The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 180

Internally, Jade is screaming, violently cursing every single person mocking her. On the outside, she fiercely maintains her delicate, tear-streaked facade.

Watching the pathetic display, Tara simply smirks. She knows Jade is thrashing in the water, desperate to pull a publicity win out of a catastrophic loss, but to anyone with actual industry pull, she just looks like a clown.

The final scores are tallied, and Tara is crowned the undisputed champion.

As Tara steps up to the podium to claim her trophy, Kent watches from the wings, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He feels an overwhelming surge of pride, not just for her, but for himself.

Refusing to take the spotlight alone, Tara gestures for Kent to join her on stage. Leaning into the microphone, she smiles.

"I want to introduce Kent, my exclusive stylist for this competition. Without his genius, I wouldn't be standing here today."

With one sentence, Tara launches a massive, free marketing campaign for their new agency. The industry's eyes lock onto Kent, and it is entirely guaranteed that his phone will be ringing off the hook by morning.

Just then, the crowd erupts into a frenzy as Danny strides onto the stage. Carrying a massive, extravagant bouquet of flowers, he walks straight up to Tara and hands them to her.

"I knew you were the best, Tara," he says smoothly, loud enough for the mics to catch.

His high-profile entrance instantly sends the live stream chat into absolute meltdown.

[Ahhhh! Who is that gorgeous man? What did he just say? Is he her boyfriend?!]

If the internet had praised her bravery, she would have proudly admitted it was a brilliant PR tactic. But since she is getting ruthlessly mocked, she takes the truth to her grave.

Glancing across the room, she sees Tara surrounded by reporters and industry elites. The sight makes Jade want to scream until her lungs give out.

"Alright, let's just get you to a doctor," Alec sighs, running a frustrated hand through his hair.

He is still suspicious, but seeing her tears and the blood on her knee softens his anger. He convinces himself he is overthinking it. Still, the crushing reality of the night weighs heavily on him. He and Jade were utterly annihilated.

He remembers standing in front of Tara, arrogantly declaring that she would soon come crawling back to beg for his help. Now, watching Tara shine as the undisputed star of the night, Alec realizes that he and Jade are the only ones who look like fools.