chapter 3

The venue was no place for a topic that should be kept secret like this one. After Julian successfully changed the topic, he did not ask anything else.

Following the lengthy opening ceremony, it was lunch time. The final round of the competition only officially began in the afternoon.

The host on the stage introduced each of the ten designers.

“First up is the American designer who ranked first in the earlier round, Billy! Billy is currently working for one of the top 500 greatest companies in the world, Dell Construction, has won first place in the Silver Globe Design Competition, and was first runner-up in the Golden Plum Design Competition…”

A long series of titles and achievements followed.

The second and third places were next. Everyone had celebrated and elaborated titles, which made them sound remarkable.

Then, it was Susan’s turn.

“Up next is Canadian designer Susan Shelby. Susan is currently working for Canada’s Lanyard Construction and has won first place in the New Up Designer Competition in Canada.”

Her introduction was vastly different compared to the introductions of the people before her.

Susan stood aside calmly, but the rest of the contestants looked at her with slight mockery.

Billy took a glance at her before taunting her in a whisper. “I really wonder how someone like you could last until the final round. You’re so young, so I have the right to doubt if you could design anything worthy. I’ll have you know that you just can’t become anything in the design circle. If I were you, I’d quit the competition right now lest I embarrass myself.”

Billy, who had won first place in the last round, was currently looking at Susan in a superior manner.

Susan could not help feeling vexed. She raised her brow and jabbed back. “I’m indeed younger than you. You look like what, fifty? You made the top ten in your fifties… Looks like we’re quite different in terms of talent, huh?”

Susan meant that Billy lacked talent compared to her.

Billy, who had not expected Susan to be so sharp-tongued, was positively insulted. He scoffed after some time. “You’re just in the top ten now. The Locke Award’s final honor belongs to only one person, the champion! If you’re so confident, grab the title if you can!”

Susan frowned.

“Cat caught your tongue?” Billy sneered. “Anyone other than the champion is nothing! When the competition ends, I, Billy, as the champion of this year’s contest, will be documented in the Locke Award’s history, while all your names will only disappear with time. That’s the difference between us!”

Billy spoke as if the title was already his. He offended all the other contestants, who looked miffed.

Billy scoffed, not bothered by the dissatisfaction that loomed over everyone. He was one of the best, if not the best, both in terms of experience and capability. In addition, the age requirement to compete for the Locke Award was to be below fifty years old. He had turned fifty this year, thus skimming past the requirement, and would not be able to participate next year. Usually, the organizing committee of the competition would take this into consideration and very possibly award someone like him the first place.

As long as he took home the title, everyone else would be just a loser. There was nothing to be scared of.

While Billy basked in his confidence, the rest of the contestants were introduced. Soon, it was time to announce the task of this round.

The assignment was still given by a mysterious client, but when this mysterious client walked out, the place erupted into cheers.

The last mysterious client was not wearing a mask. It was Brad Dixon from the US.

Brad gave a speech amidst everyone’s cheers and said with a smile, “I shall now announce the final task of the Locke Award Design Competition.

“All this while, I have believed that career and family are equally important. A warm home fills one with endless motivation when one works, so this time, the theme is the feeling of home.”

The feeling of home? According to Brad’s description, the task of the final round leaned toward domesticity and homely warmth. This was what Susan was best at.

She could not help brightening up.

If it had been any other theme, she might not have been as confident, but she believed she could win this round!

Next, the organizing committee listed some restrictions, including the size of their design, the total budget, and whatnot.

After the announcement of the task, the designing process officially began. No one wasted time, as all the designers sprinted to their work stations at once.

“The contest starts now!” Chesney got nervous. “Daddy, mommy will win, right?”

“Yup,” Julian answered with a breezy smile. However, he narrowed his eyes slightly.

Brad Dixon… had the highest stature. He had personally attended the Locke Award’s final round and the task he had proposed was right up Susie’s alley.

Julian could not help furrowing his brows.

The contestants worked for each second of the four hours that followed. The whole atmosphere was tense. To the audience, however, these were four boring hours. Many of them left their seats, planning to return when the result would be announced.

Chesney was an active child, but she stayed on her seat quietly all this time, not moving even one step away.

Four long hours passed, and it was evening when the contestants finally submitted their sketches.

Then, the expert team composed of famed designers from all over the world evaluated the drafts from various aspects immediately.

Another hour went by before the final result was delivered to Brad.

Brad would be announcing the winner of the Locke Award this year personally.

Billy took a glance at Susan and smirked. “Weren’t you full of yourself earlier? Get the award if you’re so capable.”

Susan pressed her lips together. This was the theme that she was best at. She was also in her best state of mind. She had done everything she could.

Unfortunately, the competition result was not always decided solely by one’s ability.

Although she wanted to win badly, Susan understood that the chances of her actually emerging victorious were slim.

Her silence prompted Billy to mock her. “Given the standards in your country, if you come in first, I’ll eat my shoes on a live broadcast…”

Billy had just spoken when Brad announced with a grin, “The winner of the Locke Award this year is… Susan Shelby. Miss Shelby.”

The venue lapsed into silence.

Billy’s derision froze on his face while disbelief crossed Susan’s face.

“She won?” Mr. Reed was stunned as well.

Based on her level of expertise, there was nothing mind-boggling about Susan winning the award.

However, this was the Locke Award! The Locke Award that no Canadian had ever won.

Plus, the result had been announced by the VIP of the States.

Was this an indication of a certain stance?

Unlike the adults, who were plagued by complicated thoughts, Chesney was already up and cheering. “Mommy’s the champion! Mommy’s the champion!”