Flash Marriage: She becomes Mrs. CEO after the Failed Dowry Talk

Chapter 262: Inside Story

Nora had observed and believed that with her skills, getting into the top three wouldn’t be a problem, but aiming for a higher position was still uncertain.

The person announcing the competition results changed from the host to one of the judges, whom everyone respectfully called Elder Lawrence.

Elder Lawrence gave a brief speech, which was nothing more than some courteous words thanking the organizers.

Soon after, it was time for the much-anticipated ranking announcements.

"Ranked tenth is contestant number 18, Roy Harrison."

"Ranked ninth is contestant number 10, Wayne Davis."

"..."

When it was announced up to the fourth place, Nora still hadn’t heard her number or name.

Similarly, there was no mention of Yuna Hughes.

She instinctively clenched the corner of her dress, which caused the entire hem to wrinkle slightly.

"Ranked second is contestant number 04, Yuna Hughes."

Now, there was only one person’s name left unannounced on the scene, and Nora practically held her breath.

"Ranked first is contestant number 03, Nora Northwood, congratulations! To the top three!"

It wasn’t until she heard the thunderous applause from the audience that Nora regained her composure.

Soon after, Jasper Sinclair’s voice followed, "Nora, congratulations."

"Jasper, I did it." Nora suppressed the excitement in her voice, but her delicate eyebrows couldn’t help but raise.

Megan Underwood walked over leisurely, as if she had anticipated this result, and said, "Some contestants were invited by the organizers, and among them, there might be some ’flower vases’. These people might have illustrious backgrounds or renowned teams tailoring their glamorous appearances, but they lack real ability."

Megan’s words somewhat explained the confusion in Nora’s heart.

"So that’s how it is."

"Of course, I didn’t mean to belittle you by saying this. Your winning the first prize in the competition is a testament to your own strong capabilities. Keep striving and aim to win in the provincial contest as well."

During the conversation among them, Yuna, clicking in high heels, approached, "Nora, I’m really envious of you for having such a wealthy husband who can also accompany you to the competition. I noticed your husband seems to know the judges in the audience quite well!"

With these words, everyone’s gaze towards Nora changed immediately.

Nora also picked up on Yuna’s sarcastic tone, implying she pulled strings to win.

She rolled her eyes subtly and calmly replied, "Thank you for your compliment, Miss Hughes. Indeed, my husband is wealthy, and it’s true he has some acquaintance with Master Elaine. I don’t get the point of your roundabout comments—is it because you’re less skilled and thus doubt others’ capabilities?"

Yuna, stung by the retort, contorted her expression and muttered loudly, "I wasn’t doubting you, you’re the one who’s feeling guilty!"

As more and more people gathered to hear the drama, Elaine noticed the tension building and stepped forward to mediate, "The competition is fair and transparent; the results were made public only after unanimous confirmation from five judges. If anyone has questions, they can contact the organizers. Gathering to cause a disturbance is prohibited and affects others."

With the Queen of the Perfumery World speaking up, no one dared continue, and even Yuna subdued herself.

Once a mentor-student pair, Yuna had engaged in some questionable activities behind the scenes, making it inevitably awkward upon meeting Elaine now.

She lowered her head, her arrogance waning somewhat: "Master, I spoke without thinking."

The upheaval did not stir, and the crowd gradually dispersed.

Nora looked at Elaine with gratitude, "Thank you, Master, for coming to my aid."

"No need for thanks. It was for your sake, as well as for the integrity of the entire competition."