Chapter 97
Indeed, when lunchtime arrived, Derrick surprised everyone by standing and making an announcement. "Selina's design for the Cartier Summer Starlight Limited Edition has reached the final review stage."
The room fell silent. Christina thought, This was unexpectedly fast. A flash of envy crossed her face as she bit her lip, reminding herself to remain composed.
"Cartier's head informed me their headquarters approved Selina's design immediately, sending it directly to Mumzik headquarters for final judgment," Derrick continued. "I believe no one doubts Selina's abilities." The crowd gasped, their gazes turning toward Selina.
Selina calmly put away her phone, meeting Derrick's gaze with an indifferent expression, as if this were expected. Some viewed her reaction as arrogant; others saw it as the composure of absolute confidence.
"Today is the last day to submit entries for the Sokovis Jewelry Design Contest," Derrick announced. "Since the results are clear, I will announce the two nominees. Objections?"
After a pause, Derrick noted the lack of objections. His position as Brilliance's head designer was undisputed; his participation meant one spot was his. The competition was for the second, a spot Selina, a newcomer, had seemingly secured effortlessly. Yet, no one dared object. Selina's talent was undeniable; it was a matter of raw accomplishment.
People approached Christina, whispering, "Selina's ascent is incredible. You accompanied her to Cartier; you must have seen her design?"
Christina, suppressing her fury, replied without eye contact, "How would I know? It's not even certain the design was hers." With Trevon's support, Selina could easily claim another's work.
"Those are dangerous words, Christina. That could be slander," someone warned.
"I've considered that," Christina retorted. "We'll know when the results are announced." She then left.
After the announcement, everyone went to lunch. Selina found Derrick and requested time off. He looked at her intently, pushed up his glasses, and asked, "Selina, you joined Brilliance to enter this competition, didn't you? Is there a reason?"
"I want to help Brilliance win, and crush those too ignorant to recognize defeat," she replied. Selina shrugged; there was no point in hiding her intention to target Clark Jewelry, to shatter Timothy and Manuel's pride and ruin their careers.
"Regardless, I'm glad to have you," Derrick said. "Mr. Brady didn't create Brilliance for simple reasons. His ambition is to make it a global leader. I joined because I saw his ambition and capabilities."
"It's a win-win," Selina agreed. "I ascend, and I defeat my trash."
Days later, the Sokovis Jewelry Design Contest began. The event was recorded, judged by four internationally renowned designers, and rigorously controlled to prevent cheating. Selina and Derrick, chauffeured by the organizers, arrived to find Manuel from Clark Jewelry.
His face darkened at the sight of Selina, the memory of past humiliations fresh. Selina ignored him and entered the hall. Burning with ambition, Manuel muttered, "Selina, this is a fair competition. You can't fake this, and I will defeat you."
The second floor hosted a viewing area for sponsors: the Insight Group, the Griffin family, the Talley family, the Harvey family, and the Clark family.
Charley, leaning on Edwin's shoulder, remarked, "It's peculiar representing the Griffins here for the first time. Don't you think, Edwin?" His gaze drifted toward Selina.
Edwin sighed, "Your words always cause trouble, Charley. Just wait until Trevon disciplines you."
"Trevon's married now," Charley retorted. "He's not the same. He's here for Selina."
Edwin agreed; Trevon's presence spoke volumes. He was there for Selina. Edwin and Charley were there partly to witness their friend's new chapter, and partly to see Selina's talent.
Just then, Sara and Ashley entered the viewing area. Ashley's eyes widened at the sight of Charley, Edwin, and Trevon – the heirs and patriarchs of Sokovis' most powerful families. Normally, each sponsoring group sent one representative, but Timothy's parents were in Europe, so Ashley represented Clark Group, a testament to the friendship between the Harvey and Clark families.
Charley greeted Sara, and Edwin offered a friendly greeting. Trevon gave them a cursory glance, then looked away.