I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 246

A collective gasp went through the crowd. Everyone’s expression shifted as they turned to look at me, their eyes filled with suspicion.

My own eyes widened in disbelief. I stared at Jonas, instinctively biting my lip. If Linda had been the one to accuse me of cheating, I wouldn’t have been nearly as shocked.

Steven’s expression didn’t change. He glanced back at the frantic Jonas, who was now being restrained by security. “Get him out of here.”

Jonas struggled wildly, the veins in his forehead and neck bulging. “Why are you throwing me out? You have the guts to do it, but not the guts to let people talk about it? Do you think we’re all idiots? How could anyone get a near-perfect score?!”

He was practically screaming now. “This is a platform where countless designers hope to showcase their talent and build their careers! How dare you wealthy people manipulate the rules like this? It’s outrageous!”

Steven raised an eyebrow.

Zachary chimed in, “Who told you there was any cheating? Do you have proof?”

“I have proof!” Jonas declared, turning to Linda. “Linda, you have the recording, don’t you? You said the winner had an inappropriate relationship with the sponsor back at the company. Anyone can verify it! The entire company knows the first-place winner is Mr. Lancaster’s mistress!”

Zachary nearly choked. His face screamed, But they’re married!

I remained silent. Steven just scoffed, his eyes flicking to Linda. “You two are in this together, aren't you? If you have proof, play it.”

During the competition, she had received praise from Mr. Taylor, was his presumed protégé, and had won second place. The audience naturally trusted her. A chorus of voices rose up, condemning Steven’s supposed backroom dealings and my shameless behavior.

Steven remained calm. “An explanation for what? The competition was fair and impartial. There was no cheating.”

Jonas’s voice boomed from the crowd. “That’s not an explanation! Sponsors are businessmen; of course a shameless person like you wouldn’t admit it! But what about Mr. Taylor and Mr. Lee? You two are giants in the jewelry design world. We all trust you. But today, something corrupt has happened.”

He pressed on, his voice ringing with accusation. “You two should confess. Did the sponsor put pressure on you to give the first-place winner a high score?”