Sophia Sullivan appeared to be seeking Chloe Evans' opinion, yet her hands never stopped moving.
With a swift gesture, she signaled the staff to adjust the projection screen.
Chloe's fingertips turned ice cold.
She couldn't believe Sophia actually possessed concrete evidence.
But Sophia's unshakable composure sent chills down her spine.
Liam Winston frowned deeply, equally taken aback.
The screen flickered to life.
The footage showed a perfumery in Italy.
A younger Sophia appeared, her face still carrying youthful innocence yet her gaze strikingly clear.
She worked meticulously with aromatic ingredients, her profile sharp and focused.
Liam's breath hitched.
This version of Sophia was both unfamiliar and dazzling.
Other contestants marveled at her natural talent.
"She can identify ratios by scent alone—no instruments needed."
"One wrong measurement ruins everything, yet she nails it effortlessly."
"Now that's true genius."
The pivotal moment arrived.
Sophia added cedarwood, then musk violet in precise succession.
Her final inhalation of rosemary matched her earlier description perfectly.
"The first competition had strict confidentiality clauses." Sophia scanned the room. "Only Mr. Sullivan Sr. ever saw my face."
Howard Sullivan nodded in confirmation.
"These exact steps created my championship perfume." His voice boomed. "The Crimson Serpent's identity is indisputable."
Irrefutable evidence.
Chloe's face drained of color.
The audience erupted.
"How shameless—stealing her creation then accusing the creator!"
"Sophia was just a teenager then? Incredible."
"I'm finally meeting my idol!"
Each whispered comment lashed at Chloe like a whip.
She wished the ground would swallow her whole.
Sophia approached with measured steps.
"You implied similar base notes meant plagiarism." Her voice cut like frost. "And let everyone believe you were the Crimson Serpent's protégé."
Her piercing gaze pinned Chloe in place.
"But I never take apprentices." Sophia's laugh held no warmth. "Especially not mediocre ones like you."