Chapter 38 The Act Worked

Finished

His words settled the matter, signaling that the disgrace Leah had brought upon the Nelsons was, for now, laid to rest.

Leah blinked, her voice uncertain. “The Quinns?”

“Yes,” Olympia said, her tone light as she placed a hand on Leah’s. “Not long after you fainted, someone from their family showed up at the company. Your brother signed the contract with them.” A faint smile tugged at her lips. “That young man from the Quinns seemed quite concerned about you.”

Leah’s face flushed pink. “Mom, we’re just friends.”

“Of course, just friends,” Olympia replied with mock seriousness. “Once you’re feeling better, though, invite your friend over for dinner. We owe him a proper thank–you.”

Leah gave a small nod. “Alright, I will.”

After a brief pause, her voice softened. “Did Charmaine … did she get first place?”

The warmth in Olympia’s expression vanished in an instant. “Don’t bring her up.”

Willard, seated nearby, scowled.

The mention of Charmaine darkened the atmosphere like a sudden storm cloud.

If Charmaine had stayed in her lane, none of this chaos would have unfolded. Her meddling had turned a tense situation into a public spectacle.

And now, the internet buzzed with vicious comments about Leah and the Nelsons, contrasting sharply with praise lavished upon Charmaine.

People couldn’t seem to stop comparing the two. They talked of how one girl brought glory to her family while the other dragged them through the mud. Willard and Olympia had seen enough to make their blood boil.

Those online critics didn’t understand anything.

true thorn in their

didn’t win. Yaris Group released the results. Charmaine withdrew, and they went with the third–place

disbelief flickering in her eyes as

That–witch!

up so much trouble,

she doing this on purpose–just to see

a thought burst from Leah before she could stop it. “Doesn’t it seem like too much of a coincidence? Charmaine leaves, and right after, Ydris Group pulls out of their deal with us. Their competition ends up using her

1/3

Jan

The Act Worked

Finished

conclusions echoing in the silence. The Nelsons weren’t fools;

mind working swiftly. Years of navigating the business world had trained

to himself, but the tightness in his jaw betrayed his anger.

reason, spoke again, “Leah, even if Charmaine and Rex are somehow connected, they couldn’t have predicted you’d submit the same design she did.”

Instead, he seemed to be making excuses for Charmaine. A

This was bad.

allegiance no longer felt so certain. That was something Leah could never

“Thanks for everything today. I’m fine now. You and

If you need anything, just tell them. Call

things before walking out with Olympia,

wife exchanged a glance. They nodded

by one, they left, with Milo lingering behind.

out

a second, then walked over to her bed and squatted down beside

to rest,”

couldn’t help it. “Milo … are you

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