Chapter 76: The Decided Winner

Everyone’s gaze fell on Victor, who glanced at Abigail and Joan before saying, with a puzzled expression, “If this is about Mr. Graham helping Abigail to her room last night, I was there too.”

“What time did you see Mr. Graham help her?” Nina asked immediately.

He shrugged. “Isn’t it weirder that you were tweeting at 4:00 AM? Are you asking me the time on purpose?”

She snorted. “Are you saying I tweeted at 4:00 AM just to defame her?”

Victor looked nonchalant. “I wouldn’t know. People usually sleep at that time. Even Mr. Graham would be asleep. Besides, she sprained her ankle yesterday in the garden and bumped into Mr. Graham in the elevator on the way back. He kindly helped her, but you’re insinuating something untoward.”

Nina was speechless, desperate to reveal Sean’s presence outside Abigail’s room at 4:00 AM. However, she feared being removed from the show if Sean pursued the matter. She hadn't taken a picture; she had no proof. What if he denied it? Even if he admitted it, the fact remained: Sean had been in Abigail’s room. This would make netizens believe there was something between them.

Victor’s words swayed public opinion; netizens began to criticize Nina.

Online comments included:

• “And they said we were afraid of shipping the wrong couple! If Sean liked Joan, he would have avoided this misunderstanding. Since Victor helped Abigail, why did he interfere? He must have feelings for her!”
• “Exactly! Nina is incompetent, and it didn't stop her from tweeting at 4:00 AM. What a bitch. This is the same tactic as with Joan and the marks. She loves to smear people.”
• “The Sean drama is too much! If I didn’t know better, I’d think this design show was a dating show. I hope the crew doesn’t prioritize the wrong things.”

After breakfast, Abigail secretly thanked Victor.

“Don’t mention it,” he said graciously. “If I hadn’t bumped into you, I wouldn’t have known the truth and spoken up.”

She nodded as he entered the elevator. After everyone left, Luna put an arm around Abigail’s shoulder and whispered, “Why didn’t you call me when you sprained your ankle last night?”

“It was late. I didn’t want to cause trouble,” Abigail replied calmly.

Luna leaned closer. “So, did Sean stay in your room until morning?”

Abigail was irritated. “I don’t know. I didn’t see the time.” Something bad always happened when Sean was involved. She couldn't believe people still saw him at 4:00 AM!

“If other designers witnessed it, they’ll question the competition’s fairness. Prepare to be targeted,” Luna warned, patting her shoulder.

That afternoon, everyone was making patterns. Abigail went to the store for supplies, where she saw Nina and Joan chatting.

“Here for supplies?” Joan asked.

Abigail, selecting scissors and cardboard, hummed in response.

When other designers were present, Nina directly taunted Abigail: “I saw it with my own eyes. Sean came out of your room at 4:00 AM. Nobody will believe nothing happened. If you'd told us you were the decided winner, we wouldn’t have to put on this show.”

Abigail coldly replied, “Alana never needed to be the decided winner. She’s competed in huge design competitions and created her designs in the studio. Are you saying she bribed her way to victory?”

Nina sneered. “Those competitions are different. I’ll admit Alana’s competent, but what about her greed for this prize?”

Abigail stated seriously, “Either provide evidence or stop the nonsense. Alana can withdraw from the competition but won’t tolerate your slander!” (Nina's acting all haughty because we're being streamed live!)

Joan glared, wanting to incinerate Abigail. “I underestimated you, Abigail. You seduced Sean!”