Reborn to Marry My Best Friend's Uncle novel Chapter 28

"Don't worry. I understand," Wallace said with a strained smile plastered on his face as he repeatedly nodded.

"Your talent is obvious to all of us present, Ms. Steward, but we're in the middle of a unique situation here. To silence the rumors once and for all, we need a more convincing way to showcase your ability.

"Please trust us and give us a moment. You'll have an answer soon."

While talking, he politely ushered her toward the door.

Still dazed, Annie found herself gently escorted out of the lounge and into the hallway. Everything felt strangely unreal, and Wallace's attitude didn't sit right with her.

But since he'd promised a fair result, waiting was all she could do at this point.

…

In the lounge, Wallace let out a long, relieved breath once Annie was gone. He carefully turned toward the curtain and called out, "Mr. Parker…"

Christian stepped out from behind the curtains. He realized that Annie had always found a way to handle her crises and didn't seem as weak as he'd expected.

Even so, he wouldn't let her suffer the slightest injustice.

"Proceed."

As if granted amnesty, Wallace immediately turned and hurried away.

Half an hour later, all contestants were summoned into the hall. The head of the judging panel, Wallace, took the center of the stage with a microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, contestants, good afternoon. After an urgent review by the judging panel, and in light of the incident that occurred earlier, the panel has unanimously decided to revise the rules for the final round of the contest."

A wave of shock rolled through the audience. Changing rules mid-contest, especially at a major fashion design contest, was almost unheard of.

As she stared at the judging panel onstage in disbelief, her heart sank. She'd memorized Annie's draft down to the last detail and rehearsed her performance countless times, just to shine brilliantly on stage.

As for her true design skills, she knew better than anyone that she couldn't survive an on-site challenge like this. Having to improvise on the spot was like a death sentence for her.

No! She refused to accept it! The championship was supposed to be within her grasp!

"I object!"

Heads turned toward the sound as Cecilia pushed her way out of the crowd, tear-streaked and frantic. "This isn't fair!"

She pointed at Annie, standing not far away, and cried out in a shrill voice, "Why should we change the rules for everyone, just for her?

"Since her piece was plagiarized, you could've just disqualified her. Why should the rest of us pay the price for her mistake?"