Chapter 626 Promised to Come and Pick You Up
The next day, the team competition wrapped up, and it was time for the nerve-wracking scoring announcement. The organizers started revealing the results of the individual competition from the previous day.
The results had been finalized the day before, but to avoid affecting the participants' performance, they were held back until today.
The tension that had been building over the past two days finally eased a bit. Winona rubbed her temples, feeling the fatigue that was evident on everyone's faces.
Artifact restoration is inherently a time-consuming task. Some projects can take over a decade to complete. The competition not only demanded speed but also technical skill, making it a challenging event to compete in.
After a long preamble that heightened everyone's nerves, the announcer finally revealed the eagerly awaited results.
First, the third place was announced, then the second place. The atmosphere reached a fever pitch, even the two senior participants who had been calm were now visibly anxious, clenching their hands and saying, "If we don't win any awards, how can we justify the money we've spent? We even came a month early to prepare."
Their colleagues laughed, "Is money all you ever think about?"
Winona noticed someone staring at her. She turned and saw the man she had clashed with the previous morning.
He looked at her with disdain, and when their eyes met, he raised his eyebrows smugly, clearly implying: "So much for your confidence yesterday, huh? Didn't even win an award."
The first place hadn't been announced yet, but from his expression, it seemed he was certain it would go to someone from his country.
The organizer opened the envelope containing the first-place winner's name: "The first place in the individual competition goes to..."
He paused, then announced with enthusiasm, "Miss Winona Sullivan from Lumaria."
Winona was stunned.
She was in a daze until someone next to her gave her a push, sounding more excited than she was, "Winona, what are you waiting for? Go get your award! We can finally break even on our expenses."
Winona quickly stood up and echoed, "Yes, breaking even is good."
It wasn't until after she spoke that she realized what she had said. Amidst her colleagues' laughter, she walked towards the podium.
After the individual awards, the team awards were announced, and they won first place again. Not only did they break even, but they also made a profit.
Winning was expected. It might sound overconfident, but the level of cultural heritage preservation in their country was world-class, and they had put in more effort than others. Not winning would have been unusual.
After the awards ceremony, they retrieved their phones from the backstage area and went to meet Caleb.
Caleb was all smiles, "Great job, everyone. You've all worked hard. I've booked a restaurant for us. Don't hold back, eat and drink to your heart's content. Since we're in Aetheria, let's enjoy a few more days before heading back. Toby has arranged the itinerary."
Winona approached Caleb, "Caleb, I'm sorry, but I've booked a flight back home for tomorrow morning."
"Why the rush?"
"Zachary..."
"Winona!" a female voice interrupted her. A figure rushed over and hugged her tightly. "I knew it, my dear is the best in the world."
It was Rebecca.
Winona looked at her in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Rebecca took the trophy from her hands and kissed it several times, leaving lipstick marks all over it. "I'm here to celebrate with you."
If Winona had won, it would have been a celebration. If she hadn't, it would have been consolation. Either way, Rebecca would be there for her.
Winona rescued the trophy from Rebecca's lips. "Weren't you and Zachary hospitalized for food poisoning? I thought you wouldn't make it."
At the mention of Zachary, Rebecca instinctively wanted to roll her eyes, but she held back to avoid ruining Winona's good mood. "He needs to stay for observation, I don't."
Afraid Winona might express concern for him, Rebecca quickly changed the subject. "Let's go celebrate."
She feared she might spill the beans about Zachary's misdeeds if she didn't.
Winona asked Caleb if she could bring a guest. Caleb readily agreed.
After the dinner, Winona didn't join the others for shopping. Instead, she helped a slightly tipsy Rebecca back to the hotel.
Rebecca wasn't really drunk; she just needed some liquid courage. "Winona, I have something to confess."
"What is it?"
"I..." She hesitated, feeling guilty, then suddenly widened her eyes and cursed. "Damn it, I'm blind."
She had rehearsed her confession and imagined all of Winona's possible reactions, but she hadn't expected to see him, which threw her off completely. "What's he doing here?"
Rebecca wasn't the only one wondering. Winona was, too.
Zachary, who should have been in the hospital, was standing at the hotel entrance with a bouquet of vibrant roses.
In a dark gray mid-length coat, paired with a black sweater and pants, Zachary's tall and slender figure was perfectly highlighted.
Winona quickly walked over. "Shouldn't you be in the hospital?"
Despite her frown, her joy at seeing Zachary was evident.
Rebecca rolled her eyes dramatically. Zachary must have known she was going to expose him, so he rushed over.
He was so cunning.
Her courage had been for nothing.
Before she could fully process this, she saw Anthony, dressed impeccably, sipping coffee in the lobby.
Rebecca fell silent.
Zachary handed the flowers to Winona. "I promised to come and take you home."
As soon as Winona took the flowers, Zachary pulled his hand back, avoiding any contact.
She frowned and grabbed his hand, the cold touch making her shiver. "How long have you been standing here?"
"Forty-seven minutes."
Winona was speechless.
Rebecca overheard this as she passed by. She wanted to walk away but feared Winona might be swayed by Zachary's sweet talk, so she sarcastically remarked, "Using the sympathy card, huh? Must be..."
Up to no good.
Zachary interrupted, "Anthony."
Anthony, who had been walking towards the exit, reached the door and put his arm around Rebecca, leading her into the lobby. "Let's go, a million dollars."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
