As the crowd lingered in their thoughts, another half hour passed.
Kimber Doyle, still sniffling, conducted a test on Kiki. The water no longer caused pain when it touched her skin.
But there were no gasps of amazement from the crowd. Everyone had already shifted their focus away from Layla Woods and her team.
Some were scrolling through their phones, others were analyzing Flynn’s earlier theory, and a few were jotting down notes.
They were giving Layla Woods some face by not drawing attention to her loss.
Yet, even without anyone openly staring, Layla Woods felt as if every eye in the room was on her.
The sensation was suffocating.
“I lost. It is what it is,” Layla Woods said, standing up and handing the Dragonsfire Cauldron to Flynn. She tried to keep her voice steady. “A bet is a bet. The Dragonsfire Cauldron is yours.”
Flynn didn’t say a word. His gaze fell on the earthen cauldron, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
It was his now. Everything was ready. He’d head to Jade Dragon Mountain soon.
His smile wasn’t meant to mock. Today’s display had been partly to help Rose and partly to teach Layla Woods a lesson.
Humiliating Layla Woods didn’t bring him much satisfaction. After all, he had never seen her as a true rival.
As long as she stopped bothering him, that was enough.
To Layla Woods and her team, however, Flynn’s smile seemed dripping with mockery.
But what could they do?
The winner took all, and nothing could change that fact.
Layla Woods had been defeated by Flynn in the realm of medicine.
Even her master’s Dragonsfire Cauldron had been lost to him.
It was a humiliating disgrace!
As the crowd dispersed, Travis Richardson took the stage.
He cleared his throat subtly, his gaze briefly flickering toward Layla Woods as he tried to soften the blow. “Today’s showdown between the two medical geniuses was truly spectacular.”
“Regardless of the outcome, both of them are the most respected physicians among us.”
“They have made indelible contributions to Ostrad’s medical community. Let’s give them a round of applause.”
Thunderous applause filled the room.
“Now, I am pleased to announce that the Niarak Quality Enterprise Award goes to… the Sharp’s Group!”
“Please welcome Ms. Rose to the stage to receive the award!”
Another wave of applause erupted.
Rose couldn’t help but smile as Travis Richardson made the announcement.
“That old lecher actually did a good job today!” Rose thought excitedly. With this prestigious title, both the Niarak government and even the Shipmeda State provincial government would heavily promote the Sharp’s Group.
Within a year, the Sharp’s Group’s reputation would resonate across the Nine Realms.
Many business leaders would have to reconsider their allegiances.
“Ms. Sharp, would you like to share a few words?” Travis Richardson asked with a smile.
Rose raised the crystal trophy high and spoke into the microphone, “Thank you, Mr. Richardson. I will fulfill my duties as a entrepreneur and work closely with the government to promote and elevate the Healer’s Haven title.”
“Well said! Absolutely well said!” Travis Richardson led the applause, and the room erupted once more.
The crowd couldn’t help but sigh.
They had thought Lilia Hussain was a sure winner. Who could have predicted that Flynn would overpower Layla Woods, even drawing Mr. Hawthorne to his side, eagerly seeking his advice?
Now, the Dragon Gate Group had gained nothing, while Rose had stolen the spotlight.
This was not only a victory for the Sharp’s Group and Flynn but also a slap in the face for Lilia Hussain.
Lilia Hussain’s expression was as if she had just eaten something vile. She had even prepared a full page of acceptance speech notes. How could she have anticipated Flynn’s dramatic turnaround, overturning Layla Woods’ dominance?
A sense of unease crept into Lilia Hussain’s mind. Flynn might truly be her greatest threat.
She would have to take him seriously from now on.
“The Niarak Quality Enterprise title is impressive, and it comes with strong government support.”
“But that’s all in the future,” Lilia Hussain thought coldly.
“In the world of business warfare, it’s insignificant. My funds are already flowing into the market.”
“In a couple of days, I’ll launch a full-scale attack on the Sharp’s Group.”
“With over a hundred billion poured in, what can Rose possibly do to save herself? A prestigious enterprise title? Heh, once you’re bankrupt, it’ll still belong to me!”
“No one can stop my ambition to swallow the Sharp’s Group!” Lilia Hussain calmed herself, silently reassuring herself that victory was still within her grasp.
The competition finally concluded amidst endless sighs, and the entrepreneurs began to disperse.
As Flynn passed by the Matteo Kaur’s family, he considered greeting Uncle Matteo but decided against it.
Madeline Kaur’s expression was too grim.
He’d find time to talk to Uncle Matteo alone later. He hadn’t had many meals with him since arriving in Niarak.
Flynn didn’t care much for the rest of the Kaur family, but he held a deep respect for Uncle Matteo.
Without him, Flynn and his mother might have died over two decades ago.
Flynn gave Matteo Kaur a warm smile before turning and spotting Lilia Hussain.
“Ms. Hussain, didn’t you say we were daydreaming and that the Quality Enterprise title was yours for the taking?”
“How come you ended up with nothing?” Flynn’s gaze swept over Lilia Hussain, lingering on her long, slender legs.
Lilia Hussain’s temper flared. “Don’t think that just because you’ve gained a small advantage, you’ve won the war.”
“In two or three days, you’ll see that everything you’ve done is futile!”
“Medicine can save lives, but it can’t save a business!”
Flynn shrugged, unbothered. “I’m not talking about business. I’m talking about us.”
“What about us?” Lilia Hussain’s face twisted with disgust and hatred.
Flynn smirked. “I’m talking about you begging on your knees. I can’t wait.”
“Make sure to wear something… enticing. Cat ears, a fox tail, kneeling on the bed.”
“I’ve saved my most precious gift for you. I’ll teach you how to use it.”
Molly, who happened to be nearby and had been about to ask Flynn if he had time to teach her some cultivation techniques, overheard the conversation.
She couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Flynn’s blatant provocation.
Was he really that obsessed with Lilia Hussain’s legs?
“Fine! We’ll see!” Lilia Hussain snorted and turned to leave.
Staying any longer would only invite more humiliation. She’d throw herself into her work and give it her all.
Let’s see if Flynn could still laugh in three days!
As she walked away, a glint of murderous intent flashed in her eyes. Last night, she received a call from the Komatsu Conglomerate. Wakasa was sending a cultivation expert.
He would arrive in Ostrad in three days.
She would personally meet him at the airport.
Lorenzo Sonego, a friend of Takada Kazuo, was a Lesser Sovereign. His sole mission in Niarak was to eliminate Flynn.
A Lesser Sovereign against a Grandmaster? It would be like a giant facing a child.
Overkill, but necessary!
“Flynn, how many days do you have left?” she cursed inwardly.
Flynn watched Lilia Hussain’s retreating figure, a faint smile playing on his lips.
She had never respected him, and that had never bothered him.
But he couldn’t wait to see her expression when the Sharp’s Group used $50 billion to crush Dragon Gate Group and its allies, driving them into bankruptcy and debt.
Would she still strut around like a proud peacock then?
Just then, Flynn’s phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, his heart skipped a beat.
It was Arthur Gordon from Demon Island Prison.
“Boss, Kevin Sharp has passed away!”
The worst-case scenario had come to pass.
“Kevin Sharp, couldn’t you have held on for a few more days? Rose is so close to victory. Everything she’s done has been for you!” he thought in grief.
Flynn couldn’t help but glance at Rose. She was chatting and laughing with friends, the trophy in her hand, her face radiant with joy.
How was he supposed to break the news to her now?
Last time, he lied and told her Kevin Sharp was fine. Now, he had to tell her that her father was dead…