Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 240

Jonathan stood at the center of the stage, tablet in hand.

"I'll now announce the final scores. Gemini Collective-91. Seafarer Designs-88. Congratulations to Gemini Collective for winning the commission!"

The Gemini Collective team erupted in cheers, exchanging high-fives and applause.

In stark contrast, the three members of Seafarer Designs fell silent, the mood around them turning heavy.

Rowena heard the verdict with a tangled surge of emotions-frustration, disappointment, and a deep sense of injustice. She'd poured everything into this project and desperately wanted to win. But all she could think of was Abbott, that bastard, threatening her with those compromising photos. She felt cornered, with no way out but to give in.

Guilt gnawed at her as she thought of all Isadora's tireless work these past weeks.

Wendy, stunned by the announcement, seemed unable to process it; every inch of her bristled with disbelief.

be? Everyone was clearly impressed by Isadora's

remained quiet for a moment, lost in thought. Then she stood and addressed

his

was foul play? Your little design firm isn't in a

couldn't bear the thought of being called out for unfair practices, especially not in front of Victor. He was furious—and a little panicked—that this woman might

stood up as well, swaggering as he poured

your team just wasn't good enough. Now you're demanding to see every judge's scores? If everyone acted this way after losing, we'd all have a lot more

course, forgetting their earlier praise for

reflecting on their own work, they blame

firm-just a handful of people in a loft. They're lucky we

the table, a man set down his pen with a subtle but unmistakable click. The sound silenced

seat-toward the man whose status and pedigree

when is asking for the judges' scores not part of a fair competition? Funny-when others ask, it's transparency. When it's you, suddenly it's a