Chapter 152 Rival
After the event organizers settled the commotion, reassuring everyone that all was well and the event was back on track, the award ceremony commenced to honor those who had emerged victorious in their respective categories.
Hera, Xavier, and Zen were ushered to the front of the line, standing alongside the other winners just below the small stage where the ranking ladder was prominently displayed.
The host began by expressing gratitude to all attendees, extending words of courtesy primarily towards the sponsors and influential figures who supported the competition’s development. He also acknowledged the dedication of all participants, commending the breeders and horse trainers for their exemplary work in breeding and raising exceptional steeds.
Finally, the host applauded the riders for their hard work and dedication, which led to their victories in their respective categories. He also took a moment to express appreciation for those who didn’t make it to the rankings, acknowledging their commendable efforts and perseverance.
As the host finished acknowledging and presenting trophies to the winners in the categories preceding Hera’s, he stepped down from the platform. Hera couldn’t help but tilt her head in confusion, realizing they hadn’t received their trophy yet, and they were the only ones left to be awarded.
Murmurs began to escalate as confusion spread among the crowd, with many assuming it was simply an honest mistake and the awarding of the trophy to the equestrian race category had been overlooked. However, their suspicions were confirmed when Leo stepped forward. The host promptly escorted him to the platform, handing him the microphone to address both the winners and the audience.
The whispers abruptly ceased, replaced by a collective gasp as everyone took in Leo’s otherworldly presence. Bathed in sunlight, he seemed to glow, a halo forming above his head as his piercing blue eyes swept across the participants’ faces until they settled on Hera’s. A subtle smile graced his lips as he began to speak.
"I am deeply honored to be invited to address you all today," he began, his voice carrying across the crowd. "First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication. Allow me to express my sincere congratulations to all the winners here today, on behalf of the Hendrix Consortium."
Leo’s words were succinct, yet they resonated like lightning striking the crowd as they realized he was a representative of one of the largest corporations, both domestically and internationally—the Hendrix Consortium. Much like the Avery Consortium, Hendrix was a colossal entity with interests spanning various industries and enjoyed a close relationship with the Avery.
To avoid potential conflicts between Hendrix and Avery within the industry, Hendrix prioritized its international expansion efforts. Leo played a pivotal role in this strategy, often traveling abroad to oversee and bolster their international presence.
During the years Leo spent abroad, numerous changes occurred, and his family’s wealth and heritage remained formidable, rivaling Hera’s family. However, unlike the Avery family’s approach of raising their children in a manner akin to any other common household, the Hendrix children were brought up with strict discipline. From a young age, they were groomed to excel and were accustomed to receiving only the finest education and resources.
The Hendrix family was shielded from the harsh realities of poverty, fostering a demeanor devoid of humility but steeped in dominance and aloofness ingrained deep within their essence. In contrast to the Avery family’s humble beginnings as farmers who rose to become the monarch’s advisors, the Hendrix lineage traced back to the noble bloodline of the monarchs themselves.