Chapter 23 Master Susan Reappeared
Susanna was stunned when she heard her name. The announcement caused an uproar in the room. How did she suddenly become the first place winner?
Erica was equally taken aback by the turn of events. She had planned to give Susanna a special award, not the first place. How had this unexpected outcome come to fruition?
Allison, the original first place winner, stood up angrily. "Why? This isn't fair!"
Elaine turned to Erica, confused. "Erica, what's going on? How can Susanna be first?"
Erica's face darkened. "I have no idea."
"What the heck is going on here?" Erica muttered to herself, reaching for her phone to call the person in charge, only to be met with silence on the other end. She shot a quick glance towards the event planner on stage, her eye twitching slightly in frustration.
The event planner explained calmly, "There was an error in the scoring. Susanna is the rightful first place winner. She was never eliminated."
Allison protested, "Why should we believe you? We want to see the real design scores!"
Erica shot up from her seat, glaring at Allison. "The scoring is absolutely accurate. The issue lies elsewhere."
The design scores must not be revealed publicly; it would expose everything! But the next moment, the big screen behind the event planner displayed the designs and scores. "Everyone, please look closely. These are the initial scores and rankings. Check if the names match the designs."
Allison scrutinized the screen. "Wait, the first place design isn't mine. Mine is the second one."
The event planner nodded. "That's the issue. Because of the blind scoring, there was a mix-up. We apologize for the confusion."
After adjusting the names, Susanna was first, and Allison was second.
Susanna glanced at Erica and Elaine, sensing that someone had orchestrated this misunderstanding.
Fuming with anger, Erica couldn't believe that the event planner would dare to go against her instructions.
"And now, let's give a big round of applause as we welcome our first-place champion, Susanna, to the stage," the event planner declared. All eyes turned towards Susanna as she rose slowly.
Elaine couldn't believe it. "Erica, this must be a mistake. How could Susanna win first place?"
Erica's composure was slipping. She glanced at Aaron, who was staring intently at Susanna.
Aaron watched as Susanna, in her champagne-colored evening gown, walked from the second row. Her bright eyes and confident demeanor were a stark contrast to the timid girl he remembered. To his surprise, Susanna was Master Susan. Had she intentionally rejected his invitation before? Aaron's eyes followed her, trying to understand her, but realizing he knew nothing about her.
Susanna walked to the stage with her head held high, a faint smile on her lips. She accepted the first place trophy from the host.
The event planner approached Susanna for an interview. "Susanna, your design has a Master Susan vibe. Are you Master Susan?"
Susanna replied calmly, "I wouldn't call myself a master. I've been out of the industry for a long time."
"Why did you disappear back then?"
A hint of sarcasm flashed in Susanna's eyes. "Personal reasons kept me away for three years."
Aaron's brow furrowed at Susanna's answer. Was she implying he wasted three years of her life? He leaned back in his chair, irritated, staring at the audacious Susanna on stage, and mocked silently, 'She was the one who had married into the Abbott family for money, wasn't she?'
Erica instinctively glanced at Aaron and noticed his eyes were fixed on Susanna. Her nails dug into her palms, her expression darkening.
the event planner asked the third question, "Susanna, do you have any words to share about winning first place?"
Susanna took the microphone and glanced at Erica. "First, I want to thank Ms. Jones for giving me the thrilling experience of going from last place to first."
Erica's smile faltered, turning into an awkward grin.
Susanna then looked out at the audience. "I want to thank someone special. It's because of him that I'm here today and that I received this award."
Handing the microphone back to the event planner, she walked off the stage, heading in a specific direction.
Erica's face changed as she saw Susanna walking towards Aaron. What was Susanna planning? Aaron also thought Susanna was coming to him. He sat up straighter, his heart inexplicably racing. As she got closer, he couldn't understand her intentions.
Susanna stopped in front of him, and Aaron held his breath. She looked down at him, a slight smile on her lips. "Excuse me."
Aaron's previously hopeful expression froze. He numbly moved aside, watching her walk past him. The hem of her champagne-colored dress brushed against his hand. He turned to see her heading towards Justin, who was two rows back. Aaron's lips pressed into a thin line, his face hard as stone.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Susanna hugged Justin. She looked up at him, smiling. "Thank you."
If it weren't for Justin reporting the issue and pushing for a reevaluation, she might have hit rock bottom today, unable to face reality.
Justin was surprised by Susanna's joy. He gently ruffled her hair, his tone indulgent. "It's nothing. You have the talent. I just did what I had to."
The unexpected turn of events had left Justin stunned. He had initially suspected Edward's involvement in Susanna's victory, only to uncover the revelation that she was, in fact, Master Susan.
Amidst the roaring applause, Susanna stole a quick glance at the front row, eager to gauge Aaron's response. Clutching her trophy with a mix of anticipation and apprehension, she watched as Aaron remained steadfast, never once turning around—his indifference palpable. Resigned, she shifted her focus, only to catch sight of Erica making her way over, her gaze locked onto Justin with a sense of familiarity. 'Do they know each other?' Susanna wondered silently.
Erica smiled as she congratulated Susanna, "Congratulations, Susanna. I didn't expect Mr. Jones to be your companion. You're so lucky!"
"Yes, jealous?" Justin said, playfully tapping Susanna's nose, drawing envious looks from the onlookers.
Erica tried to say more, but Justin cut her off. "Susanna, let's go. I'll treat you to a celebration." Without waiting for Susanna's response, he took her hand and led her out of the venue.
