NovelOnline
Chapter 743
Brittany took a phone call from the organizers and exited the hospital room.
The competition organizers had invited all the judges for a dinner, and she saw this as a golden opportunity to
elevate her reputation. It was a gathering she couldn’t afford to miss.
Upon arrival at the restaurant, she found that everyone else had already arrived.
Brittany felt a bit guilty for arriving late. “Apologies, everyone. I’m late.”
There were a few grumbles from the other judges.
However, considering Brittany’s stature and with Aubrey mediating, they held their tongues.
Brittany took a seat next to Aubrey. “Aubrey, thank you for standing up for me.”
Aubrey noticed her pallid complexion. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you get a good night’s sleep?”
“Something came up at home.”
Aubrey whispered, “Well, you should head home early and get some rest. We have the finals coming up, so you
can’t afford to drop the ball.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAubrey was genuinely supportive of Brittany. Her concern was evident, so Brittany really felt touched.
“Thanks, Aubrey.”
The host poured out the wine, and they all had a few drinks.
Someone brought up a contestant. “I’ve heard that one of the top three from the semifinals is from the Palmer
family.”
The Palmer family?
Brittany froze.
Joseph’s family?
“Yes, I heard her name is Natalie. Apparently, she has a close relationship with Joseph.”
Industry insiders were aware that Joseph and Stella had no romantic relationship, but rumors about Natalie and
Joseph being seen together in hotel rooms and on dates were rampant. Their relationship seemed to be quite
intimate.
“Natalie’s quite talented.”
Aubrey remembered Natalie and had a high regard for her.
Brittany took a sip of her wine.
The conversation was lively, but it soon shifted to Brittany. “Ms. Dustin, the finalists have been announced, and your
studio has quite a few contestants in the top ten. You have some real hidden talents there.”
Brittany perceived the underlying tone. It was a veiled threat.
She raised her glass, skillfully deflecting attention from herself, and even went on to praise the other contestants.
Seeing that Brittany wouldn’t be goaded, the person had to swallow their disappointment in frustration.
Brittany, an experienced player, deftly handled the situation. Her praise brought smiles to the faces of the others
and saved her from further probing.
Aubrey whispered, “I heard that the Palmer family has also invested in this competition. They must have some
conditions.”
Such a large investment wasn’t for charity. The Palmer family was likely eyeing the championship.
Brittany was performing exceptionally well.
If she continued to excel, the Palmer family would not just stand by.
They certainly wouldn’t allow themselves to be stepping stones for others.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBrittany understood that Aubrey was looking out for her. “Aubrey, I understand. I’ve got it covered.”
Aubrey left it at that.
Just a wall away.
Joseph and Natalie’s party was dining.
“I hear that a contestant named Kari is doing quite well.”
Natalie sniffed. “Yes. She topped both the preliminary and semifinals.”
She had seen Kari’s designs and wasn’t impressed. She wondered what the judges were thinking. Why were they
giving her such high praise?
Joseph hadn’t expected the usually low-profile Kari to create such a stir in this competition.
He put down his wine glass, lightly tapping the table. “Handle this well. The championship must be ours.”
Natalie was confident in herself. She had plenty of ideas to secure the championship.
“Okay. I got it.”
As Joseph was about to speak, his assistant knocked and walked in.
“Joseph, we’ve located Ms. Stella.”
Upon hearing that Stella’s whereabouts were discovered, Joseph stood up. “Let’s talk outside.”
Natalie watched his retreating figure, biting her lip in frustration.
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