Revenge Wears My Ring novel Chapter 219

At that moment, the host’s voice sounded, cutting in at just the right time.

“Next, let’s welcome Harvest Group to present their proposal.”

Julian took a deep breath and rose to his feet.

With deliberate elegance, he adjusted his suit jacket, straightened his tie, and smoothed his cuffs—making sure every detail was immaculate.

Then his gaze swept over the crowd, landing squarely on Gwyneth.

His look was layered—there was scrutiny in his eyes, a flicker of challenge, and, though he himself might not have realized it, a hint of caution.

He stared at Gwyneth for a lingering moment, as if silently declaring: The game is on. Let’s see what you’re really made of.

On the surface, Julian’s expression remained unreadable. Only the faintest, icy curve of his lips betrayed any emotion as he turned and strode confidently to the podium.

The stage lights washed over him as he took his place behind the lectern, and he seemed to regain that signature air of effortless control.

He opened his carefully prepared slideshow—each slide crisp, the data thorough and compelling.

“Good morning, esteemed judges. I’m Julian from Harvest Group. Today, I’ll be presenting our tailor-made proposal for the Calmgrove City Senior Living Project.”

His voice rang out clear and assured over the microphone, projecting confidence to every corner of the hall.

“We believe the Calmgrove City project isn’t simply about constructing another senior facility. It’s about building a next-generation, flagship community designed to serve the unique needs of our elders. Our core philosophy is: ‘Dignity, Security, Legacy.’”

He spoke at length—fluent, charismatic—detailing everything from site planning and architectural design to age-friendly features, medical support, recreation programs, and state-of-the-art smart care systems. Every angle was meticulously addressed; the statistics and innovations he cited were undeniably cutting-edge. It was obvious just how much effort and investment had gone into this.

For the first time, the judges’ previously reserved expressions shifted. Some leaned forward, visibly intrigued; others nodded in agreement, whispering their approval to one another.

In the audience, Queenie watched with an air of pride and satisfaction.

Julian finished to enthusiastic, even slightly sycophantic, applause.

He stepped down from the stage with a spring in his step and a look of barely concealed triumph.

The room buzzed with conversation:

“Well, there’s no doubt about it now—this project is as good as Locke Group’s.”

“That proposal covered everything. Absolutely flawless. Who could possibly top that?”

“Don’t count your chickens yet. Isn’t there still Fletcher Group to go?” someone interjected quietly.

Instantly, all eyes swung toward Gwyneth.

Curiosity, scrutiny, and, more than anything, that same air of dismissive amusement lingered in the room.

Gwyneth stood up, unhurried.

She didn’t fuss with her outfit, didn’t make any unnecessary gestures. She simply handed her tablet to her assistant and walked empty-handed, composed, to the center of the stage.

Standing beneath the lights in her crisp white blazer and classic black dress, she looked striking—confident and commanding against the backdrop of the podium.

She didn’t even bother to open a slideshow. Instead, she simply adjusted the microphone.

“Good morning, judges. My name is Gwyneth, and I’m here on behalf of Fletcher Group.”

Her voice carried through the hall—cool, steady, with a clarity that immediately quieted any lingering murmurs.

“Mr. Locke and his team just shared a very thorough, impressive proposal—especially in terms of infrastructure and security. Truly outstanding work.”

She offered the polite acknowledgment, but then her tone shifted, sharp and clear:

“However, we believe the heart of the Calmgrove City project isn’t just about building a ‘safe’ place for seniors. Its higher purpose is to create a community where those who have given their lives to this country can not only live in safety, but with dignity, with purpose, and with a sense of belonging—where their wisdom and experience are honored, and their legacy can continue.”