chapter395

Lydia glanced up and saw a young woman in a crisp uniform, pretty and confident.

"This is my seat," Lydia said without missing a beat, then turned her attention back to her game.

The woman's name was Minnie. She was in charge of keeping order in the VIP area. After making her rounds, she'd spotted someone sitting at the judges' table, completely absorbed in a game on her phone. With a cap pulled low and a mask covering half her face, the girl was dressed head-to-toe in black. In the dim lighting, Minnie almost missed her. If it hadn't been for the glow from the phone, she might have walked right by.

Minnie's irritation spiked. How could the staff let someone sneak into the judges' seats and start gaming? She tried to stay polite, asking the girl to move to the audience section, but the girl insisted the seat was hers.

Seriously?

"Do you even know where you're sitting, kid?" Minnie asked, her tone sharp. "The judges' table," Lydia replied, not even glancing up.

Minnie let out a half-laugh, half-scoff. "If you know it's the judges' table, then you need to leave, now." All the judges were supposed to be waiting in the reception room. If this girl was going to make up a story, she should at least try harder. She definitely didn't look like a judge. Minnie remembered hearing that a crowd of fans had been looking for Miss L earlier. Was this girl just a fan who'd managed to sneak in?

"This is my seat. Why would I leave?" Lydia didn't bother with any more conversation.

Minnie's smile turned mocking. "Your seat? You're a judge? Seriously? Maybe you need to wake up, little girl. Or did playing games fry your brain?" She flipped up the nameplate, her voice full of smugness. "This spot belongs to Lydia. Who do you think you are?"

Lydia's reply was simple. "That's me."

Minnie blinked, clearly not buying it. Oh, so you're Lydia? Yeah, right. If you won't leave, I'll just call security and have you tossed out. Don't blame me when you get embarrassed."

Lydia's patience snapped. "Didn't you hear what I just said?" She finally looked up, her eyes cold and unbothered.

Minnie hesitated for a second, caught off guard by Lydia's icy stare, but quickly found her attitude again. "You are so rude. We don't want you here."

Lydia set her phone down on the table with a sharp thud. Her voice was clear and cold. "You need to apologize to me."

Minnie bristled. You're the one causing trouble. Why should I apologize? If you don't move, I'm calling security right now."

Lydia's eyes narrowed. "I'm giving you one chance. Apologize."

Before Minnie could answer, a woman from the contestants' section below the judges' table approached. She was Evalina, the top designer from Country D, known for her talent and confidence Shed met Minnie a couple times before.

Evalina spoke up, her tone cool. Minnie, for something like this, just call security. No need to waste your time arguing."

Minnie's expression relaxed a little. "You're right, Evalina. I'll call them now." She shot tydia a cold look then turned on her earpiece ready summon security. Just as she was about to speak, Cloyd entered with several other judges.

He took in the scene Minnie's stiff posture, Lydia's frosty glare and hurried over.

"What's going on here?"

The moment she saw Cloyd,

Minnie's voice turned sweet, her expression all innocence, Mr. Cloyd theres someone from her country sitting in Lydia's seat playing games. I've asked her to leave, but she just won't listen."