“Alright, don’t worry. In three days, we’ll definitely beat the Baker Family in the competition," she reassured me.
On the day of the competition, Jane and I sat in the front row.
Seeing me sitting with Jane, Mia walked over with Trevor and mocked us, "Blake, you stole Trevor's project and now you're sitting with the eternal runner-up. Even if the company fired you and you’ve completely given up on yourself, you could’ve at least picked a better company.”
“Oh, wait, I forgot!" She sneered, "Our company is the number one. You won’t find a better place than ours.”
Trevor added with contempt, “Once the Baker Family wins first place again this year and collaborates with that investor, we’re going to dominate the entire market. You should be ready to go home and starve."
Just looking at them made me sick and my scalp tingled.
Since calling off the engagement, Mia didn’t even bother to hide her real feelings anymore. She clung openly to Trevor’s arm.
She said smugly, "Trevor's work capabilities far surpass yours! He effortlessly designed a new cooperation proposal for a cross-provincial collaboration with Alcove City. This time, you won’t have any chance to steal his hard work.”
I chuckled to myself. Was she referring to the scrap of paper I had thrown into the trash?
I never expected Trevor to have a habit of rummaging through trash bins.
If Mia actually went ahead with that proposal, I could not wait to see the show
Other company bosses soon came over to fawn over Mia.
“Is there even a point to having this competition anymore? As long as President Baker is here, the first place is definitely in the Baker Group’s hands.”
“Exactly. That Best Enterprise Award is not a big deal for President Baker. Especially now that it's very likely she will get funding from that investor. With her endorsement, her status in the industry will only rise.”
“Well, obviously …. it’ll go to the Baker Family.”
They glanced at my seat and Jane's seat.
“Unlike some people … no matter how close they sit to the front, it’s useless. In this business, success comes from real skill, not from sitting in the front row.”
The compliment made Mia even prouder. Surrounded by her supporters, she left.
Jane and I just watched them quietly, completely unbothered. After all, who would become the winner was still hard to say.
As the usual procedure, the host began the award ceremony.
Mia was so confident. She even stood up first and walked toward the stage. She was so sure her name would be called out.
Under the dim lights, she even mocked her and gave Jane a dismissive gesture. However, when the host announced the winner, everyone was stunned.
“Congratulations to Jane Collins for winning this year's industry-leading title and for the opportunity to meet with Mr. Walker!”
When Mia, who had already stepped onto the stage, heard Jane's name, her mind went blank.
Jane approached her with a calm, elegant smile, but her eyes sparkled with pride and contempt. She spoke gently, "President Baker, I'm sorry … we took your first place this year, but rest assured, you won’t have the chance to catch up again! After all, you’ve already revealed your trump card yourself!”
