Chapter 92
Cynthia was momentarily speechless, but quickly became infuriated by Charlotte's unrestrained attitude.
However, to maintain her dignity, she had to suppress her anger and force out each word through gritted teeth.
"If you make Sabrina compensate you for the outfit, you're basically telling her not to participate in the competition."
"If she can't participate, what about Owen? Can you really bear to watch your own son lose his chance to compete over such a trivial matter?"
"Charlotte, how can you be so heartless as a mother?"
In the past, after being lectured like this by Cynthia, Charlotte would have backed down immediately and even felt guilty toward Owen.
But now, she felt nothing inside.
"Mrs. Forbes, please get one thing straight first - the person who did wrong and caused this situation is Sabrina, not me."
"Also, Owen's competition is a competition, but aren't other people's competitions also competitions too?"
"If I can't participate, then Philip will also lose his chance to compete."
"What do you think about that?"
Cynthia was so angry from this string of questions that she pointed at Charlotte, momentarily unable to speak.
"Charlotte, that's enough." Alexander finally couldn't take it anymore and stepped forward.
Charlotte frowned. "Mr. Forbes, what do you mean?"
Alexander's eyes darkened as he stepped closer, and under the cover of his body, he gripped Charlotte's wrist tightly.
"You know what I mean."
"Besides, have you considered that not being able to compete because your outfit was ruined might actually turn out to be a good thing for you?"
Charlotte felt like she was hearing the biggest joke in the world. "This is a good thing? Did I hear that right?"
Alexander's tone was full of unquestionable certainty. "Of course you heard right. With your abilities and knowledge, going on stage to compete would be like publicly embarrassing yourself, so taking this opportunity to withdraw from the competition is actually the most appropriate choice."
"Also, let me remind you - this parent-child activity that seems so ordinary to you is going to be live-streamed online. I'm sure you don't want your embarrassing moment to be recorded forever, right?"
"So really, Sabrina did you a huge favor. You should be thanking her properly."
Charlotte was completely shocked by Alexander's shameless reasoning.
But before she could say anything, Sabrina stepped forward and gently tugged on Alexander's sleeve, speaking weakly, "Alexander, I was the one who did wrong first. Don't blame Charlotte."
Alexander looked at her pitiful expression, and a trace of guilt flashed in his eyes. "I'm sorry for making you suffer."
"I'm not suffering."
Charlotte finally couldn't listen anymore. "Alexander, according to what you're saying, not only should I not ask Sabrina to apologize and compensate me for ruining my dress, I should actually be grateful to her?"
Alexander nodded matter-of-factly. "Yes, you finally understand."
Charlotte was finally so angry at Alexander's shamelessness that she laughed.
She spat softly and forcefully pulled her wrist back. "Alexander, you disgust me."
Alexander's expression changed slightly. Just as he was about to grab Charlotte's hand again, everything suddenly went dark before his eyes.
At some point, Landon had appeared between him and Charlotte.
Landon's eyes were dark now, coolly sizing up Alexander. "I really didn't realize you were so good at twisting the facts."
But Alexander pressed his lips together, still looking earnestly concerned. "Landon, if you really care about Philip, you shouldn't let Charlotte participate in the competition with him. She's a housewife who doesn't understand anything - isn't this obviously going to embarrass Philip?"
Philip stepped out from behind Landon indignantly. "You're lying! Charlotte is the best, and we won't lose! We definitely won't be embarrassed!"
Jenna was also gritting her teeth at Alexander. "Philip is right. Sabrina can't compare to Charlotte at all."
Calvin was furious that Jenna dared to publicly humiliate Sabrina. "Jenna, Sabrina is a top graduate from Aurora College! How dare you say she's not as good as a housewife? Are you crazy?"
After speaking, he arrogantly looked around at everyone. "Everyone, before Sabrina returned to the country, she was already a well-known designer, and now she's the new Design Director at the Forbes Group with a bright future ahead."
"So if any of you aren't convinced, feel free to step forward and compete with her."
Calvin's tone was incredibly arrogant.
The crowd erupted in discussion again.
But not a single person stepped forward.
Aurora College was a renowned overseas design school, internationally famous, and accepted very few students each year - only the best of the best.
Many wealthy families in the country wanted to pay big money to get into Aurora College, but couldn't even get past the threshold.
Those who could enter Aurora College were all exceptionally talented individuals.
So although everyone present could see through Sabrina's tricks at a glance, and could hear Alexander's favoritism toward Sabrina and the Forbes family's poor treatment of Charlotte.
These things weren't anything new among wealthy families - in fact, they were quite common.
Although Charlotte was pitiful, apart from her exceptionally outstanding appearance, she had no other advantages.
Meanwhile, Sabrina, who had always been favored by Alexander, though slightly less beautiful than Charlotte, was talented and a top graduate from Aurora College with a bright future.
Plus, the two of them now worked together at the Forbes Group, so they would only have more in common.
A housewife like Charlotte with only her beauty naturally couldn't compare.
From this perspective, Mrs. Forbes would soon be replaced.
"I didn't expect Miss Spencer to be an Aurora College graduate. We've met a real opponent."
"What opponent? With my level, I should just admit defeat now."
"Exactly. I was so confident before, wanting to win first place for my child. But now it seems hopeless."
"Do you think when the judges learn about her credentials, they won't dare to score her?"
"It's possible! They might even invite her to be a judge."
Some people even rushed to curry favor with Cynthia.
"Mrs. Cynthia Forbes, my child also wants to study design. Could you ask Miss Spencer to spare some time to give her guidance?"
"Mrs. Cynthia Forbes, the Forbes Group has recruited such a talent - the future looks bright."
"Exactly! Mr. Forbes is not only young and accomplished, but also has great judgment in selecting people."
Sabrina, who had just felt wronged and confused that these people wouldn't help her criticize Charlotte together, couldn't help but show a slight smile after hearing everyone's praise.
She had always thought people would instinctively side with the weaker party.
So she always liked to play the victim to gain sympathy.
But she never expected that one day she would win everyone's recognition because she was good enough.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but steal a glance at Charlotte, a hint of unconscious pride showing in her eyes.
What did it matter that Charlotte was prettier than her? In the end, a woman's value still depends on how others see her worth.
Landon still stood in front of Charlotte, his gaze slowly sweeping over those who were flattering Cynthia and the others, his lips curling into an imperceptible sneer.
Just then, Charlotte behind him suddenly let out a cold laugh, interrupting everyone's praise of Sabrina.
"Since Miss Spencer is so excellent, I wonder if she dares to make a bet with me?"