chapter 4

The runner-ups were announced swiftly. Billy came in second, but although it was a noteworthy achievement, he looked utterly offended.

A Canadian! There was no precedence of a Canadian becoming the champion in history. Why was this unknown woman suddenly the first one? He had even claimed so many things brazenly in front of this woman.

Once he recalled what he had said, Billy wanted to dig a hole and hide.

The after-party followed. Billy, who did not have the face to attend it, left immediately after the prize-giving ceremony, while Susan and the others were invited to the celebration.

Susan was elated about being crowned champion unexpectedly but was not too interested in the after-party. The people she truly wanted to celebrate with were not the guests of the party.

She was going to leave after making an appearance, but a friendly voice rang out. “Miss Shelby.”

Brad called out to her with a smile.

Susan was taken aback but she halted and politely addressed the man. “Mr. Dixon.”

“Just call me Brad,” Brad said with a grin. “Miss Shelby, I haven’t congratulated you on winning the award. It’s the first time this award is given to a Canadian, or a young and promising designer at that, Miss Shelby.”

Susan replied carefully, “I’m just lucky I got a theme I’m good at.”

“Luck is also part of one’s capability.” Brad looked at Susan meaningfully. “I personally decided on this theme, surprisingly determining the champion with my choice.”

Brad seemed to be talking between the lines, causing Susan to narrow her brows and say after a long time, “Do speak directly if you have something to say, Mr. Dixon.”

“It’s nothing.” Brad chuckled awkwardly and took his time hesitating before he said with a conflicted expression, “I just hope you can tell your brother, Jacob, that he’s welcome to be a guest at my place if he’s free.”

It had never occurred to Susan that Brad would suddenly say this, so she was stunned for a few beats before replying, “Huh?”

Brad looked more embarrassed if possible. “Just tell him, please. He should be able to understand. Miss Shelby, you guys have a saying, right? Take pity on parents who worry over their children...”

Brad’s words bewildered Susan. ‘Take pity on parents who worry over their children? What?’

Brad did not elaborate, however, leaving in a haste after reminding Susan to absolutely not forget to relay this message to Jacob.

Puzzled, Susan left as well after Brad did.

The after-party was still roaring with life. After Susan left, she attended another party that the rest of her friends and family threw her. The Wrights, Jacob, Seth, Julian, and Chessie were all gathered in a room merrily to celebrate Susan’s victory.

The joyous occasion prompted all of them to have a few drinks, especially George and Julian, who indulged.

George’s voice was heard saying, “Hello, Leonard. You know my daughter, Susan, right? She won the Locke Award. What? You don’t know what the Locke Award is? It’s the most prestigious designer award in the world! Your daughter isn’t as good as my daughter, is she? She’s achieved nothing despite her age, huh? What? Your daughter’s only seven? Whatever, she won’t surpass Susie in the future anyway…”

Susan was utterly embarrassed by George’s boasting. She felt an impulse to bury herself in a hole.

Meanwhile, Julian was making calls as well. “Mr. Dean, you know about the Locke Award, right? My wife, Susan, won it this year. She’s the first Canadian to ever win the award. Mm, yes, I think Susie’s amazing too. Yes, indeed, very talented. Yes, anything else? Nothing, I just wanted to hear you shower her with more compliments.”

Great, the impulse to bury herself in a hole had left Susan. All she wanted to do now was bang her head against the wall.

Rolling her eyes, she ignored the two overly excited men and looked at Jacob before hauling him to the balcony.

“Susie, what’s up?” Jacob looked at his sister curiously.

“Jacob, do you know Brad?” asked Susan.

“The VIP from the US? How could I possibly know him?” Jacob answered.

Susan blinked before she continued. “Brad specifically just asked me at the after-party to tell you that you can be his guest if you’re free. He mentioned something about taking pity on parents who worry over their children… What’s going on, Jacob?”

“I don’t know either.” Jacob frowned.

“Alright. Do you plan to visit him then?”

“Not interested. Seth, the Wrights, and I will go back tomorrow,” Jacob said directly. An invitation like that did not tempt him at all.

“So fast?” Susan was surprised but nodded anyway. “I’ll see you guys off tomorrow.”

“Sure.” Jacob looked at Susan with a soft gaze. “Susie, congratulations on coming in first.”

Watching Susan achieve something of her own made Jacob happier than his own achievements.

Susan’s expression softened as well. “Thank you, Jacob.”

Jacob patted Susan’s head gently without saying anything else.

Come midnight, everyone made their way back and left the room, leaving behind a glaring silence.

Julian, who had initially been tipsy, sobered up. Looking at Susan, he stepped forward to envelop her in a hug.

As she subconsciously struggled to get away, Julian’s deep voice rang beside Susan’s ear. “Susie, congratulations.”

Susan’s tense body relaxed immediately. As she bit her lips, she had mixed feelings. Even though she was still holding a grudge against Julian in her heart, she could not lie to herself. Despite the wishes and compliments others had showered her with, all she had been waiting for was Julian’s words.

The moment she had been titled champion, her reflex had been to share her joy with Julian.

Even though he had hurt her so deeply, he was still the first one she wanted to tell about her happiest moment.

Susan had fallen hard for the man. Julian was probably the only one who could affect her so much in this lifetime. Nonetheless… She did not want an incomplete relationship, no matter how much she loved him.

As she jostled her way out of his embrace, Susan’s tone was distant. “Thank you.”

Julian was caught off guard for a moment, pain lining his eyes. “Susie… you still won't forgive me?”

“It’s not about forgiveness. It’s pretty good that we are well on our own,” Susan said faintly.

“Well on our own? How am I supposed to be well without you?”

“You can be with Willa,” Susan said instantly. However, once the words left her mouth, she could not help pressing her lips together in frustration.

Julian was startled but vaguely realized the crux of the matter. “Susie, Willa and I are really just normal friends.”

“Normal friends? So did you pretend to be a girl and attend an all-girls high school, or did Willa master the art of cloning?” Susan mocked him.

Julian was shocked.