Chapter 317 The Real Reason

“Isn’t that Tilda? The one who just won the National College Art Competition?”

“Oh, my God! It really is her! I tried to watch the livestream, but I missed everything!”

“Hearing you say that reminds me—she’s the gorgeous girl from Cetherland! And the anime artist, X!”

“X! I’m your biggest fan! Can I get your autograph?”

Tilda stood on the winner’s podium, smiling gracefully and easily.

The crowd below went wild.

A wall of security and police held everyone back.

Amanda, in second place, quietly watched Tilda.

Moonlight made Tilda shine, as if she had a glowing aura that made her untouchable.

Her black hair whipped in the mountain wind, free and wild.

Her red lips curved perfectly, chin slightly raised, eyes sparkling like stars. She looked elegant, deep, and untouchable.

Just standing there, Tilda had an aura that set her apart from everyone else.

Anyone could feel that she was different.

She wasn’t on the same level as ordinary people.

Tilda was born to stand above others, naturally confident and queen-like.

Even Amanda, from the prestigious Lowells, felt awe and admiration.

Tilda’s skin was flawless and smooth as porcelain.

Oddly, Amanda felt a strange urge to touch it.

But this time, Tilda didn’t even look at Amanda.

She didn’t acknowledge her at all.

Maybe it had something to do with Santiago.

Amanda’s heart sank a little.

Then Tilda seemed to notice something.

Suddenly, she smiled and waved somewhere.

Amanda tried to see where, but there were too many people.

She couldn’t tell who Tilda was looking at.

Unseen, Dane and the others—masters at staying hidden—were recording Tilda’s championship on their phones.

The awards ceremony began.

A middle-aged Motrar man in a suit handed trophies and gold medals to the winners, offering polite congratulations.

Finally, Tilda left with the man, chatting and laughing.

From start to finish, Amanda had no chance to speak to her.

Her expression held a hint of sadness.

Meanwhile, Santiago and the others watched the live feed from the medical tent.

Harry cleared his throat. “Uh… Santiago, maybe you should just rest. The ceremony’s over. There’s nothing left to see.”

Harry worried Santiago would be upset.

If Santiago hadn’t crashed, Harry would have definitely teased him for being beaten by his own sister.

After all, opportunities like this were rare.

Santiago said suddenly, “Tilda left with the presenter. She’s probably going to claim the real grand prize for the champion.”

Harry blinked, “The real grand prize? Besides the trophy, medal, and million-dollar cash prize, what else is there?”

“You’ll see.”

Santiago didn’t explain. Very few people knew.

If the Jenson Group hadn’t worked with the race organizers, Santiago wouldn’t even know this.

Now… Santiago was curious.

If Tilda didn’t know about the special reward, then who would be the next person she would choose?

Meanwhile, Mystro pursed his lips. “Why did Tilda leave with that guy?”

Dane also looked worried.

Mostly because Tilda was laughing and chatting casually with the presenter.

Dane felt a pang of jealousy.

He wanted Tilda’s attention only on them!

Manfred and River kept scanning the area nervously.

They worried someone might recognize Dane’s true identity and put him at risk.

They didn’t notice the faint jealousy in the air.

Soon, Tilda returned.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Dane, Mystro."

“Here—surprise! The trophy is for Dane, and the gold medal is for Mystro. One for each of you!”

Tilda handed the diamond-studded blue trophy and the gold medal to her two seniors without hesitation.

“Is this the surprise you mentioned?” one of them asked.

“Part of it! I thought a lot. The two of you already have everything. I couldn’t find a suitable Christmas gift for you guys.

“A few days ago, I saw this competition. When I learned about the champion’s rewards, I immediately thought of what to give you.”

By the time Tilda saw the competition, registration had closed.

Using Queen’s hacking skills, she secured a spot and changed the registration.

Tilda knew about the championship prize … and another reward.

That reward was the real reason she decided to compete in this race.