This was a competition.
To be so loud and disruptive showed a complete lack of class.
What if they disturbed the contestants on stage and affected their performance?
Marianne scoffed, letting out an arrogant huff. "So what if it's a competition? My daughter is the only one who's going to win. The rest of you are just here for show, understand?"
"You..."
The families of many contestants were incensed by her words, their faces darkening.
They glared at Marianne, wanting to lash out and argue back. But given the setting, they restrained themselves, settling for shooting daggers at her with their eyes.
Marianne, adopting a 'you're all just jealous of me' expression, sneered and turned to Mrs. Cole. "Mrs. Cole, look at those people. They're so bitter!"
Mrs. Cole was speechless.
Her smile was starting to feel strained. To be honest, she really didn't want to be sitting with this social climber. It was too embarrassing!
Soon people would think she was the same type of person as Marianne.
It was a good thing Hailey had grown up away from the family; that must be why she turned out so well. If Hailey were a second Marianne..... no matter how talented she was, she would never approve of the marriage between their families! She couldn't afford the humiliation!
Marianne, lost in her own smug satisfaction, didn't notice the forced smile on Mrs. Cole's face.
As she was smiling to herself, a familiar figure caught her eye.
Serena?!
What was she doing here?!
Why did that jinx who brought disaster to the Wynn family have to show up everywhere?
Does she even know anything about jewelry? What right does someone like her have to be here?
Marianne's expression soured. She was about to stand up and rush over to throw Serena out before she could curse them again.
But as Serena walked from the side toward the audience seating, she didn't head toward Marianne's section.
Instead, she walked straight to the first row.
Marianne let out a cold laugh.
The first three rows of this competition were reserved for the rich, powerful, and highly respected. The closer to the front the higher the status. Plus, those rows were guarded by special security
Earlier, when she had tried to get to the front to brag about Hailey's skills, the guards had stopped her. Unauthorized personnel were not allowed to disturb the distinguished guests in the first three rows.
Serena was just someone who relied on men to get into high-end venues. How could she possibly get to the front row?
However...
Just as Marianne was getting ready to mock Serena after she was inevitably stopped, ready to urge the guards to throw her out, she saw something else entirely.
The guard bowed respectfully to Serena, then stepped aside and made a gesture of invitation.
And just like that, Serena walked into the first-row seating.
At that moment, Marianne also saw Mrs. Lennox and Mrs. Hayes, the very same women who had given her the cold shoulder earlier.
As Serena approached, both women immediately stood up and exchanged a few words with her.
Even from a distance, Marianne could see the warm, enthusiastic smiles on their faces.
After Serena took her seat, the other two women sat down as well.
Marianne's smile froze on her face.
What was going on?!
Why was Serena sitting in the front row?
Mrs. Lennox and Mrs. Hayes had been dismissive of her, but now they were being so friendly to that country bumpkin, Serena? Were they insane? What did Serena have that was worth their enthusiasm?!