Under the Heiress' Facade
Chapter 147

Lily exclaimed in disbelief, "With today's advanced technology, Hera could easily create an audiothat sounds exactly like her!

"That's cheating! If she's too scared to show up, she should just withdraw from the contest insteadof playing games!"

"You can't accuse her of cheating without evidence!" Christopher retorted, his expression darkening.

He detested the mention of "cheating" as it reminded him of his past humiliating experience. Butwhat he detested even more was hearing others humiliate Hera in front of him.

"But it's undeniable that she didn't deliver the speech in person," Lily argued softly. Frightened byChristopher's solemn expression, she turned to Zyler, pitifully pleading for his support.

Feeling a surge of protectiveness at the sight of Lily's pleading gaze, Zyler's discontentment with hisscore of 94 intensified.

"Christopher, why do you always defend that country bumpkin? Have you forgotten that she copiedyour test paper during the entrance exam? Has she bewitched you or something?" Zyler interjected.

Then he added, "Lily's right. Hera didn't show up for the contest, so we can't be sure if she's the onegiving the speech."

"Bewitched? I wonder who's the one bewitched here," Christopher retorted, glaring at Lily withdisdain as he spoke through clenched teeth. "Don't jump to conclusions without verifying the truth!"

As Christopher's and Zyler's eyes met, tension thickened in the air, leaving the other contestantsbewildered. They couldn't understand why these close friends were suddenly at odds.

"She's not cheating. It's real. Look!" Cindy interjected calmly, pointing at the monitor broadcastingthe stage. The camera had now focused on the audience, zooming in to reveal a tall figure enteringthe main entrance.

Hera, holding her phone to her lips, continued her speech with a nonchalant demeanor.

Dressed in Cavenridge's gray winter uniform, her slim, long legs could be seen under her pleatedskirt. Her long hair was casually tied into a bun at the back of her head.

Even without makeup, her natural beauty effortlessly outshone the other female contestants whohad meticulously dressed for the contest.

"Wow!" Someone exclaimed in astonishment upon spotting her presence, drawing everyone'sattention to her.

Everyone was stunned as they watched Hera continue delivering her fluent Terranish speech.

Hera slowly made her way to the stage, her speech flowing uninterrupted.

Xyla, tightly holding the bouquet, moved to the side of the corridor and handed it to Hera as shewalked past.

"You're amazing, Hera!" Xyla whispered to her.

Accepting the bouquet with a faint smile, Hera resumed her speech without missing a beat. Themoment she stepped onto the stage, her speech concluded perfectly.

Hera flawlessly delivered her speech within ten minutes, seamlessly transitioning from anotherlocation to the auditorium. Her unwavering focus and flawless delivery were evident, even as sheaccepted a bouquet without missing a beat.

"Last but not least, I'd like to thank Ms. Lane for providing me with such a wonderful speech." Withthat, Hera concluded her address.

A hushed silence enveloped the venue as everyone marveled at Hera's mastery of Terranish.

"Allow me to elaborate. While I provided Hera with the speech, she was the one who translated itinto Terranish. I must say, her translation is even better than mine!" Kerry stood up from theaudience, her voice tinged with inexplicable excitement.

"Well done! Bravo!" Tim rose from his seat, applauding.

The venue erupted in applause, the sound filling the space and echoing for a long while.