Liam Winston's sudden accusation made Chloe Evans' blood run cold.
She had never openly admitted to being the Crimson Serpent, yet allowed this misconception to spread for years. The legendary perfumer was likely over sixty now, perhaps already deceased.
Chloe had comfortably basked in the glory and praise this title brought her.
"Let it go, Liam."
Chloe considered retreating. Third place was enough.
Her accolades came from stolen formulas she tweaked. Before competing, she'd checked the participant list—no Crimson Serpent—and breathed easier.
But Liam stood firm. "We can't let this go! I demand answers!"
Chloe bit her lip.
The murmurs from the crowd made her skin crawl.
This secret must never come out!
Since the real Crimson Serpent wasn't here...
"Everyone, please listen. There's more to this story."
Chloe's eyes welled up, her voice trembling.
"I once gifted Liam a similar perfume. Perhaps Sophia accidentally smelled it or drew inspiration, resulting in our scents' resemblance."
Her words deftly shifted blame to Sophia Sullivan, implying plagiarism.
"How shameless!"
Isabella Robinson cut in furiously. "You dare claim similarity? The judges are industry experts—can't they distinguish quality?"
Several attendees leaned in to compare both perfumes.
Soon, professionals supported Isabella. "Perfume No.5 has far richer layers. No.3 pales in comparison."
"Perhaps coincidental, but No.5 is clearly superior."
Some tried mediating, but discerning noses recognized the uncanny similarity in base notes.
No.5 unfolded like a symphony.
No.3 seemed restrained, as if afraid to unleash its dangerous undertones.
"Seems No.3 borrowed from No.5," someone challenged.
Ethan Sullivan countered coldly, "Chloe's style matured long ago. Timeline proves Sophia copied."
He sneered. "Nowadays, anyone dares compete. Let's see your arrogance when court summons arrive."
Ethan chuckled. "Slander?"
"Got proof No.5 cheated? If not, I'll gladly help Ms. Sullivan seek justice."
The crowd gasped, pitying Liam.
Everyone knew Sullivan Group's legal team's reputation.
But Sophia strode toward Chloe, gaze piercing. "Liam called you Crimson Serpent earlier—you didn't deny it. Now results are out."
"Chloe Evans, answer before everyone—are you truly the Crimson Serpent?"
Chloe's lips whitened under pressure.
This was deflection!
As she hesitated, Liam stepped forward.
"Of course!"
He declared firmly. "Chloe's humble—never competes under her real name. Unlike some social climbers."
Silence fell before Isabella burst out laughing. "Our Sophia's the real Crimson Serpent! How dare you impersonate her!"
The room held its breath.
This battle of impostor versus legend set hearts racing.