Chapter 1045: Chapter 1051

Larry was also surprised. “You’re… Mr. Keller.”

Then, looking at the child, he said, “Then, this must be…”

Grape smiled sweetly. “It’s me, sir.”

Lachlan’s face stiffened slightly. Normally, influential figures like Larry wouldn’t recognize someone insignificant like Grape, let alone a child.

“Have you two met before?” Lachlan asked.

Larry smiled at Grape. “We’ve met once before.”

He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but he noticed a resemblance between the child and Dexter, especially around the eyes and brows.

Lachlan’s gaze fell upon the man standing next to Larry. The man was dressed modestly, with his face hidden behind a black mask. Although his features were concealed, there was an intimidating aura in his eyes and brows, a subtle hint of nobility emanating from his calm demeanor.

The powerful Larry, who held great authority, seemed to be obediently following the man’s advice when he was by his side.

“This is…”

Larry cautiously glanced at Dexter. “Mr. Russell, this is the person in charge of Stardust, Mr. Lachlan Keller.”

Dexter nodded in acknowledgment, but remained silent.

Seeing the situation, Lachlan decided to retract the hand he was about to extend, then turned to Grape and said, “Say hello to Mr. Russell.”

Grape’s eyes were fixed intently on Dexter.

He subtly glanced sideways.

Just then, two individuals dressed in uniforms briskly walked out. They apologized in Uprian, “We’re sorry, Mr. Peeple. We were delayed by a minor issue. This way, please.”

Larry quickly said, “Mr. Keller, let’s talk another time. We should leave now.”

Lachlan agreed.

As he closely watched Larry following behind Dexter, matching his pace, it was clear that Larry was in a subordinate position. Lachlan looked confused. He held Grape in one hand and took out his phone with the other.

“Do you know Mr. Larry Peeple, the professional agent from Apex Ventures?” Lachlan asked.

“Yeah. Why?” the person on the other end asked.

“Does he have a boss?”

Upon hearing this, the other party scoffed. “Of course, an agent like him has a boss. What’s the matter? Are you curious about who’s supporting him?”

Behind someone like Larry, there was an even more influential figure.

“Yeah. Could you look that up for me?”

After hanging up the phone, Lachlan looked towards Grape, only to find her staring blankly at the spot where Dexter had left, her face filled with unhappiness and desolation.

“Grape, was the guy you saw yesterday the same person we just saw?”

Although they couldn’t see his face clearly, his demeanor was distinguished.

“Yes. Mister ignored me.” She felt indignant.

Dexter had already entered the venue. The staff had specifically arranged for him to have a prime spot where he could clearly see the people present, as well as the location of the judges.

At that time, the judges had not yet entered the venue. The hall was filled with contestants of all sorts.

Dexter subtly lifted his gaze, scrutinizing the crowd, attempting to locate a familiar figure.

In the first round of selection, the judges were able to use their professional expertise to eliminate contestants based on their discretion.

When Josie walked up to the stage, she was in the most secluded corner, a blind spot in Dexter’s field of vision.

At first, everything was normal. Half an hour passed, and Josie eliminated a contestant. Suddenly, Lily exclaimed, “Alice, how could you miss such a perfect piece!”

Perfect…

Josie cast a doubtful glance at the blueprint in front of her, raising an eyebrow as she waited for Lily’s next sentence.

“This piece of work, whether in terms of composition or line work, as well as the concept behind the design, was all quite flawless. If you didn’t give it a high score, that would be understandable, but how could you give it a low score?”

Lily openly questioned Josie’s judgment. All the contestants turned their attention to her, gathered around, and awaited Josie’s explanation.

“Are you okay, Lily?” Josie asked, with a hint of sarcasm.

Lily shook her head in disbelief and expressed her astonishment, saying, “I really can’t understand how you were chosen as a judge. I always suspected there was a lot of favoritism involved.”