Chapter 37 Could Her Husband Be Frederick
Reality was about to deliver Vivian a crushing blow.
Ten minutes later, the judges announced their decision.
"After unanimous deliberation, we've determined that Xandra Cavendish's 'Silent Flow' surpasses Vivian Cooper's 'Blooming Glory' in both artistry and technical skill. Therefore, the winner is: Xandra."
Xandra smiled.
Even though she'd been confident of victory, hearing the official result still sent excitement coursing through her.
She stood and nodded respectfully to the judges.
"Thank you all for your recognition."
"Xandra, you're a rising star. I have high hopes for you," Brinley said.
"Thank you for your kind words, Ms. Barber."
Xandra smiled gratefully.
Vivian's face went through a series of changes, her chest heaving violently.
She lost? She lost to Xandra again?
She was a graduate of a prestigious art academy—how could she possibly lose to someone who hadn't even finished college!
Something fishy was going on!
Seeing Brinley's approving gaze, Vivian blurted out: "Xandra, how did you get in here? Did you use someone's connections? You knew Ms. Brinley Barber before this, didn't you?"
The implication was clear—she was suggesting Xandra had gotten into the competition through Brinley.
Being accused of using her influence to help Xandra, Brinley's expression darkened, her eyes turning cold.
"Mr. Russell invited me to judge this competition. Are you daring to slander me? Should I call Mr. Russell over to settle this matter?"
Another judge beside her scolded harshly: "How dare you! You're actually questioning Ms. Barber's integrity? You're clearly outmatched—why can't you face your own shortcomings?"
"With such a petty mindset, it seems Xandra was right earlier—your previous works were only completed with her guidance!"
Vivian's face flushed red, stammering without managing a single word.
Xandra looked at her with a slight smile.
"Corrupt minds see corruption everywhere. The judges might not know this, but she and I used to be best friends—until she quietly stole my fiancé."
"But anything that can be stolen isn't worth keeping. I should actually thank her for helping me see that man's true nature."
"Vivian, like I said—truth can't be faked, and lies can't last. If you're not convinced, we can keep competing until you are!"
In the CEO's office, Philip watched this scene and snorted coldly: "This Vivian woman is absolutely shameless! Fred, why haven't you fired her yet? What are you keeping her around for?"
Frederick's gaze turned icy. He picked up his phone and dialed Aiden's number.
"That's enough. Fire Vivian immediately. She's permanently blacklisted."
"Yes, sir."
Aiden received the order, hung up, and strode into the competition venue.
"No need for further competition. After investigation, Mr. Russell has determined that Vivian Cooper has character issues that don't meet Russell Group's hiring standards. Vivian is hereby terminated, permanently blacklisted!"
"Vivian, report to HR immediately to process your termination!"
Aiden's expression was stern, his tone final.
As Frederick's special assistant, since people rarely saw Frederick himself, Aiden's words carried the CEO's authority.
Vivian panicked, shaking her head frantically.
"No, it's not like that! You can't fire me! I just spoke carelessly in the heat of the moment—I have talent! Ms. Cross, say something for me!"
Vivian was Simone's hire, someone she'd personally mentored. Vivian was sweet-talking and knew how to handle people, so Simone had always appreciated her.
But now, with Vivian having offended Brinley and even the CEO's special assistant personally involved, what could she possibly say?
"Security, escort her out!"
Aiden ordered the guards who'd been waiting outside.
"Yes, sir!"
Security entered and physically removed Vivian.
Vivian's heart sank to rock bottom.
Looking at Xandra's calm expression, jealousy and hatred consumed her.
How had Xandra gotten in here?
Why was she the one being fired in the end?
Why did God always favor Xandra like this?
"Judges, shall we announce this competition's first-place winner?" Aiden inquired.
"One moment."
The judges reviewed all the participants' designs, then unsurprisingly declared Xandra the winner.
Two hundred thousand dollars—hers!
Xandra's heart leaped with joy as she bowed deeply to the judges again.
"Thank you all for your generosity."
"Congratulations." Everyone offered their well-wishes.
In the CEO's office, Philip tapped the desk. "Fred, that two-hundred-thousand prize was specially set up for Xandra, wasn't it?"
Frederick didn't deny it, closing his computer to handle paperwork.
Philip clicked his tongue. "Only two hundred thousand? How stingy."
Frederick didn't look up, asking mildly: "Don't you have anything better to do?"
He was being dismissed.
Philip raised an eyebrow, mischief flickering in his eyes.
He pulled out his phone and called Aiden.
"Mr. Wood, bring Xandra to the CEO's office. Tell her I want to see her."
Frederick was about to sign documents when he heard this. He glanced up, his gaze chilly.
"What are you planning?"
Philip tapped his expensive watch.
"It's lunchtime. Aren't you going to take her out for a celebratory meal?"
Frederick: "That's my business. Are you that bored?"
"Xandra is my cousin's wife, after all. Can't I treat them to lunch?"
Philip didn't back down, casually pulling out his phone to have his assistant immediately order from The Chef's Loft and deliver it to the CEO's office.
Frederick stared at him for two seconds. "You better think before you speak later."
This was a warning for Philip not to reveal his identity.
Philip's eyes twinkled as he asked with a grin: "First tell me—have you started falling for Xandra even a little?"
Frederick's expression paused slightly. He glanced at him. "If you have this much free time, why not seriously find Daniel a mother?"
Hearing this, Philip's smile faded somewhat.
"How many stepmothers are actually good ones? I don't want my son growing up with issues under a stepmother's shadow."
Frederick looked at him. "Your wife passed over two years ago. Are you planning to stay single forever?"
Philip shrugged, returning to his devil-may-care attitude.
"Why not? A wife isn't that useful to me—at most someone to warm the bed. But I have plenty of money. If I have physical needs, there are plenty of women throwing themselves at me."
Frederick frowned slightly but didn't push further.
Meanwhile, after receiving orders, Aiden indicated for Xandra to follow him to the CEO's office to meet Philip.
Xandra asked: "Ms. Brinley Barber came today because Mr. Russell invited her?"
Aiden's gaze flickered. "Yes."
Whether it was Frederick or Philip, they were both Mr. Russell—this answer should be safe.
Xandra felt deeply grateful.
Without Brinley present today, she probably couldn't have so smoothly exposed Vivian's shameless behavior.
After all, that Simone woman had been protecting Vivian throughout.
Xandra followed Aiden into the executive elevator.
The private elevator went directly to the CEO's office and required card access.
Besides Frederick and Philip, only Aiden had this clearance.
Regular employees almost never saw Frederick's true face.
Vivian, who'd just finished her termination paperwork, watched this scene with burning hatred.
Why did Xandra know Aiden?
Aiden was the assistant to Russell Group's power holder.
So Xandra's confident entrance into the competition venue today—had Aiden brought her in?
Vivian suddenly thought of something.
Xandra's flash-marriage husband drove a Bentley and carried himself with extraordinary bearing.
And Aiden, a CEO's special assistant, had personally handled a design department matter, clearly protecting Xandra, and now was taking her to the CEO's office.
Plus today's appearance by Brinley was a last-minute leadership decision.
All these signs made a shocking thought emerge in her mind—
Could Xandra's flash-marriage husband actually be Russell Group's power holder, Frederick?