Chapter 602: Each Relying on Their Own Abilities

Chapter 602: Each Relying on Their Own Abilities

As soon as Miguel finished talking, his buddies jumped in, "Yeah, if you got proof, show it! Otherwise, quit making stuff up!"

The room erupted into chaos again.

Asher's voice cut through the noise, "Enough! I might not know everything, but I saw how you mocked her in the group chat and pushed her out of the Art Association! And now you want evidence? Seriously?"

Jerry snorted and pulled out his phone, "I remember it too, and I took screenshots. They're still on my phone. Want me to show them?"

Miguel and his crew went silent, their arrogance deflated.

Grace smirked coldly, and the room quieted down.

Seeing the silence, Asher's stern expression softened a bit. He glanced around and said calmly, "Alright, the pre-competition ceremony is about to start. Let's stop wasting time here and head inside."

With that, the crowd dispersed, heading towards the ceremony venue.

Miguel and his group buzzed around Flora like flies.

Flora's face was cold, her posture regal as she looked at Grace, "It's nice to have powerful friends, isn't it? But remember, Grace, today's ceremony is about skill, not who has the most influential man. I hope you won't rely on Mr. Montague's influence and will show us your true talent."

Before Grace could respond, Flora strutted past her in high heels.

Miguel quickly followed, flattering her, "Miss Adams, she publicly slandered you and Mrs. Adams, yet you're still so gracious in speaking to her!"

Others echoed, "Yeah, Miss Adams, you're too kind. Let's just wait and see her make a fool of herself. I doubt she can create anything better than Miss Adams."

"Exactly, let's see her fail! And she better not cry to Mr. Montague for help!"

"Ha ha ha..."

Their mocking voices carried over on the breeze.

Asher heard their taunts, his face darkening, brows furrowed in displeasure.

Jerry clenched his fists, swinging them in the air, "These people are... I'm going to shut them up!"

Grace, knowing they were standing up for her, quickly grabbed Jerry's arm and shook her head, "Jerry, let it go. They can say whatever they want. It doesn't bother me."

She truly wasn't affected; their words couldn't shake her.

She smiled slightly, because the real show was just beginning.

Asher turned to her, noticing her calm demeanor and the confidence in her eyes.

He sighed in relief and said, "Alright, let's head inside and get ready for the ceremony."

Though Asher supported Grace, as the president of the Art Association, he couldn't afford to offend Flora and the Adams family.

Grace needed to outperform Flora in the upcoming judging round.

No mistakes allowed!

Grace followed them to the resting area of the ceremony venue.

There were several rooms, one of which Flora had already claimed, with Miguel and others fawning over her.

The rest of the people were busy at their posts. Asher, being the president, was the host of the competition.

Jerry and Grace found another room to rest in.

Jerry was still fuming about earlier, his face dark. He worried about Grace and tried to reassure her, "Grace, don't let their trash talk get to you. They're just Flora's suck-ups, good for nothing else!"

Grace smiled and gave him a reassuring look, "Don't worry, I'm not bothered."

She felt a significant change in her mindset, much better than when she first returned from abroad.

She then comforted Jerry, "Really, I'm fine. But you, you're a judge too and need to paint later. Don't let this mess with your head."

Jerry waved his hand dismissively, "I'm good. I'm not dumb enough to stoop to their level. Don't sweat it."

Seeing Grace's calmness, Jerry believed she was truly okay.

They rested for a while until someone knocked on the door.

Before they could respond, the door opened, and Miguel peeked in with a fake smile, "Hey, the contestants and Jeffrey are here. Stop chatting and focus on the judging round, especially you, Ms. Windsor. Don't let us down!"

With that, Miguel left.

Grace remained unfazed, but Jerry was furious, standing up abruptly.

Grace quickly stood up to stop him, smiling, "Don't be mad. Let him say what he wants. I'm fine."

Seeing her smile, Jerry calmed down, "Alright."

They left the room and followed the staff down a long corridor to the stage.

As soon as they stepped on stage, Grace felt something was off.

The audience was already seated, and the front row of special guests was occupied.

Grace realized they were called last on purpose.

All eyes were on them, making them the center of attention.

She gritted her teeth, knowing Miguel had done this deliberately.

Seeing them arrive, the dissatisfied audience began to murmur.

"Look at her, still acting like she's the star! Showing up last, huh?"

"Exactly! Even if she was famous before, so what? Jeffrey and Willie are here, who does she think she is?"

The murmurs were loud enough for many to hear.

Those who didn't know Grace were influenced by the comments, looking at her with disdain.

Grace's smile stiffened.

These comments didn't affect her. Compared to being mocked in the group chat, forced out of the art circle, and humiliated while pregnant, this was nothing.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward, standing with Jerry, showing her judge status.

Asher and an older man were the hosts.

Seeing Grace and Jerry in place, Asher picked up the microphone, "Let's give a warm welcome to Jerry!"

Jerry was well-known in the art world, and the audience applauded enthusiastically, with some students even screaming in excitement.

Jeffrey and Willie in the front row nodded and clapped for Jerry.

The atmosphere was so lively that Asher had to ask for quiet.

Asher then introduced Grace, "Everyone, standing next to Jerry is today's head judge, Grace, also known internationally as Sun! I'm sure you've heard of Sun, right?"

The applause was sparse, only a few clapping.

Jeffrey clapped out of politeness, but Willie looked displeased.