Under the Heiress' Facade
Chapter 145

Zyler's Terranish pronunciation was impeccable, thanks to his piano teacher from Terrania who hadguided him since childhood. Confident in his accent, he believed he could surpass Christopher inthis aspect.

However, a stir arose during his speech as Tim Smithon, the prominent professor from Cavenridge'sLinguistics Department, appeared in the audience.

Rumor had it that Tim was scouting for talented students, so the audience couldn't help but wonderif he was here for Zyler.

Zyler was also convinced that Tim was here to watch his performance since he was the last to takethe stage. This thought rattled him, causing a momentary lapse in his speech, but he quicklyregained his composure and continued.

When Zyler finished his speech, he was showered with enthusiastic applause. He was confidentthat he could achieve a score of 99, with only 1 score deducted for his momentary lapse.

Considering that even Tim Smithon honored him with his presence, Zyler believed he would becrowned the Hunk of the Year.

"Thank you, Zyler, for the excellent speech. The score he received is… 94!" the host announced.

Zyler's smile froze upon hearing his result, unable to believe he had only scored 94.

"Zyler's Terranish was fluent, and his pronunciation was excellent too. However, there's a minorgrammar issue in his speech.

"Additionally, his performance came across as a bit exaggerated, and he could have maintainedbetter focus. Don't lose heart! There's always next time!" the host reassured Zyler, noticing hispuzzled expression.

Although Zyler was tempted to mention that Tim's sudden appearance had thrown him off, herefrained from speaking out, assuming Tim had specifically come to see him—since Hera, who wassupposed to be the last contestant, was nowhere in sight before Zyler took the stage.

"Thank you, Zyler. Please remain backstage while we welcome our final contestant, number 20, tothe stage," the host concluded.

Disheartened by his score, Zyler exited the stage as instructed. Seeing Hera's continued absencebackstage, his mood lifted slightly. Though he hadn't secured the Hunk title, at least Christopherhad discovered Hera's true nature.

As the stage remained vacant for a minute, the six judges exchanged glances while the studentsbegan to whisper among themselves.

"Enough waiting! Contestant number 20, Hera Youngworth, has dropped out of the contest. Let'sannounce the results already!" a male student exclaimed, sparking a wave of discussion throughoutthe venue.

"So, she really did drop out!"

"Hmph! That country bumpkin couldn't handle the pressure, huh?"

"What a joke! If she was too scared to compete, why did she even bother auditioning?"

The venue erupted into a chorus of criticism.

"Gino, did your sister really drop out?" Xyla Yonder asked, her hands holding a large bouquet offlowers. She had come to accompany Gino to watch Hera's speech.

"Beats me," Gino replied embarrassedly, standing beside her in puzzlement.

He couldn't help but wonder why Hera had suddenly changed her mind again.