Chapter 64
Dominic Sterling’s words hit like a thunderclap, leaving no room for doubt.
He already knew everything. There would be no surprises.
The crowd buzzed with excitement, electrified by the unfolding drama. Journalists, always hungry for scandal, pushed forward, eager to capture every damning detail.
“Isn’t that Dominic Sterling? The CEO of the Everett Group!”
“They say Isabella Sinclair, the winner of the first Perfumery Competition, has won again!”
“Everyone wanted to see the real Scarlet Serpent expose the fraud, but security blocked the way. No photos allowed.”
Sophia Kensington’s stomach twisted with rage, but she was trapped. The press was right there, yet she couldn’t drag Ethan Blackwood down with her. The Everett Group was too powerful to challenge, and now that Isabella had been confirmed as the real Scarlet Serpent, the tables had turned in her favor.
But for Sophia to publicly admit to plagiarism? Confess to cheating? That would ruin her reputation in Ontdale forever.
Isabella’s voice was ice. “It’s over, Sophia. Still pretending this was just a tribute?”
The professionals in the crowd smelled blood. Sophia had no way out.
“It was my mistake,” she spat, every word forced. “I shouldn’t have stolen your formula.”
Her apology grated like nails on a chalkboard. “I’m sorry.”
Bowing deeply, Sophia performed an exaggerated gesture of submission. Every second of her humiliation was captured by flashing cameras. Her jaw clenched so tight she could hear her teeth grinding.
Bitterness and envy surged inside her like a tidal wave.
Who would’ve guessed Isabella was the real Scarlet Serpent all along?
From the start, Isabella had played her like a fiddle.
Sophia thought her public apology would be the end of it.
But Isabella wasn’t done.
“And what about you, Mr. Blackwood?” Her tone was calm, but laced with quiet fury. “You accused me of cheating without proof. Don’t you think an apology is overdue?”
Her gaze shifted to Ethan, whose face had gone pale.
“Surely, for someone of your status, admitting a mistake shouldn’t be too hard. Especially in front of Mr. Sterling. A graceful exit isn’t too much to ask, is it?”
Her words were razor-sharp, each one weighted with unspoken threat.
Isabella remembered how Ethan had once begged Alexander Kingsley for an opportunity. She knew he had hoped to partner with Dominic through this competition.
Ethan hesitated, the gravity of the moment pressing down on him.
Refusing to apologize would destroy any chance with Dominic. The consequences would be worse than humiliation.
He could feel Dominic’s cold stare, the pressure intensifying as Alexander, standing beside Isabella, watched him closely.
The weight was suffocating.
Gritting his teeth, Ethan swallowed his pride. He had no choice.
“I shouldn’t have wrongfully accused Miss Sinclair.”
Under the audience’s scrutiny, Ethan gave a stiff, reluctant bow.
“I’m sorry.”
The word was small, but the venom in his voice was unmistakable.
In the shadows of Athton, he could have endured the apology. But here, under the blinding spotlight, his dignity crumbled.
Cameras flashed relentlessly, capturing every second.
Ethan didn’t need to see tomorrow’s headlines to know the damage was done.
But for now, it was the only way to salvage Sophia’s third-place standing. According to the rules, she still had a slim chance at partnering with the Everett Group.
With their backing, Ethan was sure he could turn things around.
He silently vowed to clear his name later.
Just as he turned to leave, Dominic’s voice cut through the air like a blade.
“Wait.”
Before Ethan could react, Dominic turned to the organizer with a careless shrug.
“Inform the media that this contestant, caught in plagiarism, is disqualified. The Perfumery Competition has zero tolerance for dishonesty.”
“Understood,” the organizer said quickly, relieved to finally act.
Sophia and Ethan froze.
Their eyes widened in shock.
They couldn’t believe it.
