Chapter 680
Chapter 680:
The competition ended half an hour later. By then, most of the designers had finished their work. Those who failed to complete their designs within the allotted time were eliminated.
The display of the design drafts began. The contestants all waited eagerly, anticipating the judges’ comments.
Hector scanned the submissions, his eyes finally landing on a design that made him pause. It was by a relatively young but promising designer. With a thoughtful nod, he leaned forward and announced, “I’m impressed by your work. Your design aligns perfectly with my style. I’d like to invite you to join my team p>
The young designer’s eyes widened in disbelief and excitement.
“Thank you so much p>
Jenessa, standing beside Hector, gave the designer an approving nod. It was indeed a solid choice. In the back of her mind, she knew she had to be strategic. She only had three opportunities to select the most suitable contestants, and she needed to make each one count.
When it was Martin’s turn, he didn’t hesitate. He singled out a design with a broad smile, his tone brimming with enthusiasm.
“This design is exceptional,” he declared exaggeratedly.
“It’s brimming with creativity and has all the fundamentals of great design. With the right guidance, you could achieve something truly remarkable p>
Jenessa’s eyes followed Martin’s gaze to the design in question, but as she studied it, a deep frown creased her brow. Confusion gnawed at her. The design was far from extraordinary—in fact, it was rather amateur. The fundamentals were shaky at best, and it clearly needed more polish.
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Doubt crept into her thoughts. Martin had always been known for his impeccable taste. How on earth could he see such brilliance where she saw mediocrity?
Her thoughts were interrupted when Martin spoke again, his voice ringing with certainty.
“Miss Hilda Reynolds, I’d like you to join my team p>
Jenessa’s attention snapped to the screen, where Hilda’s figure appeared, her smile shy.
“Thank you, Mr. Kelly,” Hilda said softly, her eyes shining with gratitude.
“I won’t let you down p>
In that moment, everything clicked into place for Jenessa. She recalled how Hilda had come to her, pleading for help to bend the rules—something she had outright refused. It seemed Hilda had found a more pliable ally in Martin.
Jenessa’s gaze hardened. It was clear now. Hilda’s design was far too ordinary, nowhere near the level required to compete. Martin was a seasoned designer, a veteran with a keen eye for detail. There was no way he couldn’t see that Hilda’s design was utterly devoid of merit.
And yet, just moments ago, he had sung its praises as if it were a masterpiece. The truth was obvious—Hilda had gotten to Martin beforehand, likely lining his pockets to ensure his support at just the right moment.
Jenessa couldn’t quite wrap her head around it. Why would Hilda, the daughter of Jonathan Reynolds, go to such lengths to cheat in a design competition? What was the point? Could just anyone call themselves a designer these days?
The absurdity of it all tugged at the corners of Jenessa’s lips, a fleeting smirk of disdain that vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. But it was enough for someone to notice.
Hilda, who had been eyeing Jenessa for a reaction, caught that brief flicker of mockery and bristled with indignation.
Hilda’s dislike for Jenessa was no secret. She could never understand why her father had insisted on appointing Jenessa as a judge for such a prestigious competition. And as if that weren’t enough, Jenessa had the audacity to refuse a favor she had requested!