At 1:25 PM, the highly anticipated Frixyia speech competition began at Argrol University, met with enthusiastic applause from faculty and students. The host, a friend of Sharon's, briefly addressed the audience before inviting Patrick to the stage. Anxious to see Yvette fail, Patrick dispensed with his usual formalities, delivering only a few sentences before declaring the competition open. The students, relieved to avoid a lengthy monologue, applauded even more enthusiastically, much to Patrick's satisfaction, though not for the reason he believed.

The host, having conspired with Sharon to rig the draw so Sharon would speak first and Yvette second, watched in dismay as only Sharon appeared on stage, prompting murmurs from the audience.

"What's going on? Why is Sharon alone?"

"Did Yvette run off?"

"I wouldn't be surprised."

"Are we going to leave without seeing anything?"

Winona, a sinister smile playing on her lips, looked down, biting her lip. The host checked the script, confirming the planned procedure: Sharon and Yvette were to draw lots together from behind the curtain. Feeling helpless, he turned to Sharon for an explanation.

Sharon, upset at Yvette's absence after having meticulously prepared for the competition, addressed the restless crowd. "Hello, everyone. Yvette seems to be missing. Perhaps an emergency, or maybe she ran away. Regardless, the competition may not continue, and as for who wins or loses, I think we all know the answer." The audience reacted with growing disdain. Some students, fans of Yvette from a previous basketball incident, threw their banners to the ground in protest.

John, from the cheering section, quietly collected the discarded banners, concerned about Yvette's absence. Jeremiah sat motionless in the back row, his Adam's apple subtly trembling. Andrew, losing patience, scoffed at the possibility of Yvette's absence being due to Jeremiah's influence.

As the students began to leave, Victor pulled Winona away. Then, a soft voice spoke, "I'll compete in Yvette's place."

Everyone turned to see Bonnie at the auditorium entrance. Nervous but determined, she walked to the stage, ignoring the murmurs. Those who were leaving resumed their seats. Winona, recognizing Bonnie as someone who had previously been rude to her on Yvette’s behalf, watched intently.

Sharon sneered, "You'll compete for Yvette? She's a coward, and you'll embarrass yourself for her? How stupid."

Bonnie firmly responded, "Yvette must have had an emergency. I'm willing to compete. Are you scared?"

Sharon smirked. "Scared? Fine. If you lose, you say 'I'm a pig' three times. Agree?"

Bonnie, gritting her teeth, agreed.

The auditorium door opened again. Yvette's distinctive voice silenced the room. She stood in the doorway, looking composed yet fierce. All eyes were on her, even Victor's. As she passed the back row, she paused, unnoticed except by Jeremiah, who understood she wasn't as indifferent as she appeared. Andrew, stunned by her return, noted Jeremiah's calm demeanor, wondering at the depth of their connection.

"Look, it's Yvette! She didn't bail!"

"So what if she did? Isn't that humiliating?"

"At least she has courage."

Tobias, from the front row, caught Yvette's eye despite Patrick's glare. "Don't push yourself; I'll handle this."

Patrick objected, "Mr. Sunderland, the competition is scheduled; we can't interfere." Then, feigning support, he added, "Go ahead, Ms. Zeller. I know you won't disappoint us."

Yvette thanked Tobias and approached the stage. Patrick's irritation grew.

"Don't be a crybaby," Yvette told Bonnie.

Relieved, Bonnie, still trembling, replied, "Yve, you made it!"

Yvette, her usual coldness softened slightly, instructed Bonnie to watch. After Bonnie left the stage, Yvette faced Sharon, whose glare was met with Yvette's seemingly indifferent gaze.

"No need for a draw; you go first," Yvette stated.

Sharon and the host, unable to deliver their rehearsed lines, felt awkward under Yvette’s unwavering gaze. Sharon confidently approached the podium, ready to begin.