Julian Roscente's words rang with authority.
He clearly knew everything that had just transpired.
The crowd murmured among themselves.
Reporters swarmed in, scrambling to capture the breaking news.
"Look! That's Julian Roscente, CEO of Radiant Beauty Group!"
"Rumor has it the winner of this competition is the Crimson Serpent from the Italian perfumery contest years ago!"
"There's a showdown between the real and fake Crimson Serpent inside, but we can't get in to film it."
Chloe Evans dug her nails into her palms.
She seethed with hatred but was powerless.
The clamor of the media outside grew louder.
She couldn't let Liam Winston get dragged into this.
The Radiant Beauty Group was not to be trifled with.
Sophia Sullivan being the Crimson Serpent was now undeniable.
But if she publicly admitted to plagiarism and cheating, how could she ever hold her head high in A-City again?
Sophia scoffed.
"The evidence is irrefutable. Surely you're not going to claim this was just an homage, Miss Evans?"
Everyone present was a professional.
Chloe had no way out.
"...I stole my sister's perfume."
The apology was forced through gritted teeth.
"I'm sorry."
She bowed deeply to Sophia, humiliation burning through her.
Click. Click.
Cameras went wild capturing the moment.
Chloe clenched her jaw, fury consuming her.
Resentment and jealousy crashed over her like a tidal wave.
Sophia was really the Crimson Serpent!
This woman had set her up on purpose!
Chloe thought the bow and apology would be the end of it.
The media had their photos. The matter should be over.
But Sophia wasn't done.
"Shouldn't Mr. Winston apologize too? After all, you accused me of cheating without any proof."
Sophia watched the livid man with amusement.
"Surely someone as esteemed as the Winston Group's CEO understands the simple principle of admitting mistakes? You wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of Mr. Roscente, would you?"
Every word carried a veiled threat.
She had heard Liam begging Ethan Sullivan for an introduction last time.
This competition was clearly his attempt to get close to Julian.
Liam's fists tightened.
He recognized the underlying message.
If he didn't apologize, any chance of collaboration would vanish.
Julian watched him lazily.
Ethan openly backed Sophia.
Liam's scalp prickled.
He ground his teeth, swallowing his pride.
"I shouldn't have falsely accused Miss Sullivan."
Under the scrutiny of the crowd, Liam slowly bowed.
"My apologies."
Two simple words, dripping with venomous hatred.
Compared to his private apology in Potter's Town, this was a public humiliation.
The reporters weren't about to let this slide.
Camera flashes erupted like fireworks.
Tomorrow's headlines would be flooded with images of the Winston Group's CEO bowing in apology.
But it was the only way to quell the storm and preserve Chloe's standing.
According to the competition rules, they could still vie for collaboration with Radiant Beauty.
The largest global advertiser!
Liam silently vowed to use their influence to whitewash his reputation later.
Just then, reporters breached security and surged inside.
Their lenses zeroed in on his bowed form, capturing every angle.
Liam's expression darkened.
"Are we done here?"
He mentally calculated the cost of buying their silence.
Sophia waved cheerfully.
"Don't let the door hit you on the way out."
Liam's blood boiled.
But Julian spoke up casually, "Hold on."
Before Liam could react, the CEO turned to the event organizer.
"Inform the media that the cheating contestant is disqualified. Our perfumery competition has zero tolerance for plagiarism."
"Yes, sir!" The organizer had long disliked Liam and Chloe.
They had slandered the competition and the judges. Despicable.
The organizer immediately set to work.
Chloe and Liam froze as if struck by lightning.
Their pupils contracted in disbelief.
Disqualification meant any chance of collaborating with Radiant Beauty was gone—vanished into thin air!