With Julie's arm in her grasp, Maria departed, trailed closely by Isla, who collected her trophy of third place in the competition. It was as if nothing extraordinary had occurred, and Isla remained Maria's faithful attendant.

What? How was this even possible? Had Maria bewitched both Isla and Julie?

Canaan was left dumbfounded, unable to comprehend the situation unfolding before him.

“It's time to wrap things up, Canaan. But Let me make this clear, don't you dare think about deducting any rewards from Maria and Isla. I'LL be keeping a watchful eye on you!”

Goodwin finally spoke, wearing a smile that carried a hint of warning.

The Lemna Yard appeared more dilapidated than it did during her previous visit. Julie couldn't contain her sudden outburst directed at the Jenkins family.

Stepping foot into the yard for the second time, she was struck by the deteriorating state of the house, leaving her both startled and compelled to rescue Maria from this environment.

As Maria drifted off to sleep quickly enough, her cell phone abruptly chimed with an incoming call. Anthony's voice echoed through the Line.

“Hello, Anthony. Unfortunately, Maria is currently unable to answer the phone. She's sound asleep and, as you know, her bedtime is quite irregular,"

Julie explained on the phone. Undeterred, Anthony responded, shedding Light on the purpose of his call.

“I was actually calling to inquire about the competition results."

“Maria emerged victorious, securing the championship. I genuinely believe no one else could have deserved it more than her," Julie conveyed, her voice trembling with excitement. She beamed with pride for her daughter's exceptional achievement.

“Are you serious? That's quite surprising," Anthony expressed before a brief pause ensued.

“What do you mean? Don't you think she deserves the victory?" Julie inquired, her confusion growing.

“No, that's not what I was implying," Anthony clarified.

“Since Maria has chosen to showcase her talents, the Sky Group should spare no effort in supporting her."

Curiosity piqued, Julie questioned further, "So, what exactly do you have in mind?"

“Mrs. Jenkins cannot allow Maria to continue down this path unimpeded. She will exhaust every method at her disposal to hinder her progress. However, the tactics employed will shift from overt bullying to underhanded schemes. Rest assured, the Sky Group will remain firmly in Maria's corner. It's important for us to assert our stance," Anthony divulged.

Julie was taken aback by this revelation, a mixture of surprise and curiosity swirling within her.

“Are you absolutely certain? If you proceed with that course of action, it may lead to the Jenkins family severing ties with the Sky Group."

Anthony's primary objective in establishing the Sky Group was to provide unwavering support to Maria. He enticed Mrs. Jenkins with financial incentives, tempting her with the allure of wealth and prompting her to take the risk of pursuing a collaboration with the Sky Group.

This collaboration would enable the Sky Group to offer even greater support to Maria.

Should this long-standing partnership crumble, the Sky Group would lose its influence within the Jenkins family.

"No need to fret. While the Jenkins family may be under Mrs. Jenkins' complete dominion, I highly doubt she dares to go against the entire family. Those who disapprove of her actions will ultimately overthrow her from power.”