Mystery Bride's Revenge

Indeed, when hunchtime arrived, Derrick surprised everyone by standing up and making an announcement.

"Selina's design for the Cartier Summer Starlight Limited Edition has reached the final review stage.

The whole place went silent with shock..

Christina thought, This was unexpectedly fast.

A flash of envy passed through Christina's eyes as she bit her thin lips, reminding herself through the pain to stay composed,

"Cartier's head told me that their headquarters approved Selina's design, at first sight, sending it straight to the Mumzik headquarters for final judgment. I believe that no one present now doubts Selina's abilities." Derrick said. The crowd gasped in amazement and turned their gaze subconsciously towards Selina.

Selina simply put away her phone, looking at Derrick with indifferent eyes, showing no additional emotional reaction as if all of this was within her expectations.

Those who were jealous called this act of Selina's a show-off.

Those who admired Selina saw it as composure stemming from absolute confidence in her abilities.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Today is the last day to submit entries for the Jewelry Design Contest at Sokovis, and since the results are clear for all to see, I will soon announce the two nominees. If anyone has objections, speak now. "Derrick, Selina

After announcing the names, Derrick paused for a moment, surveying the room. There were no objections.

Derrick's position as head designer at Brilliance already signified his unparalleled skill, it was universally acknowledged. His decision not to step aside for the design competition meant one spot was unquestionably his

The competition was for the second spot, a spot that Selina-new to the scene-had seemingly effortlessly taken. Yet, no one dared to object, because what they couldn't achieve, Selina could. This was the oppression of raw talent and accomplishments.

People familiar with Christina sidled up to her and whispered, "Selina's green-lit journey is just too impressive. Didn't you accompany her to Cartier? You seemed quite close to her. Have you seen her creation?"

Christina took in a deep breath, holding back the fury that made her want to slap someone, and said without eye contact, How would I know? Besides, it's not even certain if the design was Selina's."

With Trevon backing her, Selina could easily claim someone else's work as her own.

"Hey, Christina, those are dangerous words. That could be slander."

"I've thought this through. It's not slander. We'll know it when the competition results come out

With those words, Christina stood up and left

After achieving the desired outcome, everyone went to lunch while Selina found Derrick to request some time off.

Derrick stood still, gave Selina a long look, pushed his glasses up, and said, "I don't like prying into other people's business, but Selina, you joined Brilliance to enter this competition, didn't you? Is there a specific reason?"

"I want to help Brilliance win this competition while crushing those who are too ignorant to know when they're defeated."

Selina shrugged nonchalantly. There was no point in hiding her intention and she aimed to target the Clark Jewelry, 10 shatter Timothy and Manuel's pride into dust, to spoil their career dreams, to ruin their lives.

"Regardless. I'm happy to have you as a powerhouse on our side. Mr. Brady didn't create Brilliance for simple reasons. With his nature, he aims to grow it not only into Clusia's top jewelry enterprise but into a leading global force. And I joined this newly founded jewelry company precisely because I saw Mr. Brady's ambition and his capabilities"

Tm also pleased. Let's join forces for this event. You ascend to greater heights in your field, and I defeat my trash. It's a win-

win situation.

After a few days. Today marked the commencement of the Jewelry Design Contest at Sokovis.

The event was being recorded for broadcast, and the judges comprised four internationally renowned jewelry designers. The competition itself was rigorously controlled to prevent cheating, with the design brief being disclosed just before the stant andsubmissions being sealed immediately, eliminating arry question of foul play. Selina and Derrick were amongst the contestants, chauffeured to the venue in a nanny van by the event organizers.

Upon alighting the vehicle, they immediately encountered representatives from the Clark Jewelry.

It was Manuel

Manuel's face darkened upon seeing Selina, as memories of the humiliations suffered at her hands rushed back. Selina barely granted Manuel a glance, continuing directly into the competition hall.

Burging with ambition, Manuel muttered under his breath, "Selina, no matter the shameful means you've used before, this a fair and square competition. You can't fake this and I will defeat you." His heart pounded with the thought of reclaiming his pride and then some from her today.

Inside the venue, the second floor hosted an open-viewing area designated for the sponsors of the Jewelry Design Contest at Sokovis

The Insight Group, the Griffin family, the Talley family, the Harvey family, and the Clark family had made contributions and sent their delegates.

"It's quite peculiar to be representing the Griffin family for the first time at the Jewelry Design Contest at Sokovis," remarked Charley with his carefree and handsome grin, casually leaning on Edwin's shoulder. His gaze kept shifting towards a certain silhouette, much like a sly fox that could never be satisfied, "Don't you think, Edwin?"

Holding his forehead, Edwin sighed, "Your words always beg for trouble, Charley. Just wait until Trevon gives you a thrashing, don't come crying to me for help."

"No worries, Edwin, Trevon's married now. He's not the cold-hearted brute he used to be. Look at him. He's immune to our banter. All his attention is on his love."

With a

playful tongue flick, Charley's youthful energy shone through, his white hair and comic-like appearance making hearts flutter.

Edwin glanced over at Trevon and noticed it was true. Even if the sponsorship of this competition meant a great deal to Trevon's establishment of Brilliance, sending Andrew as a delegate was already an honor. Trevon's personal presence spoke volumes to everyone-he was here for Selina. What sort of charm did Selina possess to turn the usually stoic and indifferent Trevon into this man that Edwin hardly recognized? Honestly, Edwin would never have believed that any woman could capture Trevon's heart if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes. As such, Edwin and Charley were here-partially to indulge in their friend's newest chapter and partially to witness Selina's talents firsthand.

Just then, the sound of footsteps came from outside the department.

Sara walked in with Ashley, heading to the viewing stand. When Ashley's eyes fell upon the striking trio-Charley, Edwin, and Trevon, she missed a heartbeat. They were the heir and the patriarchs of Sokovis' three most formidable farmilies.

Typically, each sponsoring group could only send one representative to maintain order at the event and to afford the contestants a stable environment to showcase their skills. However, with Timothy's parents unexpectedly traveling to Europe, they passed the Clark Group's slot to Ashley, a testament to the friendship between the Harvey family and the Clarks and their affection for Ashley.

Upon seeing Sara, Charley who knows everything, ever the instigator and keen on stirring up excitement, greeted unabashedly, "Mrs, Harvey, long time no see."

Sara nodded back, with Edwin offering a friendly greeting too. Trevon, however, merely gave the pair a cursory glance. before shifting his focus away-the epitome of indifference.