Chapter 242 Participating in the Competition
Abigail, who was being scolded, had no idea about Jessica's ordeal. She was comfortably lying in Gregory's arms, sound asleep.
Although it was already late at night, Gregory still wasn't sleepy. He just stared at Abigail's face without blinking.
No matter how many times he looked at this face, he never got tired of it.
At this moment, Abigail, in her sleep, slightly turned over and snuggled closer into Gregory's arms.
Gregory's heart instantly softened.
He lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead. "Good night, Abigail."
After saying that, he slowly closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep, holding Abigail.
The next morning, Abigail was awakened by the alarm clock. She quickly broke free from Gregory's arms and got out of bed to wash up.
However, a strong arm suddenly reached over and pulled her back. "Sleep a little longer."
"I can't sleep anymore. Today is the design competition. I have to go to the company first and lead the designers to the competition," said Abigail.
Gregory opened his eyes and kissed Abigail's forehead. "Then Mrs. White, you must do your best today."
A radiant smile bloomed on Abigail's face as she said, "With Mr. White's encouragement, I believe I will definitely win an award."
Gregory chuckled and ruffled her hair, getting up with her.
After breakfast, Gregory drove Abigail to the company before heading back to the White Group.
Before leaving, he reminded her, "It's just a competition, don't be too nervous. I'll come find you after I'm done with my work."
Abigail replied, "Don't worry, it's not like I haven't participated in competitions before."
From childhood to adulthood, Abigail had participated in many competitions, big and small, so she didn't feel nervous.
Moreover, she had great confidence in her work.
After returning to the company, Abigail gave a few simple instructions and then led the participating designers to the design competition venue.
There were a total of five employees participating in the competition, four women and one man.
The design competition venue happened to be near Aramore University. As soon as Abigail entered, she ran into the familiar Thomas.
Abigail went up to greet him, "Thomas, you're here so early!"
"No choice, many Aramore University students are participating in the competition today. I'm here to encourage them so they don't get too nervous," Thomas replied.
Abigail nodded in understanding. "I see; you're still as serious and responsible as ever."
Hearing Abigail's compliment, Thomas was extremely happy. "You are the one who is truly successful. I've heard that you inherited your mother's company. You really bring honor to our school."
Abigail smiled modestly, chatted with Thomas for a few more moments, and then bid him farewell.
At this moment, a sarcastic voice suddenly came from not far away. "Some people really don't understand their worth, taking some compliments too seriously."
Hearing the familiar voice, Abigail slowly turned around.
When she saw who it was, a trace of surprise flashed in her eyes. "Olivia? What are you doing here?"
"Of course, I'm here to participate in the competition. Don't think you're the only one who can participate." Olivia crossed her arms and looked at Abigail with a haughty expression, as if she were looking at a defeated opponent.
Her gaze inexplicably made Abigail feel a bit uncomfortable. Abigail frowned slightly. "What do you mean? Aren't you a jewelry designer?"
Although she didn't have much contact with Olivia, she understood that jewelry designers and fashion designers were different.
Olivia's lips curved slightly, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Who told you I only have one identity? My fashion design works have been personally taught by a renowned designer!"
Abigail nodded, her attitude somewhat indifferent. "Okay."
Originally wanting to show off in front of Abigail, Olivia fell silent.
'What kind of attitude is this?'
It was like punching cotton, making Olivia feel a sense of defeat.
She glared at Abigail hatefully and said harshly, "So what if you inherited DM? Today, I'll show you what real skill is."
Facing her provocation, Abigail remained unflustered. "Alright, I'll be waiting."
She also wanted to see what Olivia was up to.
At this moment, a staff member suddenly came out and said to the contestants waiting in the hall, "The competition is about to start. Please get ready."
The previously noisy hall instantly quieted down.
Everyone took their competition numbers and entered the venue in order.
There were over 20 contestants participating in today's competition.
Some were well-known designers in the industry, and some were students from nearby fashion design programs.
Abigail quietly reminded, "Don't be nervous during the competition. Do your best and don't let your guard down."
The employees responded seriously, "Understood!"
The rules of the design competition required the 20-plus contestants to design their works on stage and complete them within the allotted time.
Those who exceeded the time limit would be immediately disqualified.
After the sketches were finished, the staff would collect all the contestants' works and hand them over to the judges for evaluation.
Abigail looked toward the judges' table and saw several familiar faces.
There were two professors from Aramore University's fashion design program and the country's top renowned designer, Louis Anderson.
The other two were Abigail's peers, founders and CEOs of fashion companies.
Whether it was a deliberate arrangement by the organizers or a coincidence, Abigail's seat was right next to Olivia's.
She sat down and quietly waited for the competition to start.
Olivia's slightly sharp voice suddenly rang out. "I heard you've been involved in some scandals recently and haven't been doing well, is that right?"
"Does it concern you?" Abigail glanced at her lightly.
From those beautiful eyes, Olivia clearly saw the words "mind your own business."
She immediately felt a sense of tension, and her tone became even sharper. "A woman like you, Gregory will see through your true colors sooner or later."
Abigail suddenly laughed.
Olivia, staring at her radiant smile, couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. She frowned and asked coldly, "What are you laughing at?"
"Laughing at how naive you are!" Abigail's voice was calm, yet carried an indescribable mockery.
Olivia was taken aback. "What do you mean?"
Abigail sneered, "Only you would see men as a ladder to climb the social hierarchy. Now that I have DM, even without Mr. White, I can still live comfortably."
Olivia stared blankly at Abigail, her mind a blank.
At this moment, she suddenly realized how wrong she had been.
She had desperately tried to marry into a wealthy family to enter the upper echelons of society and live a life that everyone envied.
Gregory was her chosen ideal candidate. But her plan was disrupted by Abigail, and Gregory was taken away. Her dream was shattered.
This led her to always believe that Abigail, like her, married Gregory for a better life.
But did Abigail need that?
Olivia looked at Abigail's expensive clothes and the elegant, serene demeanor unique to the upper class, and for once, fell silent.