Wendy was brave enough to cause a scene in front of Serena but she didn''t have the courage to make a fuss in front of the other judges.


    She left thepetition hall, frustrated, and returned to the waiting room.


    However, before she even stepped inside, she heard mockingughter from within.


    "She walked in wearing a luxury gown, and I really thought she had this in the bag. Who knew she''d get roasted by the judges instead?"


    "Hrious! She was like a performing clown. My younger sister could match her skills after two years of practice at home. I have no idea where she got the confidence to think she could fool the judges with cheap tricks!"


    "Exactly! That critique hit the mark."


    The contestants in thispetition all came from wealthy, powerful families. When they mocked someone, they didn''t bother being subtle.


    Wendy''s hand tightened around the doorknob, but she couldn''t bring herself to turn it.


    She was being looked down on again. And once again, it was because of Serena.


    She didn''t have the courage to step inside.


    Just as she was about to turn and leave, she heard something else.


    "But now that I think about it, I don''t actually recognize the fifth judge. I think herst name was Jansen?"


    "Yeah, I don''t know her either but I feel like I''ve heard the name somewhere before."


    They didn''t even know who Serena was? Wendy froze.


    Now that she thought about it, she only knew that Serena was good at the violin. But if these contestants didn''t recognize her, didn''t that mean she had skill, but not famous?


    A calcting glint shed in Wendy''s eyes. Then, she turned and left in a hurry.


    Meanwhile, Serena had finished her duties as a judge and was heading to a restaurant with Ruth for a meal.


    They had just sat down, and Ruth hadn''t even ordered yet, when they heard a startled voice from the next table.


    "Isn''t that Mr. Larson''s wife?"


    "Oh my god, you''re right! How can she just sit here and eat like nothing''s wrong? Shouldn''t she be under investigation by now?"


    Hearing this, Ruth was the first to react. She turned to Serena,pletely confused. "Wait-did your husbandmit a crime? What investigation?"


    "He wouldn''t do anything illegal," Serena replied without hesitation.


    Ruth raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile forming on her lips. "I thought this was just a business marriage. Why are you defending him like you actually trust him?"


    "If he were really under investigation, I''d already be at the police station right now." Serena shot her a side-eye, exasperated.


    With Hugh''s level of power and wealth, if he was even remotely suspected of a crime, every news outlet would be reporting it within five minutes. Not only that, but the police would be at his door and even his family would be under strict


    control.


    Ruth, suddenly feeling awkward, rubbed her nose. "I just thought maybe you love him, so you trust him that much."


    Serena had no words for that. She didn''t even bother exining and instead stood up to head to the next table for more information.


    The twodies at the next table were caught off guard but, seeing that Serena was polite and just asking questions, they kindly exined the situation.


    "There''s a rumor going around online that the Javerton City Violin Competition had a judge who


    through connections-base


    someone who used her man to get the position. Because of that people are questioning thepetition''s credibility and are now digging into your background."


    One of thedies hesitated before adding, "We actually attended a Larson family charity g before, so we recognized you. We''re really


    sorry for discussing your prly next


    affairs in public. We were just curious."


    Both of them lowered their heads in apology.