THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 362: Please Step Aside, Miss

Just as the reporters were concluding with Lauren, Peggy arrived with her team from Café Solstice. The reporters immediately shifted their attention to her, eager for the next round of questions.

"Ms. Carter, if you win today, it will be your third consecutive victory. What does that mean for you and Café Solstice?" a reporter asked.

Peggy smiled, exuding confidence. "It would solidify our position as the industry leader and validate our approach. Winning again would show that excellence and integrity always prevail."

"How do you handle the pressure of being the reigning champion, especially with such strong competitors this year?" another reporter asked.

"Pressure is what separates the good from the great," Peggy replied coolly. "We thrive on it. While others might crumble or resort to questionable tactics, we excel and innovate."

"Empress Brew seems to be giving Café Solstice quite the heat this year. What can we expect from Café Solstice today? Any hints about what you’re bringing to the table to turn things around?" a third reporter asked.

Peggy’s eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief. "Empress Brew has done well, but it’s easy to lead when the bar is set low. We’re here to raise that bar significantly. Today, we’re unveiling something that will redefine excellence. So expect the unexpected."

"Expect the unexpected sounds rather ambiguous, don’t you think?" asked another reporter. "Many are curious about the so-called ’games’ you’ve played during the competition. How do you respond to that perception?"

"If by ’games’ you mean strategic brilliance, then yes, we play to win," Peggy said with a sly smile. "We know how to navigate the rules and use them to our advantage. Maybe others should take notes instead of complaining."

"Are you implying that some teams, perhaps like Empress Brew, aren’t playing fair?" a reporter pressed.

"I’m simply saying that some teams might find it easier to point fingers than to innovate," Peggy responded, her tone dismissive. "We focus on our craft, not on what others are doing."

"So it has nothing to do with the incident where you seemingly took over Lauren’s ingredient and allowed it to drop on purpose? Many saw that as an attempt to sabotage Empress Brew, though they still won the challenge that day," a bold reporter asked, causing a murmur among the crowd.

Peggy’s smile didn’t waver. "That incident was a misunderstanding. Accidents happen in the heat of competition. It’s unfortunate that some chose to misinterpret it. I’ve always maintained that my focus is on delivering excellence, not undermining others."

"Ms. Carter, you’ve had an incredible run these past two years. What strategies do you have in place to maintain the title this year?" another reporter asked.

Peggy’s expression turned serious. "Well, unlike some teams that rely heavily on trends and gimmicks, we focus on pure skill and innovation. We have a few aces up our sleeve that will remind everyone why Café Solstice is a cut above the rest."

"There’s been a lot of talk about the controversies surrounding your team this year. How do you respond to the critics?" the last reporter asked.

"Controversy seems to follow those who set the standard," Peggy replied, her tone haughty. "We’re here to compete fairly and showcase our unparalleled craftsmanship. Perhaps others should focus more on their own performance."

As the interview concluded, Lauren observed Peggy with a composed expression. She will give it to her this time. She was such a good actress that could twist facts so much that even an innocent man will be so confused that he will end up doubting his own innocence.

Peggy, meanwhile, walked away with her team, her smile unwavering as she basked in the attention but just before she stepped into the hall, a luxurious car pulled up outside the expo center and a tall handsome gentleman stepped out of the car.

He looked around casually before donning his high end sunglasses on his exquisitely handsome face, instantly attracting the attention of everyone.

Soon enough, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Taking advantage of the moment, Peggy who was about stepping into the hall, did a one hundred and eighty degree turn and sauntered over to where Heorge was standing.

Why everyone was still trying to get to identify of the man, Peggy had already arrived by his side with a disarming smile.

"George, darling, you came for me? I’m so happy you could make it." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Does Ms Carter know him?"

"I seem to hear her call him George."

"Wait! Doesn’t the name ’George’ ring a bell?" someone uttered with a frown..

"Now that you mentioned it, he looks so much like the son of chairman Wellington from England."

"Yeah, the only heir and CEO of the Wellington Group."

"Exactly. Don’t tell me I’m seeing the famous George Wellington in real life. This is not a dream, right?"

And he seems so well acquainted with Ms Carter. Was he sent by his father who is rumored to be a very close friend with Sir Olivier Rousseau? With such a support base from the Wellingtons, Café Solstice is bound to have the highest vote in today’s competition.

"Wasn’t it Ms Holmes that was rumoured to be a disciple of Sir Rousseau?"

"You saw it just now, didn’t you? She refused to accept or deny any association with the legend. Isn’t that proof enough that Ms Holmes has nothing to do with him. After all, who wouldn’t want to flaunt their connection with such a renowned personality?

"Maybe she was just being modest."

"Modest my feet," snapped another one, "she obviously doesn’t know the man.

"How can a complete novice know such a legend?"

"But Mr Khan clearly said her drink was almost on par with Sir Rousseaus?"

"That must have been a coincidence. She must have mistakenly stumbled on the mixture by chance, I doubt she would remember the proportions she mixed the ingredients to arrive at such an exquisite taste again."

George listened quietly to the discussions going on around him with a grin expression.

No one knew what he was thinking since the glasses covered his eyes, but if one looked closely, they would notice from the grim set of his chin that he was angry.

He ignored those fools and turned to Peggy who was clearly pleased with the ungauarded comments around them.

From his glasses which shielded his disgust for the woman with a nauseating smile, George’s eyes turned cold.

"Can you move aside, Miss?" George uttered coldly, causing several eyes to widen in shock.

"George?" Peggy whispered in a daze. Was George pretending not to know her?

She was sure it was all because of that bitch Lauren. How can someone she had known and ran after for years suddenly turn around to deny her at the most crucial moment of her life?

No this was unacceptable and she wasn’t going to allow herself to be humiliated so much. Not after knowing just now that his father had such a close relationship with Sir Olivier Rousseau.

She had to do something fast. So the next minute she turned coquettish and tried to lean on George’s arms.

George saw the sudden change in Peggy’s expression and sneered, waiting to see what she was up to.