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.

was clearly impressed by Isadora's presentation- there

addressed Jonathan. "Mr. Oakley, would you mind publishing the

his

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

of Horizon Architects, Jonathan 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 damage their reputation in Victor's eyes. Who did she think

well, swaggering as he poured fuel on the

you're demanding to see every judge's scores? If everyone

rest of the room quickly changed course, forgetting their earlier

lost, but instead of reflecting on their own work,

a handful of people in a loft. They're lucky we let

down his pen with a subtle

the man whose status and

voice was low and even. "Since 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