Several winners had already arrived, engaged in casual conversations as they occupied their seats, filling the room with an air of anticipation.
Sabrina settled into her chair, retrieving her speech notes from her memo, readying herself for her upcoming address.
On her right, a young photographer shot a fleeting glance at Sabrina before returning to his conversation with those around him.
Seated beside the young photographer was a bespectacled man who leaned forward to discreetly observe Sabrina. He whispered, Hey, is the person next to you the first prize winner? I only found out shes the former wife of the CEO of the Blakely Group when I checked her Twitter that day.
The young photographer cast another sidelong glance at Sabrina and replied, Yes, I believe so.
The bespectacled man curled his lips in disdain.
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I have a feeling that her award must have been secured with connections. What do you think? Well, that poor Addion. Her work is exceptional, and shes managed to secure the top prize. However, she has to publicly apologize to that woman.
The young photographer contested, Well, I cant tell whether she earned the award with her connections. But that Addion? She isnt as innocent as she appears. Addion was only an alias she used. She won second place with some excellent photos last time, and I happened to know the real photographer behind those photos. We both attended a photography event before. When he discovered his work was stolen, he tried to expose it in the media, but it was hushed up. I thought it was pointless to reveal the truth to the public. This time, Addion may have messed with the wrong person.
The bespectacled man expressed his astonishment, Really?
Why would I lie to you? the young photographer retorted, retrieving his phone and opening his Moments feed.
He posted about it two days ago. Its a real shame. He was so disheartened last time because of the plagiarism that he didnt participate in the competition this year. If he had entered, he might have also claimed a prize.
Its indeed unfortunate that he failed to protect his work. That being the case, Addion is no ordinary individual. Or how else could she wield so much influence?
When the incident occurred, the online community demanded that Addions real identity be disclosed to prevent her from plagiarizing other peoples work. But the sponsor disregarded it. The fact that they never uncovered that individual implies its no ordinary situation, the young photographer explained and sighed.
I know who Addion is, a middle-aged man seated in the front row suddenly stated, his voice lowered as he glanced around cautiously.
The young photographer and the bespectacled man leaned in, their curiosity piqued. In unison, they asked, Who is it?
Apparently, shes the cousin of a judge, the middle-aged man stated, his tone carrying a significant weight.
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Thats why the photographer youve mentioned couldnt defend himself, It also explained why the event organizers never disclosed Addions true identity.
The middle-aged man continued, If it werent for the fact that the person she targeted this time had significant clout, it might have never come to light.
The young photographer and the bespectacled man exchanged glances, finding the revelation quite believable.
Meanwhile, Sabrina kept her head down, focusing on her typing. She couldnt help but find their conversation somewhat amusing.
While her connection with Blayze did play a part in her circumstances, their assumptions hinted at something different.
Most people believed her influence stemmed from her ties with the Blakely family and Tyrone.
She had divorced Tyrone, but it would be a challenge to sever their connections completely.
Despite her declaration that she didnt want Tyrones assistance, she had unconsciously come to rely on it.