Maria couldn't help but burst into Laughter at Barbara's preposterous explanation and Mrs. Jenkins' ill manner.

A radiant smile illuminated Maria's face, casting a spell of enchantment upon the atmosphere.

Even Barbara found herself blushing, her thoughts momentarily scattered, rendering her speechless.

“Well, am I mistaken?" Barbara muttered aloud, her guilt evident in her expression, prompting Maria to roll her eyes and sneer.

“What you have done is of no concern to me. I have no interest in your formula for a grade-five poison pill,“ Maria stated firmly, her gaze fixed unwaveringly upon Barbara.

"I simply wish to convey that no one can pilfer anything from me." With those words, Maria turned and gracefully made her way to the square where the final competition took place.

“Grandma, help me, please!" Barbara pleaded, her voice filled with desperation and a plea for assistance.

"She spoke with such certainty, as if she holds all the secrets. What am I to do? Maria seeks retribution and I am consumed by dread!"

Barbara trembled, her once graceful demeanor now shattered, leaving her in a state of complete agitation. Her complexion drained of color, and her voice quivered with unease.

“Compose yourself! Do not succumb to panic!”

Mrs. Jenkins commanded, casting a stern gaze upon Barbara, her anger ignited by the latter's reaction.

"So she knows. What of it? I hold the reins of power within the Jenkins family. I dictate the course of affairs here. She stands no chance of overturning a verdict established over two decades ago. Furthermore, she lacks any evidence," Mrs. Jenkins declared with conviction.

"Yes, you are correct. Grandma, there is nothing she can do," Barbara echoed, finding solace in her grandmother's words.

Little did Barbara know, however, that Mrs. Jenkins harbored a profound sense of displeasure, her mood greatly soured.

"The analysis of the pill has concluded. This grade-six Happy Pill is assessed to be 100% effective, reaching its pinnacle."

Upon hearing the final outcome, Barbara's countenance froze, reflecting her astonishment .

The effectiveness of the pill reached an unparalleled 100%?

This result surpassed all expectations, affirming the absolute perfection of Maria‘s creation.

Nevertheless, it also seemed logical and reasonable.

Considering Maria as the pill's inventor, refining it to such a degree was not an arduous task.

The report contained not a single flaw

The true quandary Lay with Maria herself.

Who was she, really? At merely twenty years of age, she possessed the capability to develop a grade-six pill entirely on her own, all while originating from a secluded village.

When contrasted with Maria, Barbara couldn't help but feel a pang of shame within.