Chapter 15
Shannon’s eyes widened at the news. After all, no one understood the weight and prestige of this competition better than she did.
The finalists were all top talents from all around the world. As it was a highly prestigious competition, the judging criteria were absolutely strict. In other words, it was a completely fair competition, with no paid placements or backdoor entry.
Tina excitedly said, “Our company has been around for years, but it’s the first time we’ve had someone make it to the finals of such a large–scale competition! I’ve always believed in your writing ability, but I didn’t expect you to achieve something like this so soon after returning to the field.”
Shannon’s face lit with joy. To her, making it to the finals was already a big accomplishment. After all, it would be a great addition to her resume going forward.
Shannon happily accepted her colleagues‘ well–wishes and nervously started working on her final manuscript.
She became completely focused on her ideas. As the theme this time around was love, she knew her writing had to stay right on topic while being full of twists and turns.
Shannon finally finished her manuscript after a week. With everyone’s expectations on her shoulders, she arrived at the venue of the Starlight Competition.
The other finalists were all names she’d seen in the papers before. She should be feeling overwhelmed, yet she was surprisingly calm. The results no longer mattered, as reaching this point was already an achievement. All she needed to do now was to share her work with others. All the writers handed their works to the judges. The final winner was chosen after careful deliberation.
The host stood on stage and started teasing, “The winner’s name is right here in my hand. Who do you think it’ll be?”
Shannon stood on stage without any expectations. Thunderous applause erupted in the next moment.
ཝཿཥུ ཇོ ཇོ ཛ F གཽ དྷན གཽ ཆ བའྀ འཇ ཋ
The host continued, “The winner has a unique identity. It’s her first time taking part in the Starlight Competition, and she’s becoming a rising dark horse in the writing world! Her name is Shannon Linsel!”
Shannon only realized that she was the winner when Tina walked up the stage to nudge her.
She still couldn’t quite believe she had won even after returning to the office.
The prize included one million in cash, as well as the Starlight trophy. However, the trophy was deemed more valuable than the money. Rumor had it that the previous winner had gone from being penniless to being the richest man in the city.
As expected, as soon as the award was announced, Shannon received countless messages. Some offered to sponsor her new company, while others invited her to become their brand ambassador.
Upon seeing this, Tina told Shannon that she could leave if she wanted to. Tina was already beyond happy enough having a champion emerging from her company.
As such, Shannon started her own company from that day on. She then hired Jacob, who was a lawyer, as her company’s legal advisor.
Shannon’s company was thriving a year later, gaining fame even back in her home country.
It was then that Maya announced she was getting married. As her best friend, Shannon had to attend. Since Jacob wanted to return as well, Shannon booked a flight to head back to her country with him.
After landing, Shannon let out a sigh when they left the plane. The country hadn’t changed over the past year, yet her own life had been turned upside down.
At her wedding, Maya smiled at Shannon and said, “I’m truly honored that you attended my wedding, Ms. Linsel, despite your busy schedule.”
Upon seeing Shannon’s nervous look, she continued, “Don’t worry. I didn’t invite him.”
Shannon was relieved after hearing that. She truly wanted nothing to do with Thomas anymore.
Maya then started teasing Shannon about her relationship with Jacob.
Before Shannon could react, two voices came from behind them.
“Mommy!”
Sou’re finally back, Shannon!“
