Chapter 054

Renee glanced at Annie, then took two steps forward.

"Even though we're classmates, are we really that close? Why would I need help from a competitor, especially in a situation like this?"

Annie faltered, her expression turning wounded.

One of the judges, aware of Annie's unusual background and seeing Carl standing behind her, quickly stood up and scolded Renee. "Renee, you dropped your own work, and Ms. Simmons was just trying to help you. Is this how you respond? Security! Take her out! If you have no work to show, you have no right to be here. Don't waste everyone's time."

Annie discreetly wiped her eyes, casting a triumphant glance at Renee.

But Renee remained unusually calm. "Who said I don't have any work?"

She turned toward Annie and continued, her voice steady and deliberate, "Life is unpredictable. I prepared a second set of samples just in case."

Annie's expression stiffened.

The next moment, a staff member whom Renee had specifically hired to stand by came onto the s