Chapter 83
Hearing Nancy’s name dropped into the conversation, all eyes turned toward her.
Baldrick furrowed his brows, not having the chance to speak up.
Mathew scoffed dismissively, “Lena? She didn’t make it through the preliminary round. I haven’t even seen her sketches. I only reviewed the top ten’s.”
“What?” Susan feigned shock. “Out of a hundred studios participating, Lena didn’t make the top fifty? That’s quite the fall from grace.”
Susan threw Nancy a mocking look. “Lena, you’ve gone downhill, haven’t you? Or were you always this mediocre? I’m starting to wonder how you snagged those awards in the past.”
Mathew added with a sneer, “How else? NY is known for its strict standards. And I don’t do favors. Miss Lena needs to up her game.”
As Susan and Mathew tag–teamed their criticism, people almost took it for granted that Nancy had previously won by pulling strings.
Nancy’s expression darkened.
Baldrick said sharply, “Proof is needed in every claim. Since NY is known for its rigor, why don’t we bring out Lena’s sketches? Let’s see for ourselves the quality of Lena’s design.”
Feeling a chill from Baldrick’s icy gaze, Mathew momentarily felt his heart quiver but quickly regained his
composure.
“Mr. Sandro, why should I reveal Lena’s sketches? I’m here to sign a contract with the champion, Miss Susan, on behalf of NY.”
Mathew insinuated, “However, Mr. Sandro, your sudden defense for Miss Lena wouldn’t be because you have a special interest in her, huh? No wonder she has won before, with a new big shot backing her. But NY doesn’t play that game.”
Baldrick’s frown deepened.
Nancy smiled and replied, “Susan, you like to say I take shortcuts, but I think you’ve forgotten that all our past‘ competitions were settled by public voting online, and I always came out on top.”
Susan failed to hide her frustration, and her face twisted, “Public voting means nothing. Who’s to say you didn’t buy your followers?”
“And the official sales rankings can be faked, too?” Nancy retorted lightly.
Susan was left speechless. Despite her efforts to mobilize a large fanbase, her earnings were still a fraction of Lena’s. Susan felt a surge of envy.
Susan turned to Mathew, tears welling up, “Mr. Mathew, Lena seems quite unsatisfied with my victory. Is she questioning me, NY, or even Evergreen Global?”
The room buzzed with murmurs.
In Ardenweald, Evergreen Global was a titan. Questioning NY might get one blacklisted within the industry, but challenging Evergreen Global could mean the end of one’s career in Ardenweald.
Mathew’s face turned stormy. His gaze was icy as he stared at Nancy. “Lena, if you can’t accept defeat, maybe NY shouldn’t bother collaborating with Lena’s Studio.”
It meant NY was considering blacklisting Lena’s Studio!
Baldrick clenched his fists, about to speak, when he felt a cold touch on his wrist.
Turning, he met Nancy’s disapproving gaze. “Nancy…”
08:43
4
Chapter 83+
Why was she stopping him?
Nancy calmly faced Mathew and Susan. “It’s clear who has concerns. I’m sure Mr. Mathew knows the truth. The real fear isn’t banning me. It’s exposing how my sketches compare to Susan’s.”
Baldrick’s stronghold wasn’t in Ardenweald but in Starfield City, though the Sandro Group had a presence there. The Sandro Group had clout, perhaps enough to challenge NY but not to take on Evergreen Global backing them. That was Ardenweald’s turf. And she didn’t want to drag Baldrick down with her.
The crowd stirred at Nancy’s words.
“Lena’s right. Her competitions with Susan were always transparent. And now, just for speaking out, they’re threatening to ban her?”
