Jonathan stood at the center of the stage, tablet in hand.


    "I''ll now announce the final scores. Gemini Collective-91. Seafarer Designs-88. Congrattions to Gemini Collective for winning themission!"


    The Gemini Collective team erupted in cheers, exchanging high-fives and apuse.


    In stark contrast, the three members of Seafarer Designs fell silent, the mood around them turning heavy.


    Rowena heard the verdict with a tangled surge of emotions-frustration, disappointment, and a deep sense of injustice. She''d poured everything into this project and desperately wanted to win. But all she could think of was Abbott, that bastard, threatening her with thosepromising photos. She felt cornered, with no way out but to give in.


    Guilt gnawed at her as she thought of all Isadora''s tireless work these past weeks.


    Wendy, stunned by the announcement, seemed unable to process it; every inch of her bristled with disbelief.


    "How could this be? Everyone was clearly impressed by Isadora''s presentation- there must be something fishy going on!"


    Isadora remained quiet for a moment, lost in thought. Then she stood and addressed Jonathan. "Mr. Oakley, would you mind publishing the scores from each project director?"


    Jonathan''s face tightened; his expression darkened instantly.


    "Ms. Vaughan, are you questioning Oakley Construction''s integrity? Suggesting there was foul y? Your little design firm isn''t in a position to make such demands."


    Thepany''s owner himself was present-Victor Fitzgerald, no less. As the director of Horizon Architects, Jonathan couldn''t bear the thought of being called out for unfair practices, especially not in front of Victor. He was furious—and a little panicked—that this woman might damage their reputation in Victor''s eyes. Who did she think she was? He regretted ever letting Seafarer Designs into thepetition in the first ce.


    Abbott stood up as well, swaggering as he poured fuel on the fire.


    "Seafarer Designs, maybe your team just wasn''t good enough. Now you''re demanding to see every judge''s scores? If everyone acted this way after losing, we''d all have a lot more paperwork."


    The rest of the room quickly changed course, forgetting their earlier praise for Isadora''s ideas.


    "Seafarer Designs lost, but instead of reflecting on their own work, they me the organizers. That''s just not right."


    "They''re not even a real firm-just a handful of people in a loft. They''re lucky we let thempete at all."


    At the head of the table, a man set down his pen with a subtle but unmistakable click. The sound silenced the room.


    Everyone nced toward the main seat-toward the man whose status and pedigreemanded instant respect.


    Victor Fitzgerald arched an eyebrow, letting out a quiet, derisiveugh. His voice was low and even. "Since when is asking for the judges'' scores not part of a fairpetition? Funny-when others ask, it''s transparency. When it''s you, suddenly it''s a problem?"


    People exchanged uneasy nces.


    Jonathan blinked rapidly, as if he hadn''t quite understood.


    "Mr. Fitzgerald... what are you suggesting?"


    Victor looked up, his gaze sharp as a de as it swept over Jonathan. "Is this yourpany or mine? Or do you need me to manage it for you? If my employees were as clueless as you, I''d have reced the lot of you by now."


    Jonathan felt as if a cold draft had swept under his cor. He bowed hastily, nerves showing.


    "Of course, Mr. Fitzgerald, you''re absolutely right. Transparency is our guiding principle. I''ll have every director''s score submitted right away."