Chapter 1044 Talking Tough, Jane Watkins Never Loses to Anyone
Madeline's skill level was quite average, neither outstanding nor terrible. The only reason she was "better" was because those below her had worse equipment and fewer resources.
Jerry had immediately sought out Madeline to verify the situation. Madeline assured him that she had bought the full rights to the photograph from an online friend who was an amateur photographer, and that the person would never speak out. Even if they did, no one would believe that an ordinary photography enthusiast could produce such an excellent work. Moreover, the Stewart family was sponsoring the event, and Madeline's parents had promised Jerry a house, so he had agreed.
Jerry had thought that maybe Jane had also bought it from that online friend. Even if Jane was the original creator, he could definitely provide support to Madeline. After all, Madeline's family was a major sponsor of the event. As for Jane, she was easy to bully without the Watkins family backing her!
Unexpectedly, Lydia, who usually only cared about professionalism and ignored personal matters, suddenly stood up for Jane.
Even more surprising was Anthony's sudden appearance!
Wasn't Anthony supposed to be seriously injured?
Jane seemed to have an epiphany, her smile tinged with coldness. "No wonder Mr. Torres kept trying to shut everyone up earlier, eager to personally throw me out."
Jane's words were blunt but true.
"I, I..." Jerry wanted to explain, but when he saw Anthony, he couldn't say anything.
Anthony's gaze was a threat: if he dared to lie again, he would regret it for the rest of his life!
For a man like Anthony, ruining someone's reputation was too easy!
"I'm sorry, I was just momentarily confused. I didn't expect Madeline to do such a thing. She usually appears so well-behaved and works hard in this field. I thought she was a rising star, so..."
Jane tapped the wooden chair back with her finger, glanced at the extremely pale Madeline, smiling. "She's been in the industry for so many years, and her family has spent a lot of money. If she can still be considered a rising star, she must have suddenly changed her brain. But we are not in a movie."
Jane was always at the forefront of sharp sarcasm.
"Jane Watkins, you!" Madeline was so angry her face turned white.
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't figure out how things had developed to this point, or how the photo could be Jane's!
Madeline stopped arguing. "Fine, I admit it! The photo wasn't taken by me. I bought it from an online friend who said he was an amateur photographer. With the internet being so advanced, there are plenty of talented people online. If he could sell the photo to me, he could sell it to you too."
Madeline said viciously, "Jane Watkins, you and I are just the same. What are you so arrogant about?"
If she could drag Jane down with her, Madeline felt it wouldn't be a total loss!
Jane finally waited for Madeline to slip up, mentioning an amateur photographer and an online friend who sold the photo to Madeline.
"Idiot." Jane couldn't think of any other word for Madeline, and neither could anyone else.
Jane had provided her travel itinerary and customs records, which couldn't be faked. Even if Madeline bought the photo from an online friend, that friend could have bought it from Jane.
Moreover, a photo of this caliber couldn't be taken by just any random person online.
Nearly all of the so-called talented people online were just grabbing attention to make quick money, with no real substance.
Additionally, anyone familiar with Jane's photography style could see that the photo's composition, lighting, and post-processing all bore Jane's strong personal style, which couldn't be easily imitated.
"Ms. Stewart, this way please." The event organizer escorted Madeline off the stage. No matter how unwilling she was, she couldn't stay up there any longer.
The organizer then turned to Jane, smiling apologetically. "Ms. Watkins, we are truly sorry about this. We will give you a reasonable explanation. For now, please come up and receive your trophy and honor!"
The host, trying to lighten the mood, said, "Now, let's welcome today's gold medalist, Ms. Jane Watkins, to the stage! Congratulations!"
Amidst the applause, Jane didn't move.
Jane coldly looked at the crystal trophy under the spotlight, until the guests around her couldn't bear the awkward atmosphere and the applause gradually died down.
Even the experienced host awkwardly asked, "Ms. Watkins, is there a problem?"
"No problem." Jane lowered her gaze, glanced at the furious Madeline below the stage, and said, "Do you think I would care about a trophy that I had to prove my own copyright for and almost lost to a plagiarist?"
Jane never lost when it came to harsh words.
"Ms. Watkins, this is really a misunderstanding, and this is your honor. If you don't take it..." The organizer looked troubled.
"Not taking it is my choice, but not taking it would embarrass you, right?" Jane interrupted the organizer and spoke his mind. "Sorry, but I never embarrass myself to save others from embarrassment."
The organizer thought, 'I knew Jane wouldn't say anything nice!' He felt unlucky to be involved in this mess!
"The championship is mine, but I don't want it. Such a championship is a thorn in my side and an eyesore."
The organizer thought, 'Enough, stop mocking us!'
Anthony lowered his head and smiled, his eyes full of indulgence for Jane.
This was Jane, known for her sharp wit that could render people speechless with a single barb.
Jane was not vengeful, but she was never one to be bullied.
Anthony wanted to give Jane the confidence to be reckless. He had thought about it quietly even when Jovan was still protecting Jane.
"Since Ms. Watkins voluntarily gives up the championship, should the second, third, and fourth place winners move up accordingly, making the second place winner the champion?" Someone from the organizing committee suggested in the stalemate.
The second-place winner, sitting in the front row, immediately shook his head upon hearing this. "No, I'm just a second place. I can't take the first place. Jane Watkins should be the first since she deserves it!"
The third-place winner said, "I know my place. I'm just a third place. I won't move up. If anyone tries to make me move up, I won't even take the third place."
The fourth-place winner followed suit. "You made this mess, and you want us to clean it up? Dream on. We won't take responsibility for you!"
Other contestants echoed, applauding the integrity of their peers.
Artists, to some extent, all had a bit of pride.
The faces of the event organizers felt like they had been stomped on.
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