Comeback Of The Adored Heiress

Chapter 100:

“These flowers are in honor of your championship win,” Andrew said.

“The results haven’t been announced yet,” Madisyn responded.

“I have no doubt you’ll come out on top,” Andrew assured her.

Madisyn offered a smile but chose not to reply. She turned her attention to the blue roses, enchanted by their fresh and unique scent.

“Madisyn, you’re my goddess!” Rosaline burst through the door, her excitement palpable. “Your performance today was phenomenal! You were stunning! I’m sure you’ll win the championship!”

Lynda and Gerard entered soon after, their gazes filled with admiration.

“The results haven’t been released yet. It might be too soon to celebrate,” Madisyn remarked with a gentle smile.

Rosaline insisted, “You were the standout performer today. Everyone saw it. You’re sure to win this time. I doubt those from Mafelen have the courage to change the results.”

Madisyn just smiled again, remaining silent.

Andrew observed her closely, a trace of emotion briefly visible in his eyes.

An hour quickly passed.

Soon, everyone took their seats as the awards ceremony got underway.

“The third place is awarded to Noble Padilla from Seleni!”

Caught off guard by the announcement, Noble made his way to the stage. He felt deeply content to achieve third place in such a fierce competition.

The crowd clapped enthusiastically. However, the tension in the air escalated. Everyone was eagerly anticipating the announcements for second and first places.

Lynda and her group watched the stage with nervous anticipation.

The host looked at the card he held and said, “Second place is awarded to…”

He paused, then added, “Madisyn Johns from Lorpond!”

The audience went quiet. A few applauded, but most were shocked. It was clear, even to those with minimal dance expertise, that Madisyn had delivered the day’s standout performance.

Lynda and her group were visibly upset.

They had just said that Madisyn was bound to win the championship since so many people had seen and been stunned by her performance. They had not anticipated her receiving only the runner-up spot!

“This is absurd. There must have been some foul play by the judges,” Rosaline said, visibly upset.

Gerard didn’t say anything, but his face showed clear frustration.

Andrew shot a stern look at the judges on stage and then made a phone call.

Madisyn walked up to the stage. Her tall, graceful figure made her second-place result seem even more of a slight to many observers. The crowd sympathized with her and felt the decision was unjust, yet they were powerless to change it.

The judges were aware of the audience’s unrest but chose to keep quiet.

The host announced, “First place is given to Anna Murray!”

Anna smiled, approached the stage, and greeted the audience with a wave. The crowd from Mafelen burst into cheers. The judges from Mafelen were delighted; their strategic plan had finally succeeded.

Right then, a man hurried to the judges’ table. He leaned over and whispered to one of the Mafelen judges, saying, “There’s some troubling news!”

“What’s the problem?” the judge inquired.

“Our main investor wants to back out!”

“Why would Mr. Williams want to back out? The winner is from Mafelen—he should be happy!”

“I’m not sure. He said he wants the contest to be fair and honest,” the assistant responded, looking worried. “This behavior is unusual for Mr. Williams. It looks like he’s supporting Madisyn.”

The judge paused, then asked, “Is someone from Lorpond influencing Mr. Williams? But Mr. Williams is the leading business figure in Mafelen. Who in Lorpond could sway him?”

He found it puzzling.

International competitions demand substantial funding. Their National Dance Association was low on funds, and Rick Williams was their primary sponsor. If he pulled his funding, it would be a huge financial hit. Future events would need money from the association’s budget. The Mafelen judge hesitated.

Damn!

As he wrestled with the dilemma, something unexpected happened on stage.

“I have something to say!” A calm voice suddenly filled the air.noveldrama

The young woman in a silver outfit stepped up. Her intense gaze and distinct appearance captured everyone’s attention. Her stern voice resounded across the venue. “Since this is an international competition, fairness is crucial.”

The audience grew quiet.

The expressions of the Mafelen judges turned stern. How could a contestant openly question them?

The judge in a dilemma momentarily forgot about Rick.

“Miss, what are you implying? Do you think you shouldn’t be given second place?” asked one of the Mafelen judges.

It was Will Simmons, the previous year’s champion, a man close to forty with an imposing presence.

All eyes were on Madisyn. Some watched with malicious glee, others with mockery, admiration, or pity.

“Yes,” Madisyn responded calmly, her presence commanding on stage.

Will laughed. “You’re the first one brave enough to challenge the judges this way! Are you suggesting you know better than we do?”

“Yes,” Madisyn said plainly.

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