Chapter 73

Not only Winnie, but the experts on the judging panel in Lymington also had different expressions on their faces.

It was well known that besides Imperial Jewelry, who hosted the judging panel this time, the International Jewelry Association had been an important judge in previous years.

Where did Ava get the ability to invite the overseas association to support her?

The judges in Lymington were good at judging people by their appearance, so several of them switched sides and voted against it after seeing this international judge do so.

In order to expel Ava, a unanimous approval was needed. Once there was a dissenting vote, it meant that she could be put on hold and continue to enter the next round.

Daniel also saw the live broadcast from the side, and his handsome face froze. He didn't expect Ava to come back to life.

It was a fact that she plagiarized, and it was unquestionable that she was expelled.

Who would have known that a never-seen-before international association suddenly appeared and supported Ava?

This was also unexpected for Winnie. She anticipated that Sophia had some aces up her sleeve, but to be able to invite international judges and have such an extraordinary design sketch, Sophia did not have that ability. What had happened?

She narrowed her eyes heavily, her aura turning cold.

Just then, someone kicked open the door of the office, and Ava strode in with a triumphant expression.

Seeing Winnie and Daniel standing on the side, a sneer flashed across her face as she ridiculed, "Winnie, you didn't expect this, did you? I turned the tables just like this!"

"Daniel, did you expect it even less," she walked up to Daniel, mocking and raising her eyebrows, "You wanted to kick me out of the company and bring Winnie back with this sincerity. Let me tell you, dream on. The Anderson family hasn't fallen, and neither have my mom and I. Instead..."

"Ava." Sophia quickly walked in, interrupting her daughter's unfiltered words.

She glanced at Winnie, hiding a smile, then looked at Daniel and said frankly, "Daniel, Ava easily stood up again. Smart men make wise choices. Give the position of general manager back to Ava and get rid of Winnie! I will pretend that you never disrespected her, or else in the future, Av...

"You can't aspire to such heights," Daniel said.

Winnie squinted as she listened carefully to his words.

Daniel's face turned ashen as he weighed the options. Even if Ava managed to turn the tables, her reputation would still be tarnished.

Annoyed, he coldly remarked, "Ava, then go home and rest. You've caused havoc at Triton, and Winnie is here to help the company."

"What kind of help? You just want to be with her, don't you regret it!" Ava didn't expect Daniel to see through her tricks and shouted angrily.

Daniel frowned and called security to remove the troublemaking mother and daughter pair. By the time he returned, Winnie had already left.

Downstairs, Winnie got into Olivia's car. Olivia was browsing the latest hot topics on her phone, her expression grave.

"Although netizens are criticizing Ava for possibly plagiarizing the on-site drawing and buying a masterpiece, I saw that piece, and it's not something Ava can afford! Where did she get such an advanced piece? That bitch actually made it to the finals. The whole situation is strange. They acted so swiftly. Who has such great power?"

"That depends on who is backing her. You've hit the nail on the head. That piece is on par with the work of a top jewelry designer. As far as I know, Sophia only sleeps with a few wealthy businessmen for investments. Suddenly, her fighting power surged, so there must be a reason."

Winnie remembered Sophia's arrogant tone upstairs. "Check who Sophia has been seeking support from these past few days."

Olivia nodded eagerly. "And also the overseas judge who happened to return to the country during this time to 'witness' Ava's drawing abilities."

The ability to invite overseas judges is not to be underestimated.

Winnie furrowed her brows and looked up information about the International Jewelry Association.

Suddenly, she remembered, "Laura (Laura Ordelia) is studying in M, right?"

Olivia's eyes brightened. "Right, let's ask Laura to help us find out about that judge."

"Winnie... Imperial Jewelry's CEO didn't attend today's meeting, so he definitely doesn't know about the competition. Can you go and ask him for a favor to directly eliminate Ava? Can you do it?" Olivia asked, with her eyes lowered in thought.

Winnie gathered her thoughts and replied, "I'm not familiar with him, and the International Association is not to be taken lightly. In the jewelry competition, Imperial and the Association hold equal power. It's not easy to make him break the rules for a mere competition. He's the CEO of a global corporation, it's normal for him to not pay attention to it."

"But Ava was already eliminated, and now she has a chance to participate again. Her background seems quite formidable based on her submission today."

"We need to dig out her background," Winnie squinted fiercely.

Olivia was worried about her emotional state, especially since Winnie had been waiting for the downfall of the Anderson family for a long time.

She had to apologize, "Darling, I'm sorry, I can't accompany you tonight. Jason's grandmother is celebrating her birthday tomorrow, and I have to attend the banquet tonight."

The Harrington family was one of the four major influential families in Lymington.

The grand celebration for Adam Harrington's 80th birthday is bound to be extravagant.

Winnie chuckled and tousled her hair. "I'm fine, it won't affect me. Oh, by the way, I have some information to put in your computer. Don't worry."

Olivia wasn't sure what it was, but she took the USB drive and left.

With thoughts swirling in her mind, Winnie wondered who Sophia had found.

Feeling frustrated, she returned home to a silent house. Lawrence was away on a business trip and hadn't come back.

For the first time, she actually missed him.

Winnie smiled helplessly. Perhaps it was her bad mood, but she mustered the courage to send him a video.

Lawrence picked up, and Winnie had just finished bathing.

Her skin was smooth and fair, with a rosy blush on her cheeks. She wore a conservative cotton pajama, but the neckline revealed her delicate collarbone.

Lawrence's eyes paused for a moment, his expression suddenly stiff.

He was in a meeting, what was this woman doing? Couldn't she control herself and wait for a better moment to provoke him?

His breath grew heavy, and with a snap, he closed his phone.

Then, he sent her a message: [I'm in a meeting with many top executives. Why are you showing this to me?]

Winnie felt helpless. She didn't mean to. How could she know he was so busy, consumed by work?

Lawrence: [Take a picture and send it to me.]

Winnie: [Why?]

Lawrence: [I didn't see clearly just now.]

Winnie blushed silently and looked down at herself, dressed innocently.

Not knowing what he wanted to see, Winnie ignored him and sent: [Where are you on your business trip?]

[London.]

[When will you be back?]

[In a couple of days. Do you miss me?]

Winnie pursed her lips and felt an urge to confide in him about the matters weighing on her heart. Was she really falling for him?

She replied playfully: [Not at all. Focus on your meeting and remember to eat.]

Lawrence: [Make sure to put our child to bed early. Also, don't contact your ex while I'm away. If I catch you, you'll be in trouble.]

After his interruptions, Winnie's mood actually improved a little, and she fell asleep in a daze.

Lawrence didn't receive any further messages from the woman.

He glanced at his phone several times, a rare occurrence during their meetings.

The jaws of the executives in the room were almost dropping, until the CEO's profound and serious gaze lifted and he asked, "Hmm?"

The manager continued his speech immediately. Keep explaining!

Lawrence suppressed the ripples in his heart. She must be sleeping now. Lawrence took a cigarette, expressionless, and looked down upon everyone present.

Frowning, he asked, "Where is Darcy?"