Stella waited in the restroom for over thirty minutes, constantly refreshing the news page.
The controversy had heated up to the point where self-proclaimed designers demanded an answer.
However, none of the designers who took part in the contest had an opinion.
The conversation was clearly manipulated; someone tried to make a big issue out of it.
Stella had grown tired of staring at the screen and had switched off her phone.
She woke up half an hour later as she heard someone approaching, it was Nathan.
“Ms. Radomil, Mr. Conrad is in an urgent meeting, it may take some time, why don't you return first...”
Stella said, “Okay,” with a slight nod.
She'd be useless in any situation if she stayed here.
After sending Stella downstairs, Nathan rushed back.
Stella shifted her gaze to the illuminated tall skyscraper, frowning as she made a decision.
As soon as she got inside the car, Stella dialed Donald's phone. “Are you available to speak?”
“All right, where would you like to meet?” Donald was driving.
Stella chose a café close to his current location.
Stella and Donald got out of their vehicles almost at the same time ten minutes later.
As soon as he spotted her, Donald's brow furrowed. He was well aware of her purpose for this meeting.
“I saw the news, do you want to file a defamation lawsuit? However, in the current environment, it will
have little impact.” As they sat in the café, Donald began.
“I'd like to hear how the case against Phoebe is going,” Stella said, shaking her head.
Donald was taken aback by her inquiry and took a breath. “Charles is attempting to intercede, but rest
assured, it will not take me more than a week...”
“Tonight.”
“What?” Donald was convinced he had misheard something.
“Send Phoebe a lawyer letter on Bernice's behalf, emphasizing that she was the one who told Bernice
to cause a ruckus at my studio. She had even assaulted my younger brother, who is still in school.”
In an instant, Donald grasped her meaning. Many issues developed related to projects in the Steward
Group. Her goal was to shift the public's attention away to Phoebe's use of dirty techniques to attack
her and attempt to ruin a university student. “Are you planning on using this as a distraction?”
Stella smiled and nodded. “Yes. Furthermore, one week is ample time for Charles to prepare fully, I
want to catch him off guard.”
“Charles will realize you are the brains behind it.”
“I've always been his adversary, even without this move, he'll never treat me with kindness,” Stella
smiled.
Stella was correct, and Donald concurred. When dealing with a cunning fox like Charles, being
indecisive or frightened to offend him was tantamount to pleading for mercy.
“All right, I'll be right back to the firm. The letter will be sent in an hour, okay?” Donald asked, looking at
his watch.
“Yes. Thank you,” Stella said as he stood up.
“Don't be concerned.” Donald took off.
Stella remained and dialed Louis' number.
Louis was worried by the viral news online as well, and if he tried to explain himself, he would have no
solid evidence to back up what was said online.
Self-explanation would be viewed as crocodile tears in such a situation.
The rumors have no basis in reality.
“Rest assured, Ms. Radomil, we are discussing a solution and will provide a suitable explanation,” the
phone was answered.
Stella said, "I've bothered you. I'm curious as to who else was present at the dinner.”
“Do you imply the conversation was taped and leaked?” Louis was taken aback.
“No.” Stella took a pause. “Was there a judge who gave me a low grade that night at the dinner?”
Louis reflected on the previous evening's meal.
Following the announcement of the results, Robert extended an invitation to the panel judges for dinner
on behalf of Modesty, but some of them declined. Robert, himself, and the other two were among those
who attended. The judges that voted for Stella were not in attendance.
Was it just a coincidence?
“If you are one of the judges, will you attend a celebration meal for the candidate that you did not vote
for?” Stella asked as Louis remained mute.
He would not, Louis stunned.
It was because he would be ashamed of himself for voting for someone else and for the deserving
candidate who lost.
He was also perplexed by Stella's loss. The design of Modesty wasn't horrible, but it wasn't as good as
Stella's.
He accepted the offer because, as the organizer, he felt obligated to celebrate the winner.
Louis had a better understanding of the situation now.
Stella was certain she was correct. She didn't have to guess who released the recording because there
were only a few people in the restaurant that night.
She knew well what Modesty was made of.
She was mistaken in believing that winning or losing was the norm in a competition. What transpired
next demonstrated that Modesty won through foul means, which was why she was concerned that the
champion's opportunity may be taken away.
To put it another way, if Modesty had been the legitimate champion, none of this would have happened.
“I'll look into it further and report back to you,” Louis said.
Was it just a coincidence?
“If you are one of the judges, will you attend a celebration meal for the candidate that you did not vote
for?” Stella asked as Louis remained mute.
He would not, Louis stunned.
It was because he would be ashamed of himself for voting for someone else and for the deserving
candidate who lost.
He was also perplexed by Stella's loss. The design of Modesty wasn't horrible, but it wasn't as good as
Stella's.
He accepted the offer because, as the organizer, he felt obligated to celebrate the winner.
Louis had a better understanding of the situation now.
Stella was certain she was correct. She didn't have to guess who released the recording because there
were only a few people in the restaurant that night.
She knew well what Modesty was made of.
She was mistaken in believing that winning or losing was the norm in a competition. What transpired
next demonstrated that Modesty won through foul means, which was why she was concerned that the
champion's opportunity may be taken away.
To put it another way, if Modesty had been the legitimate champion, none of this would have happened.
“T'll look into it further and report back to you,” Louis said.
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