Sophia Sullivan's ears were ringing.
She couldn't believe what she'd just heard.
Impossible!
Years ago, she'd spent a fortune investigating Crimson Serpent's background.
All evidence pointed to a mysterious perfumer over sixty years old.
That person had vanished without a trace.
Meanwhile, Liam Winston had been struggling to survive on a deserted island.
An orphan with no one to rely on.
How could he have afforded to fly to Italy for a competition?
"I'm not Crimson Serpent."
Liam's voice cut through the silence.
"But she did mentor me in perfumery."
"Our techniques were similar, so people often mistook me for her."
"After a while, I stopped correcting them."
Chloe Evans forced herself to remain composed.
She couldn't show weakness now.
Her nails dug into her palms.
The sharp pain kept her grounded.
She didn't dare look in Liam's direction.
"Please don't make baseless accusations, sister."
Chloe tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
The gesture appeared graceful, but her fingers trembled slightly.
"Everyone knows Crimson Serpent was only sixteen when she competed."
"How could you have learned perfumery while stranded on that island?"
"Where would you get money for a plane ticket to Italy?"
Whispers spread through the crowd.
It was true—Liam's humble origins were common knowledge.
How could a country orphan have such opportunities?
Howard Sullivan frowned deeply.
For the first time, he doubted Chloe.
That night on the cruise, everyone praised her as a perfuming genius.
Chloe had never claimed to be Crimson Serpent.
But she'd never denied it either.
Had this all been a misunderstanding?
He remembered the girl who'd saved him five years ago.
He pushed down his rising suspicions.
"Chloe's right!"
Howard snapped at Liam.
"You're despicable—even deceiving your friends!"
"Stealing Chloe's perfume and still lying about it!"
His anger masked his growing uncertainty.
Just then, an aged but commanding voice rang out.
"Silence!"
The crowd parted like the Red Sea.
Howard Sullivan approached with documents in hand.
The seventy-year-old perfumery legend's presence commanded instant respect.
"I hear there are doubts about the competition results."
The elder's voice boomed, his gaze sharp.
"Per regulations, we'll release footage of the top ten contestants."
"As for Crimson Serpent..."
He paused, scanning the room.
"I've actually met her in person."
Howard scoffed.
"Liam Winston, it's not too late to admit your lies!"
Chloe quickly grabbed his arm.
"Liam, don't."
"If my perfume inspired my sister, that's fate."
She wanted this disaster over immediately.
If the real Crimson Serpent appeared...
Isabella Robinson couldn't hold back a laugh.
"Getting nervous, impostor?"
Howard Sullivan gave Chloe a meaningful look.
"This concerns the competition's integrity. We must investigate thoroughly."
The elder turned to Liam.
His expression softened unexpectedly.
"Child, I thought you'd always use the name Crimson Serpent."
"Why switch to Lemon this time?"
He shook his head with a smile.
"You were quite the prodigy back then."
"Where have you been all these years?"
The room fell deathly silent.
Everyone stared in shock.
Lemon was Crimson Serpent?
The legendary perfuming genius?
Chloe staggered back, her face ashen.
Howard stood frozen, as if struck by lightning.