Chapter 120

The moment Madeline finished, applause erupted from Baxter's entourage.

"Bravo!"

"Exactly!"

"Our culture is rich and timeless, beyond the reach of any ordinary nation or person."

"To be ignorant of one's heritage yet speak of others… That's being foolish!"

Lydia was taken aback. She had only meant to throw a few veiled jabs at Madeline, but with a few sharp words, Madeline painted her as a sellout—someone without a true appreciation for their own culture.

Lydia's face was a storm of shock, anger, and irritation. "Madeline, you might not be my biggest fan, but do you really have to drag my name through the mud? I was just suggesting you travel abroad and see the world a bit. What's the big deal? I'm trying to help you, and you twist it into something ugly."

Madeline's voice was ice, "Keep your 'help' to yourself. We don't need that kind of trouble."

Lydia's face twisted into something almost unrecognizable. "You!"

Cilix jumped in, trying to defuse the tension. "Come on. It's ju