**Chapter 262: Foul Play
**
The semi-final results reached Gabriel's ears instantly.
He tapped his pen, which he had just used for signing, on the desk, his eyes deep and inscrutable.
"Was Randall part of the judging panel?"
"Yes," confirmed Alex.
"How did Randall become a judge?"
"I'll look into it right away."
Stark Arya was also surprised upon seeing the results. In her opinion, Sophia had the talent to make it to the finals.
After the announcement, Randall approached her.
"Mrs. Arya, I have invited all the judges for dinner tonight, and I would be honored if you could join us."
Stark Arya smiled faintly, "Sure, send me the address."
"Of course, Mrs. Arya. See you tonight."
Randall was in high spirits; he had given Sophia a low score, and someone else had rated her even lower. The scoring rules didn't allow for the removal of both low scores.
Consequently, Sophia's average points plummeted, leading to her defeat.
Stark Arya went back to her hotel to change for the dinner with the judges.
Colin had returned.
"Colin, the results of the semis for the fashion design contest are out. Sophia didn't advance. Please make sure to comfort her."
Colin nodded, "Alright, I will."
He asked, "Are you going out?"
"Yes, I'm having dinner with the judges tonight."
"Then let me drive you there."
Colin took his mother to the restaurant. When they arrived, Stark Arya did not hurry out of the car.
"Yesterday, when I went to the meeting, a judge with the last name Lee said some unfavorable things about Sophia."
"What did he say?" Colin shifted his position.
"He said that Sophia's personal life is a mess and that she's plagiarized someone else's designs."
"That's absurd!" Colin was angry.
"Don't worry, mom didn't believe his nonsense, but it was a wake-up call for me. During the meeting, I raised objections and changed the scoring rules, but still, Sophia didn't advance."
Colin quickly picked up on the subtext in his mother's words.
Stark Arya got out of the car, holding her bag.
"Remember to pick me up at 8:30."
"OK!"
Colin drove straight to see Sophia.
After the results were out, Sophia felt a different atmosphere in the office.
Even though nobody openly mocked her for her failure, that feeling was somehow worse than if they had.
Margaret also told her with a smile that it was okay and not to be discouraged.
Sophia felt great pressure; she thought she at least would have made it to the finals.
She even suspected that Randall might have sabotaged her elimination, but even with the scoring changes, Randall scoring her the lowest wouldn't affect the outcome.
Unless…
Colin confidently rang Sophia's doorbell.
Sophia hurried to open the door.
"Mr. Colin."
"I came to see Sam."
"Sam is at the Lancaster family's old house today."
"Then…"
"Come in and sit for a while."
Sophia invited Colin inside; Ethan and Emma were in their room working on problems, homework that Sophia had assigned them.
"I heard from my mother that the results of your fashion competition are out."
Sophia brought him a glass of warm water, trying to muster a smile: "Yes, I didn't advance."
"There are some things my mother found it difficult to tell you directly, so she sent me. Your score might have been tampered with, and we suggest you file an appeal."
Sophia's suspicions were now confirmed.
...
Luxury cars lined up outside the opulent villa, while inside, it buzzed with lively energy, the sounds of a cheery violin concerto floating through the air, a pleasant cadence to the ears.
Nicholas paused at the doorway when he heard the violin, finding the melody oddly familiar.
He had heard it countless times, even in his dreams, and thought he couldn't recognize it anymore, but he instantly knew who was playing.
"What's up, Mr. Watson?" asked the butler, noticing Nicholas had stopped.
"Who did CEO Doolittle invite to entertain today?"
The butler announced, "Internationally renowned violinist Caroline."
It was indeed him!
Nicholas' eyes grew colder as he gestured for his assistant to keep pushing his wheelchair. To facilitate the medicinal tycoon's access, the butler had a wooden ramp placed over the staircase, and the assistant wheeled Nicholas up it.
Today marked the 60th birthday of the Doolittle Family Group's chairman, and as a prominent figure in City B, nearly all of the city's elite had gathered for the birthday banquet.
Most of the gentlemen brought a lady companion, and Daisy had wanted to accompany Nicholas as well. However, Nicholas never took her to any event, and naturally, her request was declined.
The violin music continued, and Nicholas shared a couple of drinks with CEO Doolittle who then had to attend to other guests. He instructed his son to make sure Nicholas was well looked after.
"Mr. Watson, this is my sister, Lucy Doolittle."
Lucy Doolittle was dressed beautifully that evening, wearing a white strapless gown with her long, black hair flowing down her back; she looked as if an angel had descended to earth.
With her delicate features and charming eyes, her smile was captivating.
She flashed Nicholas a smile and extended her hand, "Mr. Watson, it's so nice to meet you. I've read many articles about you; you're really impressive."
Admiration filled her eyes.
She had scoured the internet for stories about Nicholas' legendary achievements. In both looks and capability, he fit her ideal perfectly.
The only flaw was his disability.
But that didn't bother her – with medicine so advanced and his career in pharmaceuticals, he could, should he wish it, stand on his feet again.
Lucy's hand remained outstretched, hovering mid-air, as Nicholas didn't even glance at her, his expression icy cold.
It was as if someone owed him a billion dollars and hadn't paid him back.
Embarrassment slowly crept onto Lucy Doolittle's face as she awkwardly withdrew her hand.
Her brother Ben Doolittle said sternly, "Mr. Watson does not like to be touched, Lucy. Remember that for next time."
Lucy playfully stuck out her tongue, "Got it."
Big shots always have their quirks, she thought with understanding.
Applause erupted in the background.
"Brother, it looks like Caroline has finished her performance," Lucy noted.
"I'll go check it out. Keep Mr. Watson company," replied her brother as he left.
"Sure," she said with a nod.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
