Chapter 1928

"This round's results are seriously impressive! I never expected two teams to end up with the exact same score-that's wild!"

The host clutched the mic, playing up the suspense and dragging things out, just to keep everyone on edge.

You could practically feel the tension in the room-the audience and the contestants were getting fidgety, like cats itching to pounce.

"Can you get on with it already?" someone muttered from the stage.

With everyone wearing headset mics, even the quietest complaint got blasted through the speakers for all to hear. The voice was soft, so nobody could tell who'd said it, but the jab still hung in the air.

The host's smile twitched for a second. Standing that close, he probably knew exactly who the culprit was, but there was no way he could call them out.

Meanwhile, the livestream chat was blowing up. Everyone tried to guess who'd thrown the shade, but it was anyone's guess.

“Alright, folks, let's reveal who came in last place—this time, it's Gregory Inc.!"

Amy, sitting in the audience, looked like she'd bitten into a lemon. Useless idiots. Not only had they missed out on first, now they'd managed to finish dead last. Could they be any more embarrassing? She clenched her water bottle so hard it crumpled in her fist.

And as it turned out, the person who'd made that snarky comment was from the Kidd family.

"Next up, our two teams tied for first place: International Glam and Country M!" "The contestant from Woods Corporation was only two points behind-so close!" "The final scores: fifteen, fifteen, thirteen, and seven."

"Let's hear it one more time for these four amazing contestants. Today's fifty- question theory round was tough, but they all did an incredible job.”

"That's it for today's competition. We'll be back at the same time tomorrow-don't miss it!"

With that, the host waved goodbye and the livestream cut out.

He didn't waste another second-his irritation barely hidden-as he hurried off stage. Contestants from Country M, the Woods family, and the Kidd family all followed, but the contestant from International Glam stayed put, unmoving.

People in the audience were already filtering out, some chatting as they left, others just glad it was finally over.

"Jane, take the other three and help her down," Fiona said quietly, spotting that something wasn't right on stage.

"Got it, I'm on my way."

Jane led the others up and, as soon as they reached their teammate, realized she was doubled over in pain and barely keeping it together.

Without missing a beat, Jane

slipped off her jacket, tied it around her teammate's waist, and motioned

for the other two to help motioned

ro

her

backstage to change.

Jane stayed behind, ready to clean up the mess herself.

"Ms. Jane, let me handle this," Jean called out, already grabbing a mop and bucket.

Jane turned, ready to protest, but Jean had already started cleaning.

"Ms. Jane, you don't have to do this. I grew up doing chores-let me take care of

it," Jean said, flashing a reassuring smile.

Jane hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"I know you're all suspicious of me, but I promise, I never meant to hurt anyone. I just... have my reasons," Jeanadded, wringing out the mop, her smile a little sad but genuine.