and for the whole family ." 1/4 11:51 pm Chapter 32 55 vouchers She shook her head , adding , " And if Mr. Crawford hears about this , he'll be furious . You could drag our whole family into trouble . " At that , the crowd seemed to make up their minds . No way would they believe Kaia , a country girl , knew Collin . No connections , no money - it had to be a fake . Everyone turned to Kaia , their faces twisted with anger and disgust . " Kaia , are you out of your mind ? You'd risk the whole family's reputation just to show off , huh ? " someone said . " We might be well - off here in Morganburg , but compared to the Crawford family , we're nothing . They could crush us if they wanted . How dare you fake one of his paintings ? " another added . Lincoln's brother , Johnny , shot him a glare . " I told you not to bring her back . She grew up in the sticks with no manners . But you and Ruth wouldn't listen . Now she's landed the family in trouble . We should send her packing . " Lincoln and Ruth's faces turned red . They looked like they were one step away from slapping Kaia . Louis , the ex - fiancé who had dumped Kaia , breathed a silent sigh of relief . Thank God he wasn't marrying someone who could offend Collin and drag his family into disaster . The guests started whispering . The Bennett family really drew the short straw with this one , " a man said . " If she were my daughter , I'd break her legs and keep her locked up so she couldn't embarrass us again , " another said . " They should've drowned her at birth . All she does is cause trouble ," someone else muttered . " My son just parties all day , but he's a saint compared to Lincoln's daughter , " another guest said . Andrea saw how everyone was tearing into Kaia and felt a flicker of satisfaction . Then she turned back to Kaia , looking all concerned . " Kaia , you'd better apologize to Grandpa and Grandma , Ask them to forgive you ? " This isn't fake , " Kaia said evenly . " Why would I apologize ? " Melvin slammed his hand hard on the table . " You hand me a fake and still act like you're right , huh ? You're hopeless ! " Andrea stepped in quickly , patting Melvin's back . " Don't get mad , Grandpa . Your health's not good . Kaia's always been like this - it's not worth getting sick over her . " Emma , fuming , marched over , ripped the painting in half , and tossed it in the trash . Andrea's satisfaction grew . ' Kaia , you tried to grab the spotlight , but I just tore it all apart . How 2/4 11:51 pm Chapter 32 could a country bumpkin like you ever compete with me ? ' she thought . H55 vouchers Still , she kept up the act , telling Melvin and Emma , " Grandpa , Grandma , this is serious . We should ask everyone here not to spread this around . " If Mr. Crawford hears about it , we're done for . But if no one says anything , I'm sure the Crawford family won't bother with us . " " Yeah , you're right , " Melvin said , looking at her proudly . " Andrea , you really think ahead ." Then he turned to the guests . " Please , for our sake , don't tell anyone about this . We'd be very grateful ." " Don't worry , Mr. Melvin Bennett , " one guest replied . " We won't say a word . " " Yeah , but you'd better keep an eye on her , " another woman added . " We'll keep it a secret this time . But you know , Morganburg is full of important people . If she pulls something like this again , you might not be able to fix it . " The more people talked , the more uneasy the Bennetts looked . Kaia , on the other hand , was baffled . She had told them the painting was real . Ripping it up was the real stupidity here . But instead of listening , everyone was yelling at her . ' Grandpa , I told you the painting was real ," she said , annoyed , " You're the ones who ruined it . " The room went dead quiet . Melvin's face twisted , and he looked like he might pass out from rage . He raised his hand to hit her . " Kaia , you ungrateful- " Before he could finish , a loud voice rang out from outside . " Mr. Collin Crawford has arrived ! " The room froze . " Mr. Collin Crawford ? The famous painter ? " someone gasped . ' No way ! He's way too important to show up here , " another whispered . Seconds later , Collin walked in , his granddaughter Samantha at his side . " Oh my ! It really is him , " someone murmured . " Am I dreaming ? Why would he be here ? " " Wait . Today is Melvin and Emma's birthday . Did he come for that ? " " If so , Melvin must have some serious pull . " Melvin and Emma were stunned , then thrilled . ' Could he really have come for our party ? ' they thought . ' But we barely knew him . Still , what else could it be for ? ' " Mr. Crawford , " Melvin said , hurrying forward , his hands shaking so badly he could hardly walk 3/4 11:51 pm Chapter 32 straight . " Hello , Melvin ," Collin greeted with a warm laugh . Melvin felt ten feet tall , and the other guests looked on with envy . 55 vouchers " Since it's your and your wife's birthday , I was going to paint something for you myself , " Collin said . " But your granddaughter already gave you one of my paintings , so I brought a few other gifts instead . Hope you like them ." The color drained from everyone's faces . All eyes turned to Kaia . Melvin's mind went blank . He stammered . " Uh ... excuse me , Mr. Crawford . Which granddaughter are you talking about ? " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!