Now, though, someone had clearly gone out of their way to sabotage Katelyn’s work, right under the watch of the officials. It almost felt as if fate itself was working against her.

Without warning, Ruby shot a mocking glance at Katelyn. She said with a smirk, “Let me guess. You sabotaged your own piece, didn’t you? Afraid you wouldn’t win, so you decided to ruin it yourself? What a joke for a so-called top designer.”

To her surprise, Lise found herself agreeing with Ruby’s words. She had always thought Ruby only had it out for her. Now it seemed like Ruby had finally fulfilled her wish.

Katelyn’s brows furrowed for a moment. Ruby’s words were a clear sign that she still hadn’t gotten over what happened at the swimming pool. And yet, what did it matter?

Without missing a beat, Katelyn replied, “Ah, it seems you know a lot about this. How exactly do you ruin your own work to dodge competition? Got any tips you want to share?”

A few people in the crowd couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Only an idiot would sabotage their own work in the middle of a competition, right?”

Most of the people in the room were designers who valued their work deeply. The idea of destroying their creations just to avoid competition was unimaginable. If that were the case, they would simply choose not to participate at all. With Katelyn’s current standing, even without the jewelry design competition, her name as Iris would still be known around the world. The rankings in this competition meant little to her. It was just a bonus, not a crucial goal.

“Exactly. Anyone who thinks like that clearly isn’t thinking clearly.” Several designers, fueled by a deep sense of fairness, spoke out without hesitation. After all, they were all competitors here. There was no reason to hold back.

Ruby’s expression stiffened. She was repulsed by Katelyn’s constant show of superiority, not to mention how Katelyn was taking up space that should have belonged to those people. Yet, those people actually defended Katelyn?

With a roll of her eyes, Ruby sneered, “A bunch of idiots.”

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Ruby’s comment stirred frustration in many, who were ready to confront her right then and there. But, remembering the setting of the jewelry competition, they held back their anger.

Lise stared at Ruby, speechless.

Was Ruby out of her mind? It was one thing to insult Katelyn, but Ruby had somehow managed to upset everyone around her.

At that moment, Lise knew she needed to distance herself from Ruby. Who knew when Ruby’s next stunt would offend the entire room?

Out of nowhere, Ruby whipped around to face Lise.

“What’s wrong with you? Are you mute? Why aren’t you standing up for me?”

Lise flinched, caught off guard. Ruby’s outburst took her completely by surprise. Fearful of making Ruby even angrier, Lise said gently, “Miss Lopez, please don’t lower yourself to their level.”

Just as the words left her mouth, a loud slap rang out, silencing the room.

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