Of course, it was normal for Merlin to do such a thing but not for Maria. What was happening?

Was she qualified to make a review on other writers' works now just because she attended two reality shows and gained a little bit of popularity?

“Vivian, did the entertainment circle collaborate with the Writers’ Association in any way?" Kash asked with a frown

It was the only logical explanation he could think of as to why Maria attended the Star Search.

“No. I've never heard of any collaboration of that sort,"

Vivian replied, her expression darkening.

"Let's go, Mr. Debenham. Let's see what my sister is planning to do." With that, she made a beeline for Maria.

Her ardent followers, who had been waiting for her, were no longer her top priority.

Vivian stopped a few feet away. Both Merlin and Maria had their backs to her.

She refrained from greeting either of them, as she wanted to see what they were up to first.

"It's not bad, per se, but the composition is much too flowery. This short story was supposed to be a mid-grade one, but the wordy prose dragged the overall quality down."

Vivian instantly sneered when she heard this.

She didn't expect Maria to be so presumptuous that she would actually go around commenting on other people's work.

At first, Vivian thought that Maria would just be following Merlin around and try to milk the opportunity to be seen by some big shots. How dare she think she was qualified to criticize the articles? In the end, she would only be banking on Merlin's influence, anyway.

Vivian grumbled under her breath.

“Let's see you make a fool of yourself!"

She figured that the writer would be outraged after getting a negative remark from some nobody. With any luck, the man might even rebuke Maria in front of Vivian.

“I see. Thank you. I will keep that in my mind for my future endeavors!"

Vivian was dumbfounded. This man was a thirty-year-old college assistant who was already recognized as a one-star writer.

His cheeks turned a shade of red over Maria's comment, but he didn't seem mad at all. In fact, he appeared very modest and respectful.

Was he out of his mind?

Why was he being so polite and even respectful to Maria?

And why was Maria commenting on the writers’ submissions, anyway? Didn't they send any other high-star writers to the event?

“Don't you find this ridiculous, Mr. Debenham? How could she— Sir?" Vivian had turned to speak to Kash, but she cut herself off after seeing the shocked expression on his face.