Nancy paused for a beat. Her eyes darkened before she said tly, she’s not in my league when ites to thepetition. Whether she can even make it to the third test is another question


    “And when ites to Jayson, she doesn’t stand a chance against me. The only thing she’s holding on to is the title of Mrs. Larkin. Once thispetition ends, the Larkins will naturally make their choice.”


    Sarah caught on immediately. Nancy didn’t need her help just yet.


    “Alright then, focus on getting ready. Even if Mrs. Nielsen has her doubts about me, her son has always cared for you. If you need help, he won’t just stand by.” Sarah herself was hoping it wouldn’te to that.


    Nancy rose and headed upstairs. “I know.”


    Ariel soon got the notice.


    She was to check in at the designated hotel the next day. The third “est wouldst three days, during which they would all have to stay at the same hotel and follow the arrangements.


    The venue was Eldoria’srgest and most prestigious national stadium.


    She packed lightly, just enough for the three days.


    The next morning, Chad came to pick her up.


    “That hotel’s one of the sponsors. Besides the 30–plus contestants for the third test, top judges and important guests from all over the world are also staying there. Is that hotel… owned by the Larkins?” he asked.


    Ariel nodded. “It is.”


    Chad frowned.


    So Jayson was one of the sponsors. Who else would it be for if not Nancy? He wouldn’t be throwing money around like this otherwise.


    Ariel understood perfectly well but had stopped caring.


    When they arrived nearby, she noticed the massive sponsor billboard by the stadium. It was a brand under Bluum Corp, standing out prominently.


    Clearly, he hadn’t just sponsored the hotel but had his hands in every part of the event, bing the main sponsor of the nationalpetition.


    With his sponsor, the budget had soared, and so had the attention.


    At the hotel entrance, Ariel spotted Carlos stepping out of a car.


    Surprised and delighted, she walked over. “Mr. Hockney, you can too?”


    Carlos looked at her, “I’m one of the judges. I’m not staying here,hough. I just passed by to see how you’re doing, and whether all the new blood might push you down.”


    Ariel couldn’t help butugh.


    Chad raised an eyebrow.


    Carlos was just harsh with his words. He was swamped with workt still made time to check on Ariel.


    “I’ll give it everything I’ve got.” Ariel couldn’t make any promises. She knew that there was always someone better out there.


    As soon as she said that, several more cars rolled up. Contestants began filing out.


    The moment Nancy saw Ariel, herposure cracked for a split second. She had been sure Ariel wouldn’t make it to the third test. Yet, here she was.


    She frowned for a moment but quickly calmed herself. Practical skills left no room for bluffing. What could Ariel possibly use topete with her?


    Ariel couldn’t help but notice her too.


    Soon after, she saw Jayson and Matt getting out of the car.


    Across the distance, Jayson’s gaze lingered on Ariel’s face. Matt stayed quiet, though his gaze flickered her way.


    Without hesitation, Jayson walked toward Ariel’s group. Nancy knew exactly what he intended. She pressed her lips together and followed.


    “Mr. Carlos, it’s been a while.” Jayson greeted Carlos with a respectful nod.


    He then looked at Chad. “Mr. Chad.”


    Nancy might have loathed Ariel, but she wasn’t about to show it in front of Carlos. She offered a polite hello of her own.


    Carlos‘ expression remained stern. “Indeed. Anyway, thank you for supporting the country’s technological development this time, Mr. Larkin.”


    Jayson was not easy to read, even for him.


    Carlos couldn’t deny that Jayson was a rare talent. His career was thriving, his temperament steady, his vision sharp, and he was exceptionally smart. He supported national projects time and again. It was no wonder the government favored him.