The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow novel 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?"