Let’s Start All Over Again, Shall We?
Chapter 361 She’s Really Mad!
When Nathael spoke, everyone paused. Someone asked, “Mr. Harris, do you mean you want to ditch the judges’ scores?”
Nathael’s face hardened, his gaze locking onto the questioner. “Do you think people will accept the results if we stick to the judges’ scores?”
The person was speechless. They turned to confer with others briefly, then sent someone onstage.
“We’ll look into the issue of the judges taking bribes and unfair scoring. We’ll make an announcement soon. To keep the competition running smoothly, we’re switching to a voting system. Rankings will depend on votes from inside and outside the venue. Voting for all contestants will stay open until the end…”
The announcement shocked many.
Previously, voting had time limits to maintain viewership and prevent cheating, causing many to miss voting for their favorites.
Now, with this change, many realized their favorites still had a chance. The judges' previous scores didn’t matter. As long as a contestant was voted for, they would still be in the running.
“At the same time, we have decided to disqualify Ms. Sierra, and the last-ranked contestant can take her place.”
The solution wasn’t perfect, but live broadcasting meant the issue would come to light unless the students at the venue didn’t spread the news, or the competition was halted. Even if the competition resumed after being halted, doubts would linger. It was better to seize the chance and make the event a success.
The Camerons were in turmoil.
Ronald paled, silently watching the TV.
Meanwhile, Madam Cameron’s blood pressure soared. She tried to calm herself down, but she couldn’t help but ask, “Are we cursed? Why is everything going wrong?”
Master Cameron frowned. “Where did Sierra’s skills, after years of practicing, go? And Maggie–she studied under Mr. Dunphy, but she never mentioned it!”
Olivia paled, knowing Sierra had caused trouble again.
But when the topic shifted to Maggie, she quickly said, “What’s Maggie doing? Even if Sierra’s wrong, she shouldn’t embarrass us publicly. Has she forgotten the kindness we’ve shown her?”
Her words resonated. The Camerons had raised Maggie, after all. Even though she was being treated unfairly, she should’ve understood the situation and prioritized the bigger picture instead of confronting Sierra and embarrassing her, as well as the Camerons, like this.
Noah wore a gloomy expression. “What about Luster Corporation? Ronald, I think we should give up. I don’t think Luster Corporation will work out!”
Ronald hesitated, knowing Noah was right.
With Sierra’s ruined reputation and Maggie openly going against her, Maggie’s actions would be credited to the Cameron's. To make matters worse, the necklace she was wearing even broke.
That was a severe blow to the Camerons. Even if they had Maggie promote Luster Corporation, they didn't know how to recover from that.
“Give up? We’ve invested heavily in Luster Corporation. Giving up means losing everything, even our home!” Master Cameron’s breath was shaky.
“Our family’s cursed!” Master Cameron’s eyes filled with tears, looking older in an instant.
Ronald and Noah remained composed.
Ronald’s eyes reddened as he said slowly, “We’ll secure our assets and halt investments in Luster Corporation. We’ll also withdraw previous investments and ask banks for loan extensions.”
After Sierra got off the stage, she erupted in the dressing room.
She smashed everything, terrifying Grace and Danielle.
“Maggie, that b*tch! She’ll get what’s coming!” Sierra stormed to Maggie’s table, sweeping everything onto the floor.
The makeup table was full of the makeup artist’s tools. Maggie didn’t bring anything, not even her phone, which she had handed to Danielle before going onstage.
Danielle’s expression turned stern as she barked, “Sierra, this isn’t the place for your outbursts!”
Sierra glared but said nothing before storming out of the dressing room.
When Maggie returned to the dressing room after coming down from the stage, she was surprised to see the floor in disarray for a moment.
“You’re back, Maggie,” Grace, who was packing up, said gently.
“Did Sierra do this? I’m sorry,” Maggie said, not apologizing for Sierra, but feeling partly responsible for provoking her.
Danielle replied, “Why are you apologizing? Sierra is arrogant and rude. After this competition, I’ll suggest to the university that she be expelled!”
Danielle was clearly upset too. She controlled her anger and continued, “You played well, better than Sierra, with more artistic flair. You’ve been treated unfairly this time.”
Maggie thanked them and planned to go onstage when the final rankings were announced. She left the dressing room and went to where Mia and Joyce were.
Once settled, Maggie received a message from Nathael. “Where are you sitting?”
Maggie replied, “In the back.”
Mia was excited as she looked at Maggie. “Maggie, did you see that? Sierra’s face was twisted with rage! She’s really mad!”
Joyce also spoke softly, “But this time, the Camerons might suspect you. Even if they don’t, they’ll probably have thoughts about you.”
Maggie shrugged. “They’ve been suspicious of me for a while now. If I can make them suffer a bit more now, I’ll count that as a win.”
Mia remarked, “Luster Corporation is finished this time. The Camerons are doomed. They’ve invested heavily in Luster Corporation. I bet they never saw this coming.”
“Maggie, don’t worry. I’ve talked to my dad. He’ll definitely take advantage of the Camerons. He won’t lend a hand in their difficulties, and if he gets the chance, he’ll profit from their misfortunes. He’s determined to give them a hard time.”
Maggie couldn’t help but smile at that, her gaze softening as she looked at Mia.
Before long, Nathael sat down beside Maggie. She turned to him and asked softly, “Was it you who informed them?”
“Yeah. If this behavior isn’t stopped, these competitions will lose their meaning in the future,” Nathael said seriously as he naturally held her hand.