Chapter 23

Victoria's body went rigid, and she stood there, stunned. Irvin's questioning was like a bomb dropped in a quiet room, instantly causing a stir. His face turned red with anger, frustration burning in his eyes.

"I can't believe a high school grad with no professional background could beat me so quickly. She must've gotten this internship through some shady connections. Who's to say she didn't get fifth place the same way?" His voice echoed through the conference room, making the tense atmosphere even worse.

Victoria's eyes welled up with tears as she felt both wronged and helpless.

She bit her lower lip, took a deep breath, and forced herself to calm down before speaking. "Irvin, yes, I was recommended for the internship, but I swear no one said a word for me during the assessment."

Wendy frowned, clearly annoyed with Irvin's behavior. She said, "Irvin, you can't just accuse others because you're upset. We've all seen how hard Victoria worked during her internship; she earned this."

The other interns started whispering among themselves. Some got where Irvin was coming from, given he was a top grad from the University of Aesthetics Shine and still got eliminated. Others thought he couldn't accept defeat gracefully. Questioning the fairness of the evaluation without any concrete evidence was really beneath him.

Frank looked at the chaotic scene, cleared his throat, and said firmly, "Everyone, quiet down. I want to stress again that this assessment was completely fair and just. We have strict standards and procedures, and every step was carefully evaluated. Victoria's results are because of her own efforts, and we don't play favorites."

"I don't buy it!" Irvin said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I've studied at a professional academy for years and worked my butt off; how could I be outdone by a college dropout?"

Diana shook her head and said, "Irvin, you need to face the facts. We all see how hard you work, but in art, a degree and experience aren't everything. If you keep making a scene, you'll just embarrass yourself even more."

Irvin's expression darkened even more, and he spat out angrily, "I'm not making a scene. I'm seeking justice!"

Diana frowned slightly, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "Do you want me to be blunt? Your talent in art isn't as good as hers, got it?" she said.

Irvin was left speechless. As a student of the University of Aesthetics Shine, he knew that talent was everything in art. No matter how diligent and hardworking you were, you could never surpass a genius.

Diana's words felt like a slap in the face, making him feel ashamed and desperate to leave the awkward situation. He took a long look at Victoria, then turned and left the gallery.

Seeing this, Victoria breathed a sigh of relief, glad she managed to stay. Wendy stayed too, and the two, eager to celebrate their first victory in the internship competition, found a restaurant and excitedly talked about their upcoming plans.

Wendy was the first friend Victoria made after her family incident. Her old classmates and friends started avoiding her once they found out Alvin was behind the gym and bridge collapse.

When Victoria nervously told Wendy that Alvin was her dad, Wendy's reaction totally caught her off guard. Her eyes widened in surprise, then she sighed softly and patted Victoria's shoulder. "This is about your dad, but he's already been punished. You don't need to carry that burden."

Wendy's kind words made Victoria's eyes well up. She sniffled and nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "Thanks, Wendy."

Wendy shook her head with a smile and playfully pinched Victoria's cheek. "Come on, why the tears? After dinner, let's go shopping. We need a break."

Victoria didn't really want to buy anything, but she was happy to tag along with Wendy. Just as she was about to agree, her phone rang. It was Nora.

Victoria hesitated for a moment, then apologized to Wendy and stepped aside to take the call.

As soon as she picked up, Nora's shrill, grating voice came through. "Victoria, where the hell have you been? Have you forgotten I'm still in the hospital?"

Victoria hadn't forgotten, but she really didn't want to deal with Nora, who only seemed to see her as a cash machine.

She lowered her voice. "Mom, I've been busy with my new job. Besides, I've already paid this month's medical bills. Just focus on getting better."

Nora immediately snapped, "New job? Why did you change jobs? The Scott Group paid well. Does your new job pay as much?"

Victoria patiently replied, "It doesn't pay as much, but this job lets me learn more, and I really like it."

Nora was livid. "You only care about your own happiness? What about Bobby's tuition and my medical bills? Do you have any conscience?"

Victoria kept her voice calm. "Mom, please respect my choice. I have my own plans. I've already paid a month's medical bills. The doctor said you could've been discharged long ago, but you insisted on staying in the hospital because you think the care is better."

Nora retorted, "I have kidney failure, and you want me to recover at home? In your shabby rental? Do you want me to die there?"

Victoria pressed her lips together, silent for a moment, then softly said, "Mom, as long as you follow the doctor's advice and go to the hospital regularly for dialysis, you can live independently..."

Before Victoria could finish, Nora rudely interrupted, "Shut up! You just want me to die quickly so you can be free. I'm telling you, that's not going to happen!"

Victoria felt like her throat was filled with cotton, making it hard to breathe. She held back her emotions, trying to keep her voice steady. "Mom, I don't mean that. I just hope you can understand my difficulties. Staying in the hospital is too expensive, and the dialysis costs are increasing."

Victoria's tone was filled with obvious pleading and helplessness, which only made Nora more furious. Her voice shook through the phone. "Why didn't you sign the settlement agreement with Ella? She gave us a $200,000 deposit, and as soon as you sign the contract, the remaining $800,000 will be ours. I'm telling you, I'm not returning the money. Do you want me to go to jail like Alvin before you're satisfied?"