Even Reuben had to admit that her graceful manner was impressive.

He studied Maria's expression, looking for nervous signs of any sort, but he found nothing.

“Well, well, well, very impressive! But I bet she's going to collapse when she realizes all the evidence against her for being a thief," Reuben said to himself silently.

At this, he couldn't help but smile faintly.

He couldn't wait to see Maria take the fall, convinced that she was done for this time.

“Maria, Anthony and I will come with you."

Despite her previous embarrassment, Julie was still worried about Maria.

"Is that okay?" Maria asked, glancing at Reuben.

Unbeknownst to her, Julie's request was just what Reuben wanted.

Reuben's smile widened.

“Mrs. Jenkins always treats everyone fairly. She has nothing to hide. The more people who are present, the less likely it is that someone will be wrongly accused. Both you and Mr. Wilson are welcome to join us."

After all, Anthony needed to be present when Maria faced the charges against her.

Mrs. Jenkins had specifically stressed this to Reuben before he went to the Lemna Yard.

They had set a trap for Maria, and by the time she finally realized this, it would be too late.

When knowing Maria was a thief, Anthony would be so disappointed that he wouldn't want to have anything to do with Maria. It would give Barbara a chance to take her place.

The crowd, including Grover and Isla, Left the Lemna Yard.

They all headed for the Tea House.

As soon as Maria stepped foot inside, she found that the Tea House had been transformed into a court.

Mrs. Jenkins sat in the center of the room. There were two rows of chairs in front of her, where people sat down facing her.

Canaan and the elders were seated on the left, while Barbara and the other young clansmen took their seats on the right.

Maria recognized these youths at once, as she had been quite impressed by their performance during the contest. Vivian was among them.

“Hello, Maria. It's been a long time. Do you still remember me?" A skinny man stood up.

His eyes Lit up with excitement at the sight of Maria. He was hunchback and had dark bags under his eyes. In the eyes of outsiders, he looked Like a weary alcoholic.

Maria ignored the man and kept walking until she reached the center of the hall, Locking eyes on the person who had run the Jenkins family for over twenty years.