Chapter 361: She's Really Mad!

Nathael's statement silenced the room. Someone asked, "Mr. Harris, are you suggesting we disregard the judges' scores?"

Nathael's gaze hardened as he fixed the questioner. "Do you believe the public will accept the results if we retain the judges' scores?"

The questioner fell silent. After a brief consultation, they sent someone onstage.

"We are investigating allegations of bribery and unfair judging. A formal announcement will follow shortly. To ensure the competition's smooth continuation, we are implementing a voting system. Rankings will be determined by votes cast both inside and outside the venue. Voting remains open for all contestants until the end."

The announcement shocked many. Previously, voting had been time-limited to boost viewership and deter cheating, resulting in many missing opportunities to vote for their favorites. This change, however, offered a lifeline to those whose favorites had fallen behind. The judges' scores were now irrelevant; any contestant receiving sufficient votes would remain in contention.

"Furthermore, Ms. Sierra has been disqualified. The lowest-ranked contestant will take her place."

The solution was imperfect, but live broadcasting meant the controversy would inevitably surface unless the students present remained silent or the competition was halted. Even then, lingering doubts would persist. Seizing the opportunity to salvage the event was deemed the best course of action.

The Camerons were in turmoil. Ronald watched the television, his face pale and silent. Madam Cameron's blood pressure spiked. She attempted to remain calm but exclaimed, "Are we cursed? Why is everything going wrong?"

Master Cameron frowned. "Where did Sierra's years of practice go? And Maggie—she trained under Mr. Dunphy, but never mentioned it!"

Olivia paled, realizing Sierra had struck again. But when the conversation turned to Maggie, she interjected, "What about Maggie? Even if Sierra is at fault, she shouldn't have embarrassed us publicly. Has she forgotten our kindness?"

Her words struck a chord. The Camerons had raised Maggie. Despite the unfair treatment, she should have considered the larger context and avoided confronting Sierra, thereby embarrassing both herself and the family.

Noah wore a gloomy expression. "What about Luster Corporation? Ronald, I think we should cut our losses. I don't believe it will succeed."

Ronald hesitated, acknowledging Noah's assessment. With Sierra's ruined reputation and Maggie's open defiance, Maggie's actions would reflect poorly on the Camerons. To compound matters, the necklace she wore had broken.

This was a significant blow. Even with Maggie promoting Luster Corporation, recovery seemed impossible.

"Give up?" Master Cameron's breath hitched. "We've invested heavily in Luster Corporation. Giving up means losing everything, even our home!" His eyes welled with tears. "Our family is cursed!"

Ronald and Noah remained composed, although Ronald's eyes reddened as he said slowly, "We will liquidate assets and halt investments in Luster Corporation. We will also withdraw previous investments and seek loan extensions."

After leaving the stage, Sierra erupted in the dressing room, smashing everything in sight, terrifying Grace and Danielle.

"Maggie, that bitch! She'll pay!" Sierra stormed toward Maggie's makeup table, sweeping everything onto the floor. Maggie had nothing there, having given her phone to Danielle before going onstage.

Danielle's expression hardened. "Sierra, this is unacceptable!"

Sierra glared but remained silent before storming out.

Returning to the dressing room, Maggie was momentarily stunned by the chaos.

"You're back, Maggie," Grace said gently, packing up the scattered items.

"Did Sierra do this?" Maggie asked, not apologizing for Sierra but acknowledging some responsibility for provoking her.

Danielle replied, "Why apologize? Sierra is arrogant and rude. After this competition, I'll recommend her expulsion from the university!" Controlling her anger, she added, "You performed brilliantly, far better than Sierra, with much greater artistry. You've been treated unfairly."

Maggie thanked them and headed to where Mia and Joyce waited for the final rankings announcement. She received a message from Nathael: "Where are you sitting?"

Maggie replied, "In the back."

Mia exclaimed, "Maggie, did you see Sierra's face? She's furious!"

Joyce added softly, "But the Camerons might suspect you now. Even if not, they'll likely have doubts."

Maggie shrugged. "They've suspected me for a while. If I can cause them a little more suffering, I'll consider it a victory."

Mia remarked, "Luster Corporation is finished. The Camerons are doomed. They invested heavily and never saw this coming."

"Don't worry," Mia continued. "I've spoken to my father. He'll definitely take advantage of their predicament. He won't offer assistance, and if the opportunity arises, he'll profit from their misfortune. He's determined to make their lives difficult."

Maggie smiled, her gaze softening as she looked at Mia.

Nathael soon sat beside Maggie. She asked softly, "Were you the one who informed them?"

"Yes," Nathael said seriously, taking her hand. "If this behavior isn't stopped, these competitions will lose all meaning."