Ch. 481..490

Chapter 481 What Cindy Clarke Can’t Do “With her like this, does she look like she’s ever suffered a bit?” Christy Xenos angrily said, “She left back then without saying a word, without saying goodbye to us. Did she ever treat us as family?” “She’s nothing but a white-eyed wolf!” Christy Xenos said furiously, “She always felt that I didn’t treat her well. But how did I treat her badly? I provided for her food and drink, never let her lack clothing, and even sent her to college. And still she thinks I treated her badly?” “And besides, even if she thinks I didn’t treat her well, didn’t you? You treated her as your successor, always putting her above Wendy.” “What are you talking about?” Joshua Clarke frowned.

“Ha! Don’t think I don’t know. I just didn’t bother to expose you.” Christy Xenos said coldly, “Behind the scenes, you gave her so much more than Wendy, didn’t you? I know you love her more than Wendy. No matter, if you don’t love Wendy, I will!” Wendy stood behind Christy Xenos, tears streaming down her face in grievance.

What Christy Xenos said sounded as if it was because Joshua was unfair to the sisters and favored Cindy, so Christy had to favor Wendy in order to maintain balance.

“You treated her so well, and in the end, she ran off without even saying goodbye. You don’t even think about these years and how you missed her. You searched for her like crazy back then! You couldn’t find her, and you cried secretly at night. Have you forgotten about all this?” “If I say that Cindy is a white-eyed wolf, I’m not wrong! I raised her, and still can’t get her tamed. She just up and left. She should at least think about how worried you’d be, even if she didn’t care about me and Wendy.” “You were so good to her and loved her so much when she was at home, right? She thought of you as the only good person in our family. But what happened? She just left without a word to her dearest father.” “All these years, she never took the initiative to contact you. She clearly could have thought about how worried you were, but she never bothered to make contact.” Christy Xenos mocked.

“If she had suffered out there, maybe we could have said something nice about her, like she didn’t want you to worry. But look at her now, does she look like she’s suffered at all? She’s been mixing it up out there, looking like she’s doing quite well, never thinking about us.” “Yes, our family is doing well now. Wendy is capable, she opened a big restaurant, and we don’t have to work anymore, just enjoying our lives at home.” Christy Xenos said, “But Cindy doesn’t know all this!” “She lost contact with Nork City and has no idea about our family’s situation. In her eyes, we still run that little restaurant and struggle to get by. She’s living so well in the big city she never thought to bring us to Belfard. She never thought about sending us some living expenses either.” “I think her intention is to cut all ties with us, like we never existed as her parents, and have nothing to do with our family anymore. She doesn’t want us to hold her back or claim any of her achievements.” “And now, you’re eager to go to Belfard to find her, full of joy, but does she want you to? She probably doesn’t want you to go at all.” “Cindy wouldn’t do that.” Joshua Clarke said.

But his tone had weakened considerably.

Christy Xenos’s words, one after another, hit him deep in his heart.

That’s right.

He was so good to Cindy.

It’s understandable if she doesn’t have good thoughts about Christy Xenos, but what about him?

Chapter 482 Soft-eared Although Christy Xenos acted like she was being wronged.

In reality, she truly treated Cindy Clarke poorly.

Even Joshua Clarke thought it was too much:

If Cindy was her daughter, not an adopted one, how could Christy be so cruel to her?

Because Christy treated Cindy poorly, Joshua wanted to make amends.

But he was tightly controlled by Christy too.

He couldn’t even provide financial or material compensation.

So all he could do was to care for and comfort Cindy emotionally.

Joshua asked himself, had he really fulfilled his fatherly duties to Cindy?

When Cindy left, why didn’t she tell him?

Five years without any contact, and letting him worry like this?

Cindy was a smart girl; she must have known how worried he was.

Moreover, as Christy said, seeing Cindy on TV proved she was doing well.

She hadn’t suffered in Belfard.

Why didn’t she contact him?

Even if he went to Belfard to find her, it would be out of longing and concern; he never intended to take advantage of her in any way!

Joshua felt disheartened, but still said, “Cindy is not that kind of child.” “Then go find her!” Christy Xenos knew Joshua all too well.

Seeing his reaction, she knew he was easily influenced and took her words to heart.

After being married to Joshua for decades, Christy knew how to manipulate him.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Once you go and she ignores you, you’ll come back feeling humiliated. Our family, including Ning, won’t laugh at you. But the neighbors will definitely gossip about you behind your back.” Joshua was easily influenced and cared a lot about his face.

Christy hit him right where it hurt.

“Our old neighbors know Cindy is in Belfard. If you go and find her, and come back empty-handed, what will you say when they ask you about Belfard and what Cindy got you? You won’t be able to say anything, except inflate your self-importance. How frustrating would that be?” Christy asked, tapping her own heart.

“We can’t contact Cindy, but she knows our home number. She’s smart and has a good memory. But she has never called us. Can’t you see what that means?” Christy Xenos stepped aside and waved her hand toward the door: “Go, go, I won’t stop you.” Grandparents and Christy Xenos were pushing him step by step.

With Christy saying this, Joshua didn’t speak, but he didn’t move any closer to the door either.

Finally, he sighed, hung his head in frustration, and sat back on the sofa, taking out a cigarette to smoke.

Christy smirked inwardly.

With his easily influenced nature and concern for his image, he spoke of his love for Cindy, but he didn’t take any real action.

Otherwise, he should have been searching for her around the world within five years.

But what happened?

He didn’t even report her missing out of fear it would make him look bad and make people think she had run away. People would assume she had been abused at home.

Why else would she have left without a word?

He didn’t spend any money searching for her.

And just sat at home, sighing and pretending to be concerned, showing off his fatherly love.

As Joshua wasn’t reporting Cindy’s disappearance, Christy Xenos was naturally happy not to get involved.

If they found Cindy, it would still be a problem.

Even if Joshua was pretending, he still cared for Cindy.

And if he learned that Cindy had been manipulated, there would be conflict with their family again.

Chapter 483 Coming to the Door Although Christy Xenos was confident that she could handle Joshua Clarke’s fuss, wouldn’t it be better to avoid the trouble in the first place?

Christy Xenos sat in front of the TV, her thoughts returning from her memories.

She glanced at Joshua Clarke sitting beside her.

Joshua Clarke knew that there was a live broadcast of the second round of the Cooking Competition today, and had specifically stayed home to watch it.

She thought Joshua Clarke was quite amusing.

And felt that Cindy Clarke was an ungrateful white-eyed wolf, betraying his love for her.

Yet he still insisted on showing his fatherly love for Cindy Clarke in front of her and Wendy Clarke.

And he was eagerly watching Cindy Clarke’s competition.

She and Wendy Clarke watched to keep tabs on Cindy Clarke’s situation.

While Joshua Clarke was purely watching out of lonesome for Cindy Clarke.

Right then, they happened to catch a glimpse of Cindy Clarke confronting Iris Doone in the food storage room.

Just then, Wendy Clarke said, “After all these years, Cindy Clarke still has such a foul temper. She really refuses to give up anywhere.” “Poor Iris Doone. She’s actually been targeted by Cindy Clarke. I think Iris Doone is being framed.” Christy Xenos said.

“Cindy Clarke wouldn’t do that.” Joshua Clarke weakly defended her.

“Why not?” Christy Xenos looked at him disdainfully. “Iris Doone even told her to show evidence. But she couldn’t provide any and kept on insisting. She’s resorting to any means necessary to win the competition. How disgraceful!” “Mom, hasn’t Cindy Clarke always been like this?” Wendy Clarke said, “Ever since she was little, she wouldn’t allow anyone to be better than her.” “If someone is better than her, she’ll do everything possible, regardless of the means, to suppress them,” Wendy Clarke said. “I didn’t expect that after so many years, she still hasn’t changed. She still can’t stand others being better than her, and resorts to underhanded tactics.” Joshua Clarke silently watched Cindy Clarke on the TV without saying a word.

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

Christy Xenos got up to open the door.

Unexpectedly, she saw a strange woman standing outside the door.

The other party looked quite beautiful.

Although unwillingly, Christy Xenos had to admit that the girl outside the door was even more beautiful than Wendy Clarke.

But not as good-looking as Cindy Clarke.

Christy Xenos didn’t know why, she and Joshua Clarke were just ordinary-looking people.

But they had borne such a stunning daughter like Cindy Clarke.

And she still stood out the most among the Clarke Family.

If Wendy Clarke were also that beautiful, Christy Xenos wouldn’t be so unbalanced.

However, Wendy Clarke was just an ordinary beauty.

Calling her beautiful was a compliment, but she wasn’t the kind of universally acknowledged beauty that would amaze everyone.

Cindy Clarke was different. Her face could easily enter the entertainment industry, filled with beautiful women with no problem.

Among their whole family, Cindy Clarke’s face stood out the most and looked particularly special.

“You are…?” Christy Xenos hesitated, feeling that she had seen the girl before but couldn’t remember where.

“You must be Mrs. Clarke, hello. Let me introduce myself. My name is Chloe Silverstone, but most people call me Zoe Silverstone. You can call me Zoe, too.” It turned out that the person outside the door was the very same Zoe Silverstone who had tracked down the Clarke family’s residence.

Christy Xenos suddenly realized.

No wonder she found Zoe Silverstone familiar.

Watching her on TV seemed a bit different from seeing her in person.

That’s why she didn’t recognize her right away.

“I was wondering why you looked so familiar,” Christy Xenos said. “I’ve seen you on TV before, in the previous Cooking Competition. But you look even better in person than on TV.” Chapter 484: Producing the Best of the Best As she spoke, Christy Xenos didn’t hide her unabashed scrutiny of Zoe Silverstone’s face.

Zoe Silverstone’s facial features were all artificially adjusted, unless she was a natural beauty.

Otherwise, the average person’s facial features were no better than those of Zoe Silverstone.

Just like many beautiful women, they may look attractive as a whole, but if you look at their individual features, you may find flaws.

But Zoe Silverstone was different.

Becuase her features were artificially adjusted, they were naturally refined. If you looked at each feature individually, you wouldn’t find any flaws.

Put another way, it was a refined but fake beauty.

Despite being fake, it was nevertheless beautiful.

Christy Xenos was quietly trying to figure out exactly how much work Zoe Silverstone had done.

Christy Xenos was an ordinary woman from a small town.

She was usually quite brash.

She used to work in the family restaurant and had a tight grip over household duties and the restaurant alike; she was the final dicision maker in both.

Christy Xenos lacked experience in social interaction and workplace etiquette.

At home, she was the boss, constantly ordering others around.

Other than Wendy Clarke, no one has ever challenged her authority.

Simply put, Christy Xenos was uneducated, lacked manners, and had a poor emotional intelligence.

She had no understanding of tactfulness and subtlety in speech, nor was she good at disguising her thoughts.

The only person who fell for her little tricks was Joshua Clarke.

In the eyes of Zoe Silverstone, Christy Xenos couldn’t hide her true thoughts.

Zoe Silverstone could easily see through Christy Xenos ‘s scrutinizing look.

Moreover, Christy Xenos considered Zoe Silverstone as someone she has already defeated.

Zoe Silverstone couldn’t even beat Cindy Clarke and was eliminated in the first round of the competition.

Such a useless person didn’t deserve her attention.

Therefore, she was somewhat condescending towards Zoe Silverstone.

Zoe Silverstone, however, had managed to crawl out of a sea of savages.

She has seen countless trust-fund babies and models.

How could she possibly not see through Christy Xenos’s superficial thoughts?

Zoe Silverstone almost burst out laughing from anger.

She’s been holding it in so much that it started to hurt in her chest.

How did the Clarke family keep producing such characters!

As if having Cindy Clarke wasn’t enough, Christy Xenos turned out to be a piece of work too !

No wonder they could produce someone like Cindy Clarke!

Looks like none of the Clarkes were easy to deal with !

“You’re too kind.” Zoe Silverstone said with a smile that was both polite and respectful. In her mind, she was making fun of Christy Xenos. She wondered if Christy Xenos even knew what “too kind” meant.

“I’m sorry for intruding without notice.” Zoe Silverstone said, “There are a few things about Cindy Clarke that I thought you might be interested in knowing?” The wheels began to turn in Christy Xenos’s head at this proposition. Her mischievous demeanor was enough to make Zoe Silverstone feel sick.

“Please come in.” Christy Xenos said almost immediately.

She wasn’t worried that Zoe Silverstone might be a fraud.

Zoe Silverstone had been on television, so Christy Xenos recognized her face. It wasn’t someone else pretending to be Zoe Silverstone.

Besides, Zoe Silverstone had always been in competition with Cindy Clarke.

Isn’t there a saying The one who knows you best is your enemy.

All these years, they didn’t really know what Cindy Clarke was like.

But Zoe Silverstone definitely knew a lot.

Christy Xenos invited Zoe Silverstone in.

Upon entering the living room, Wendy Clarke and Joshua Clarke saw a stranger.

“Who is this …?” Wendy Clarke, looking at Zoe Silverstone with a faster reaction than Christy Xenos. “Zoe Silverstone?” Zoe Silverstone smiled and said, “Hello, I’m Zoe Silverstone. You must be Cindy Clarke’s sister, right?” “How did you find this place?” Wendy Clarke clearly thought deeper than Christy Xenos.

Chapter 485 Pig Teammate “I found out,” Zoe Silverstone said.

Wendy Clarke’s face suddenly darkened, “You investigated us?” Christy Xenos abruptly changed her expression and hurriedly sided with Wendy.

How could she have overlooked this before?

She didn’t ask further and just let Zoe in.

“You actually investigated us!” Christy Xenos yelled furiously, “Get out! You are not welcome in our home!” With that, she was about to advance and kick Zoe out.

“Mom, wait a second.” Wendy quickly stopped Christy Xenos.

She was instantly somewhat frustrated.

If only Christy could stop getting in the way and disrupting her pace.

Originally, Wendy planned to lead Zoe by the nose and seize the upper hand.

She didn’t expect Christy to pull a move like this.

From the moment Wendy actively stopped Christy, it was clear that she had already lost her control over the situation.

Wendy took a deep breath, suppressed her anger at Christy, and coldly asked Zoe, “Why did you investigate us?” “Of course, it’s because I’ve got a score to settle with Cindy,” Zoe said.

“Because of Cindy, I’ve lost a lot of jobs,” Zoe said, “So, I went to investigate Cindy, not directly you.” “While investigating Cindy, I found out her family was in Nork City,” Zoe continued, “She was all alone in Belford and never contacted Nork City. I figured there was something going on, so I came to find out.” “I’m the one who’s being presumptuous here, I didn’t mean to intentionally investigate you. I just thought, maybe you’d want to know some things about Cindy?” Zoe gave a small laugh, and said, “I’m sincere. You all should believe me just because I have a grudge against Cindy.” “You think Cindy and us are on bad terms?” Wendy retorted.

“To tell you the truth, yes, that’s what I thought. Since I came with sincerity, I told you all my thoughts, without any concealment.” “I guessed that you all do not have a good relationship with Cindy. Cindy has been alone in Belford for five years, and if you are close, why hasn’t she ever contacted you?” “I’m not sure if my guess is right. I came here presumptuously to confirm my guess,” and with that, Zoe shifted her strategy, “If I guessed wrong and you don’t welcome me, then I’ll leave.” With that, Zoe nodded at them and was about to leave.

“Hey, wait a minute!” Christy anxiously called for Zoe to stop.

Wendy didn’t have the chance to stop her in time and was almost furious enough to have a falling out with Christy right there and then.

How could one even be so burdensome!

“We have no beef with Cindy,” the one who spoke up this time was Joshua Clarke, “We’re all family, how could we hold a grudge? You guessed wrong.” “Is that so?” Zoe looked at Joshua, then at Wendy and Christy, and she understood.

Joshua probably sincerely loves Cindy.

But not necessarily true for Christy and Wendy.

Zoe saw this, but she didn’t voice it out.

She heard Joshua ask, “Do you really know a lot about Cindy?” “Although Cindy and I don’t get along, and she even caused me to lose my job, we can be considered enemies. But there’s a saying that goes, ‘The one who knows you best is your enemy.’” Zoe said, “So, yes, I know a lot about Cindy.” Joshua had watched the replay of the previous competition, so of course he knew about Zoe’s and Cindy’s disagreement.

But he didn’t use the internet, so he didn’t know about the conflicts between them before.

Chapter 486: Zoe Silverstone is a considerate girl Joshua Clarke felt that it was indeed Zoe Silverstone’s fault.

She couldn’t accept losing and slandered Cindy Clarke.

Her elimination was fair and just.

As for the idea that Cindy cost her the job, Joshua didn’t really believe it.

After all, it wasn’t the first time Zoe Silverstone had slandered Cindy.

Normally, Joshua shouldn’t keep Zoe Silverstone around.

But now, there’s no one else he knows who could update him on Cindy’s situation besides her.

So, Joshua said, “Please sit down. Although you and Cindy don’t get along, I hope you can tell us the truth about her situation.” “Besides, is there any conflict that can’t be resolved? We’re all young, so it’s only natural to have some rashness. If both sides take a step back, it’ll be fine.” Joshua advised.

Zoe Silverstone sneered inwardly, thinking how easy it was for Joshua to say this.

He knew nothing about their conflict, yet he expected them to reconcile just by talking it out?

He really was speaking without experiencing the pain.

“Of course, I will tell the truth.” Zoe Silverstone said, changing the topic, “However, why don’t you contact Cindy directly and instead want to know about her through me?” Originally, Zoe Silverstone thought that the entire Clarke family was on bad terms with Cindy.

She didn’t expect there to be a Joshua Clarke who would actually care about her.

This was not what she had expected, but it didn’t affect the outcome she desired.

Weren’t Wendy Clarke and Christy Xenos still there?

Joshua’s gaze flickered with embarrassment.

He didn’t dare to look directly at Zoe Silverstone, avoiding her gaze with a guilty expression, and said, “Cindy… had some conflicts with the family.” Zoe Silverstone scoffed inwardly, thinking about the type of conflict that could lead to five years without returning home, and five years without any contact with the family.

And to have them learn about Cindy’s situation through her, a competitor?

Zoe Silverstone pretended not to think about this point and didn’t say anything more.

She turned her head to look at the competition being live-streamed through the iPad on the TV.

Zoe Silverstone smiled and said, “You’re watching the competition too.” Joshua nodded awkwardly.

Taking advantage of this, Zoe Silverstone said, “Why don’t we watch the competition first, and then I’ll speak? I think, even if I talk now, you might not be in the mood to listen.” “This way, you won’t be able to enjoy the competition, and you won’t be attentive to the news about Cindy.” Zoe Silverstone said thoughtfully.

“Alright, alright.” Joshua hurriedly agreed.

He really wanted to continue watching the competition.

During the time Zoe Silverstone was here, he couldn’t focus on the competition and felt frustrated.

Now that he heard Zoe Silverstone’s suggestion, he quickly agreed to it.

Joshua couldn’t help but think that Zoe Silverstone seemed to be a nice person.

She was considerate and understanding.

There must be some misunderstanding between her and Cindy.

Once the misunderstanding was cleared up, they’d be fine.

Since Joshua had already agreed, Wendy Clarke and Christy Xenos had no choice but to say nothing.

Furthermore, both of them were actually concerned about Cindy’s competition as well.

Zoe Silverstone then said, “So… Can I watch the competition here as well?” “Although I lost, I still want to know the outcome of the competition.” Zoe Silverstone explained.

“Sure.” Joshua, being the nice guy he was, nodded. He felt that this request was not excessive and immediately agreed.

Wendy Clarke’s face darkened.

Why did Joshua always agree so readily!

Chapter 487: Do You Dare to Withdraw?

She’s not smart, yet she loves making decisions.

So annoying!

“Thank you,” Zoe Silverstone immediately said.

So, Zoe Silverstone sat in the Clarke Family, watching the Competition together with the family members.

Just then, they saw Iris Doone claiming that Cindy Clarke had no evidence, and was merely trying to tarnish her reputation to eliminate her from the competition.

Many people were brainwashed by Iris Doone’s words.

At this moment, Cindy Clarke calmly said, “Well, let’s just see what the camera in here captured. Maybe it caught who exactly ruined my ingredients.” “What if it didn’t capture it?” Iris Doone retorted.

“If it didn’t capture it, or if it captured someone else, and I wronged you, I will apologize to you,” Cindy Clarke said.

“An apology is enough?” Iris Doone sneered, saying a cliché phrase, “If apologies are useful, why do we need the police?” Iris Doone was feeling guilty.

She did come early and had indeed observed the location of the camera in the food storage room.

She also predicted the scope of the camera’s coverage.

When destroying the Shark Fin, she tried to avoid the camera, not to be caught.

But she could only roughly estimate the range in her mind.

She never actually verified the actual scope of the camera’s coverage by looking through it.

She was afraid that she might have estimated it wrong and was caught on camera.

So, Iris Doone had to find a way to make Cindy Clarke abandon her idea of checking the camera footage.

She needed to make Cindy Clarke hesitate, so she wouldn’t dare to request to view the footage.

When the audience heard Iris Doone say this, they knew she had a backup plan.

Moreover, it must be something that would embarrass Cindy Clarke.

Cindy Clarke heard it too, but she wasn’t afraid at all.

She just looked at Iris Doone with a cold and mocking expression, raising her eyebrows and taking the initiative to ask, “What do you want then?” Since Iris Doone asked the question, she must have something else to say.

Cindy Clarke willingly gave Iris Doone an out, providing her with a ladder to climb down.

No matter what clever idea Iris Doone came up with, she wasn’t afraid at all.

As expected, Iris Doone said, “If you wronged me, you have to voluntarily withdraw from the competition.” “Whether the camera didn’t capture it or it captured someone else, you have to withdraw. Otherwise, if you falsely accuse me, I will end up being forced to withdraw,” she continued.

“I can’t provide evidence to prove it wasn’t me. Your words make people think I’m despicable and unscrupulous. Even if I’m not eliminated, such a label has already been attached to me. This is a slander and insult to my character.” “You won’t withdraw, just say you were wrong, apologize to me, and act as if nothing happened. But what about the slander and grievances I suffered?” “So, can I also slander you in the next competition, then apologize to you, saying I made a mistake, and we’re good? If that’s the case, all of us competitors can do that,” Iris Doone said.

These words once again caused the audience to nod in agreement.

Not only did the contestants agree, but even the audience felt her argument was very reasonable.

Suddenly, their impression of Iris Doone improved a lot.

People who disliked her earlier were now either changing their opinion or finding alternative viewpoints.

Iris Doone stared intently at Cindy Clarke, “Do you dare?” Cindy Clarke understood Iris Doone’s meaning.

Chapter 488 I Promise You If she insists on watching the recorded video, and once the camera didn’t capture the incident, she would have to withdraw from the competition voluntarily.

No one knows whether the incident was captured on camera or not.

So, she faces a fifty percent risk of withdrawing from the competition.

If she doesn’t dare to take that risk, she has to admit defeat now and pretend nothing ever happened.

No, it’s not possible to pretend nothing ever happened.

Because she has already said it.

Once she backs down, Iris Doone will definitely demand an apology.

Stubbornly insisting will only cause Cindy Clarke to be the one looked down upon.

By then, Cindy Clarke will be the lowlife slandering Iris Doone.

Moreover, slandering Iris Doone unsuccessfully would only disgrace herself.

At a moment like this, Iris Doone could still come up with a desperate gambit; Cindy Clarke truly admires her for that.

However, everything that Iris Doone thought of, Cindy Clarke also considered.

“Alright, I agree,” said Cindy Clarke resolutely.

At this moment, Iris Doone was completely stunned.

She thought Cindy Clarke would be scared.

Surely, even Cindy Clarke wouldn’t dare to risk withdrawing from the competition!

Who’d have known, Cindy Clarke actually agreed without even hesitating!

Is Cindy Clarke absolutely sure the incident will be captured on video?

Now, Iris Doone becomes even more uncertain.

From Cindy Clarke’s performance, she seemed very confident, as if she’s certain to catch Iris Doone.

Iris Doone couldn’t help but avert her gaze and lower her eyes, growing anxious.

Not only the other contestants and the audience, but even the five judges were stupefied.

In fact, they thought that at least Cindy Clarke would hesitate.

However, Cindy Clarke didn’t even waver and insisted on watching the video.

Those spectators who initially sided with Iris Doone and felt Cindy Clarke was being excessive.

They began to waver again.

Doubts emerged in their minds.

Cindy Clarke appeared so confident; it seems she must have some evidence.

Otherwise, she would have to withdraw from the competition!

Comparing an apology to withdrawing from the contest, the latter is clearly more serious.

If Cindy Clarke had no evidence, just apologising and enduring extra accusations wouldn’t be a big deal!

Winning the competition would bring more.

For these reasons, most people believed that bearing verbal criticism was worth it.

Cindy Clarke didn’t care how panicked or guilty Iris Doone felt.

She directly asked the judge, “Judge, can I request to see the video from the food storage room?” “You can.” Wesley Gordon nodded.

Since the matter concerns the fairness of the competition, there’s nothing to consider.

“However, even if we do retrieve it, reviewing the video will take time. We’re broadcasting live at the moment, so we cannot stop the broadcast and let the audience watch the video review process and wait for the result with us.” Wesley Gordon said.

Cindy Clarke nodded, “I understand. The staff will have to review the video, and the result can be announced after the competition ends.” The crowd was surprised.

By then, the competition would be over, would the outcome still matter?

What’s the significance of knowing the results?

Even if it’s proven to be Iris Doone or someone else.

Their competition would be over.

Would they withdraw from the next round after winning this one?

Cindy Clarke seemed to have guessed everyone’s thoughts.

She confidently smiled and announced, “I don’t need any promise from Iris Doone; if it’s proven to be her, she will volunteer to withdraw.” “Oh?” Wesley Gordon looked at Cindy Clarke in surprise.

Chapter 489 Coughing Up Blood Out of Anger because of Cindy Clarke (2 s combined)

So, was Cindy Clarke going to let it go?

But, looking at Cindy’s attitude in the last competition, that didn’t seem like her personality.

Then, they heard Cindy say: “Because of this competition, I’ll directly eliminate her. No need to wait for the results.” “Of course, if the results show that Iris Doone was wronged by me, then I’ll still withdraw from the race to express my apology,” said Cindy.

Her words instantly choked off anything Iris was about to say.

Making it impossible for Iris to voice any of her thoughts.

“Iris Doone, do you have any objections to this?” Wesley Gordon asked Iris again.

Any objections?

Of course!

She didn’t want to check those videos!

But Cindy had said everything she could say.

By strength, Cindy could eliminate her.

If the video couldn’t provide evidence after checking, Cindy would apologize and withdraw from the race.

Which was the same as what they said before.

They don’t even have to wait for her to bring up the conditions; Cindy took the initiative to propose withdrawal.

Regardless of the possibility, Cindy has already said the outcome.

If she doesn’t agree now, wouldn’t it clearly tell others that she’s afraid and dares not to?

Now, Wesley Gordon asked Iris if she had any objections.

Of course, Iris did, but did she dare to say it?

She didn’t dare!

All Iris could do was to keep the bitterness to herself.

Finally, the matter was temporarily resolved.

“Now, let the competition continue,” said Wesley Gordon.

Then, they hurried back to the front of the stage.

Cindy and Iris, with their chosen ingredients, rushed to their cooking stations.

There was no unified start time for cooking this time.

Whoever got their ingredients first and went back to their cooking station could start cooking directly.

Cindy was one of the first to return to her cooking station so she promptly began preparing her dish in an orderly manner.

It didn’t take long for Iris to rush back as well.

Iris’ cooking station was right next to Cindy’s.

The two faced each other as they prepared their dishes, as did the other teams.

This made it seem like a fierce face-off when enemies encountered each other.

When Iris came over, she glared at Cindy resentfully for a while.

It wasn’t until the camera panned over that Iris immediately questioned Cindy, “Cindy, why are you targeting me like this? Let’s talk with our performance in the competition, why do you have to add things outside of the competition!” Cindy glanced at her indifferently and laughed disdainfully: “Then why don’t you focus on the competition and wait for the results after the race. Don’t wait for the camera to cut over before saying these words.” What was she doing earlier?

Why not say it earlier or later, but only at this moment?

Did she really think Cindy didn’t see it?

It was hard to tell if Iris was truly deluded, self-smart, or if she really thought everyone else was a fool and not as clever as her.

Not even noticing such a small trick.

Iris felt like spitting blood at Cindy’s words.

Iris had never met someone like Cindy before!

No matter if you played dirty or open tricks with her, Cindy could always drag your plans out into the open and make them above board.

Cindy’s response was always simple and straightforward.

Dragging you into the open to face off directly, leaving you no chance to hide in the dark and plot anything.

Iris didn’t know whether Cindy was clever or foolish.

Wasn’t Cindy afraid of facing off in front of everyone, failing and humiliating herself?

Iris naturally wasn’t the first time she’d targeted someone stealthily.

Otherwise, how could she have such smooth and ready-to-use techniques?

It was her experience from targeting people stealthily that made her so skilled.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say it came as naturally as picking up a pen.

Iris had never encountered a reaction like Cindy’s in those she had secretly targeted before.

Just like this time, when the camera suddenly panned over, Iris took the opportunity to speak and frame her opponent.

The opponent had a mouth but couldn’t explain it clearly.

How could this kind of thing be explained?

Moreover, such a sudden move in the moment, it really might not have been immediately responsive.

Thinking about it afterward, one might regret not having responded better in the moment.

But at that moment, their minds would have been baffled, and no one could react that quickly.

Who would have thought that Cindy would counter directly and expose her plot?

No matter whether Iris intended to be calculating or not, Cindy had already said it.

Iris was a bit panicked and worried.

She thought she had indeed calculated to take advantage of the camera’s focus change, but what if she hadn’t and it was just a coincidence that the camera pointed to her?

As a result, over Cindy’s words, she wouldn’t be able to clear her name, would she?

Iris was bothered and frightened inside.

It may not have happened now, but what about such situations in the future?

“I didn’t,” Iris quickly denied.

However, after Cindy spoke, many audience members already thought Iris was playing mind games.

Otherwise, why didn’t Iris talk to Cindy when she brought the ingredients over earlier?

Why only wait until the camera came over to speak?

Unfortunately, Iris had no chance to explain further.

She had only managed to utter the three words “I didn’t” before the camera moved on to capture other contestants.

Cindy was meticulously following the recipe she had designed at home, cooking without any disruptions.

However, when Iris was handling the ingredients, she hesitated when it came to the shark fin.

Initially, she had been very confident about the dish she’d designed.

She even named the dish, Soup of Abundance.

This dish was her own creation and not commonly found in any recipes.

No such dish existed in the restaurant.

Iris was very pleased with herself, thinking she’d dazzle the competition.

Who knew that Cindy would first expose the sabotage of ingredients, drawing everyone’s attention to the matter?

Then, Cindy said that using shark fin was cruel and immoral.

Cindy had said so much; how could Iris use it now?

If she continued to use it, wouldn’t it appear that her character was flawed?

Fully aware that shark fin wouldn’t play a significant role in nutrition or seasoning, yet continuing to use it, wouldn’t she be cursed to death?

However, when Iris designed the dish earlier, shark fin played an essential role in the presentation.

Without shark fin, the presentation would be lacking.

Because of the criticism that she had imitated Cindy in the previous round, Iris was determined to impress everyone on the Racecourse this time.

She was initially very confident, but now Cindy had disrupted all her plans!

Iris hesitated, but the competition time didn’t wait for anyone.

After thinking about it, Iris ultimately decided to give up on shark fin.

Since Cindy had said so much, if she continued to insist on using it, people would undoubtedly scold her.

Moreover, when Cindy expressed her opinions, it was clear that the judges also agreed with her view.

Chapter 490: Pretending to be a Good Person (2 chapters merged into one)

Under such circumstances, if she used it, she would probably be out of the competition.

While the contestants were cooking, the judges observed each of them carefully.

Now there were only thirty people left in the field.

And the five judges were able to watch each of them one by one.

“I forgot to get the green onions and ginger!” Suddenly, they heard Yellen Brooks exclaim in a state of panic.

Though they were just green onions and ginger, they were essential ingredients for her cuisine.

Even though it seems unimportant, these ingredients are indispensable for removing the fishy smell of chicken, duck, and fish.

Especially today’s theme was “ocean.” The contestants had all chosen seafood as the main ingredient for their cuisine.

Naturally, they needed the most basic ingredients like green onions and ginger.

But Yellen Brooks forgot to get those basic ingredients.

She made a fundamental mistake.

The five judges all noted it down on their score sheets.

Yellen Brooks then looked at her opponent, Joseph Tanner.

She bit her lip; today, the two were in a competitive relationship where one must be eliminated.

If she lacked ingredients, she would only increase Joseph Tanner’s chances of winning.

But if she asked Joseph Tanner to lend her ingredients, he wouldn’t do it.

If it were her, she would certainly feel the same, wishing for her opponent’s mistake to increase her chances of winning.

Yellen Brooks looked to her left.

On her left were Cindy Clarke and Iris Doone.

Thinking of Cindy Clarke’s temper, Yellen Brooks felt a little hesitant.

She felt that Cindy Clarke’s temperament was not very good.

On the contrary, Iris Doone spoke softly and gently.

She usually got along well with other contestants.

Unlike Cindy Clarke, they hardly spoke.

After each competition, Iris Doone would chat with other contestants and share experiences.

When leaving the competition site, they would walk together.

Cindy Clarke was different. Once the competition was over, she would disappear.

It was even more mysterious when she arrived.

So, Yellen Brooks thought that Iris Doone would most likely help her.

Thus, Yellen Brooks asked Iris Doone: “Iris, could you lend me some green onions and ginger?” She saw that there were enough green onions and ginger on Iris Doone’s cooking station, and she alone couldn’t finish them.

Lending her some wouldn’t make any difference.

Moreover, there was no competitive relationship between the two in this round.

Iris Doone pursed her lips, thinking why Yellen Brooks had to ask her for help!

She didn’t want to lend them to Yellen Brooks.

She purposely took more just in case something unexpected happened.

Having more made her feel secure, in case there was any need!

If she lent them to Yellen Brooks and needed more later, she would be left without!

It was Yellen Brooks’ fault for not taking them.

Since she didn’t take any, it was her responsibility, and there was no reason to borrow them from others!

Everyone was competing, and no one wanted to lose.

But if she didn’t lend them, it would make her look stingy and selfish.

Yellen Brooks had really put her in a difficult position.

Why didn’t she ask Cindy Clarke?

Cindy Clarke had taken some as well!

Iris Doone held her lips unwillingly and, without wanting to lend, whispered, “Sorry, I need them.” Yellen Brooks said, “I saw you took a lot, and there are still so many left.” “I took so much because I need that much. Also, I’m worried that if I have any last-minute ideas later, I might need more, so I purposely took extra.” Iris Doone said coldly.

She didn’t take them to lend to Yellen Brooks.

She had already said she wouldn’t lend them, but what’s wrong with Yellen Brooks!

Iris Doone wasn’t afraid of offending Yellen Brooks either.

Yellen Brooks’ opponent was Joseph Tanner.

In the last round of the competition, Joseph Tanner made it to the fourth place, while Yellen Brooks was in the bottom three.

As long as Joseph Tanner didn’t have an off day, Yellen Brooks was no match for him.

Which meant that today would be the end for Yellen Brooks.

In the next round of the competition, Yellen Brooks would have nothing to do with it.

Yellen Brooks didn’t expect Iris Doone to act this way.

Although Iris Doone had no obligation to lend her the ingredients, Yellen Brooks thought Iris Doone would at least be more polite about it.

They usually got along well.

Even though it was only one round of competition, But in the half month in between the contests, they met as a group and went out together.

They all posted on Facebook, showing that their relationship was excellent despite being competitors.

Even if Iris Doone wouldn’t lend her the ingredients, she didn’t expect her to be so unfriendly and cold.

Yellen Brooks realized now that Iris Doone might be a two-faced person.

Not as friendly and gentle as she seemed on the surface.

Cindy Clarke silently took the green onions and ginger she had prepared, thinking like Iris Doone to take more just in case.

At this moment, she cut off a piece of green onion and took a ginger for Yellen Brooks.

She reached out and asked Yellen, “Is this enough?” Yellen Brooks was stunned.

She never even asked Cindy Clarke, but she unexpectedly cut the green onions for her without a word and handed her the whole ginger.

Surprised, she couldn’t answer right away. Cindy Clarke was somewhat surprised, “Not enough?” Cindy Clarke estimated the amount.

The amount was enough to be used twice.

“Enough! It’s enough!” Yellen Brooks quickly said, nodding vigorously.

She just didn’t expect Cindy Clarke to take the initiative to help her.

Usually, Cindy Clarke didn’t speak much to them, and they hardly communicated during the competition.

Not to mention, they never hung out together in private.

Yellen Brooks was unfamiliar with Cindy Clarke and felt she had a stubborn temper and looked a bit cold.

But she didn’t expect Cindy Clarke to be so righteous.

Even though it was just green onions and ginger, Yellen Brooks took it to heart.

Did you see Iris Doone not lending her at all?

Yellen Brooks hurriedly took it: “Thank you so much! You’ve helped me a lot.” Cindy Clarke gave a faint smile: “Hurry up and cook, time is precious.” “Yes!” Yellen Brooks quickly focused on continuing her cooking.

Joseph Tanner glanced at Cindy Clarke, somewhat surprised.

He didn’t expect Cindy Clarke to help.

He couldn’t help but think she was meddling in others’ affairs.

Normally, she wasn’t this enthusiastic.

Now that there are cameras around, she begins to play the good guy again!

Helping Yellen Brooks was going against him!

Although Joseph Tanner was confident in defeating Yellen Brooks, He wanted more chances of winning.

The more flaws Yellen Brooks had in her cooking, the better it would be for him, and the more impressive his win would be.

Yellen Brooks didn’t ask Cindy Clarke for help, why did she have to meddle!

Joseph Tanner was annoyed and, while cleaning the fish, suddenly got stabbed by a fish bone at the spot between his fingernail and finger flesh.

That was the most painful spot, like a sharp, bone-chilling pain.

Joseph Tanner let out a cry.

“What’s wrong?”Michael Greene and Wesley Gordon immediately came to check.

Joseph Tanner’s face turned pale and, feeling embarrassed, whispered, “I got stabbed by a fishbone.”