Chapter 71: The AQ System

"Can we talk?" Estelle asked, her voice quiet but firm.

I hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden request. "Of course."

She stepped closer, her movement as graceful as ever, her posture immaculate. Estelle radiated poise, the kind that made everyone around her shrink into shadows. I braced myself, unsure of her intentions.

"I'll admit," she began, her tone smooth but distant, "I wasn't expecting much from you when this competition started." Her eyes scanned me, and for a brief moment, I felt like I was back at the Ashford estate—under scrutiny, my every flaw magnified. "You've surprised me. The way you brought your vision to life today… it was commendable."

"Thank you," I replied cautiously, unsure if this was a genuine compliment or a prelude to something sharper.