The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow novel Chapter 82

Susan glared at Baldrick with disbelief and resentment, especially as he went over to Nancy and seemed to forget the rest of the world existed. Her eyes sparkled with anger and frustration. "Mr. Sandro, don't count your chickens before they hatch. Lena's Studio might be history after tonight!"

Nancy's gaze hardened a bit. "You talk a big game for someone who's still sore from losing too many times. Jealous much?"

"You... We'll see about that." Susan gritted her teeth in frustration and stormed off.

Once Susan had left, Baldrick said, "Nancy, do you know why Susan's acting all high and mighty?"

Nancy paused, sensing something, and looked sharply at Baldrick, "You know something, don't you?"

"I do." Baldrick's voice carried a hint of complexity, "Susan and Mathew have a special relationship."

Before he could finish, the crowd erupted into whispers.

"Mr. Mathew is here!"

"The man in charge of NY tonight has finally arrived. It's an honor to meet the manager, though NY's big boss Neil is absent."

Nancy's expression fell as she saw Susan throw herself into the arms of a middle-aged man enthusiastically.

Susan planted a fiery kiss on the man's cheek. "Mathew, everyone here is eager to see who will come out on top tonight."

Her emphasis on 'who' didn't go unnoticed by Mathew, who smirked knowingly, "Well, then you're in for a treat."

His gaze swept over Nancy and lingered when he saw her beauty, a mix of astonishment and greed in his eyes.

Being so close, Susan noticed and tugged at Mathew's hand, whispering something in his ear in a voice meant for their ears only.

After a moment, Mathew's face showed shock and surprise, "Really?"

A spotlight hit the stage, and Mathew stood at the center with a microphone, "Thank you all for attending NY's panel discussion tonight."

"We've reviewed all the submissions and picked the top three. Don't be discouraged if you don't make it. NY will host another panel next year."

As he finished, the screen behind him lit up.

Three pictures appeared, with the champion's spot in the center, occupied by a sword surrounded by rose petals. Beneath it read, [Cutting through the thorns, towards a new beginning - Susan.]

"Miss Susan, congratulations on your victory," Mathew announced, clapping.

As the room filled with applause, Susan's proud smile found Nancy's gaze.

Then, with malice, she said, "Mr. Mathew, Lena and I are like sisters. I'm sure Lena is curious about her ranking, too."