?Chapter 611:


    Albert sneered, “Firstly, failing to recognize her, you should have consulted the association rather than rashly using her. Secondly, you involved outsiders in our internal affairs, blurring boundaries that should protect us. We can’t have someone like you remain in our association.”


    Despair gripped Franco. He couldn’te to terms with the severity of the consequences. “Mr. Dixon, no real harm has been done, and the president hasn’t incurred any loss. Are you really going to make such a fuss and expel me over this?”


    Albert shook his head, clearly disheartened. “Do you think only economic loss counts as loss? What about harm to reputation and honor? Enough of your excuses. You are expelled from the association, effective immediately and permanently.”


    Franco was at a loss, unable to grasp the full extent of his mistake.


    Albert sighed. Aligning with outsiders against one’s own, failing to recognize the clear lines that define ourmunity, is a grave offense in any context. Worse still, Franco had unwittingly antagonized the president herself.


    Kason’s gaze remained fixed steadily on Elena as he studied her intently. Cathy, distressed, bit her lip and lowered her eyes. Elena held the prestigious title of president of the Jewelry Design Association—she was the renowned Helena!


    The thought of the public discovering that Helena was not her mentor filled Cathy with dread. Unconsciously, her hands clenched into fists, her fingernails pressing into her palms without her noticing.


    Having imed to be Helena’s protégée for so long, Cathy was desperate to maintain the illusion.


    Albert extended an invitation to Elena to oversee the association’s operations.


    Cathy watched Elena and Albert leave.


    Beside her, Yvette asked curiously, “Cathy, isn’t Helena, the president of the Jewelry Design Association, your mentor? How do you not recognize her?”


    With a sharp nce, Cathy silenced her. “Be quiet!”


    Yvette quickly covered her mouth, taken aback by Cathy’s formidable response. Cathy stormed off angrily, with Yvette quietly trailing behind.


    Thepetition was about to begin. As the host gave the opening speech on stage, the contestants eagerly awaited their turn, ready to showcase their talents.


    Yvette, whocked strong design skills, had entered thepetition mainly to support Cathy. She said tteringly, “Cathy, I’ve reserved a suite at the Empire Hotel. We’ll celebrate your victory after you clinch the championship. It’s practically guaranteed this time!”


    . is your storytelling hub


    Cathy felt confident in her abilities. After all, she graduated from the prestigious Imperial University School of Design. Her designs could rival any of the industry’s leaders. Had Elena not graduated early and published her works first, Cathy could have easily been the top jewelry designer in the world by now.


    Cathy lifted her head proudly. “Naturally.”


    As the host concluded the introductory speech, thepetition’s theme appeared on the screen: “Vintage.”


    Cathy nced at it, and ideas immediately began to take shape. Her pen danced across the paper. Her movements were confident and decisive, making her the first to finish her draft.


    Once Cathy had handed in her design, the others felt the urgency and scrambled toplete their own entries.


    Cathy surveyed the room. Everyone was deeply focused on their sketches, yet none seemed particrly skilled. How unskilled these folks were, struggling with such a simple theme while she had mastered it in moments.


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