Chapter 43 A Competition.
“Oh, so that’s what happened. That sister of his is truly vicious–trying to ruin her niece’s reputation like that!”
H
Finished
“I’m not so sure,” someone else said. “The video’s right there for everyone to see. How could it be faked? I bet there’s more to the story.
At that moment, another voice called out toward the stage, “Just because you say so doesn’t make it true! If your niece really stole the design, then she doesn’t deserve that championship!”
Liam handed the microphone to
roline and lowered his voice. “You’d better explain every
detail about how you planned this. You know what’ll happen if you don’t.”
Caroline took the microphone with a calm smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everyone. understands everything loud and clear.”
She faced the audience and began, “Hello, everyone. I’m the aunt of the winner, Ms. Helen, and also the girl in the video you just saw.”
As soon as she introduced herself, murmurs swept through the crowd.
The sound of whispers buzzed in the air, but Caroline couldn’t make out what they were saying.
Unbothered, she went on, “My niece studied fashion design in college. After graduating, she joined our family’s garment factory as a designer. I, on the other hand, had to give up college to care for my brother after he injured his leg. Six months ago, once he recovered, I started working at the factory too–as a general helper. But I wasn’t content being just a helper. Since then, I’ve spent my days doing odd jobs at the factory and my nights in my room, studying fashion design.
on my own
Helen’s heart sank the moment she heard that. She reached out and tugged at Liam’s sleeve, silently urging him to stop Caroline from saying more.
Though Liam was full of doubts, he knew he had to stop her–for the sake of the bigger picture.
He lunged to grab the microphone, but Caroline shifted her body and dodged him with ease.
“Caroline, don’t be reckless!” he hissed through clenched teeth.
He tried to grab the mic again, but the host stepped in just in time to block him.
“Sir, this has nothing to do with you anymore. Please return to your seat.”
Liam stared at him, voice rising with urgency. “My sister’s always been jealous of my niece. She’s done all kinds of cruel things to my niece because of it. This whole thing, it’s just another act of jealousy, trying to stop my niece from winning!”
The host had lost all patience. “Whether it’s the truth or a setup, we’ve got eyes and ears. We don’t need your commentary.”
8:34 PM ch
Chapter 43 A Competition
stage, even as he continued shouting. “Caroline’s full of sweet talk–don’t let her fool you!”
Finished
Meanwhile, Caroline had already begun recounting her journey–from entering the factory to the moments when Helen had stolen her design drafts, including the current one that had sparked the scandal.
The crowd listened with a mix of fury and sympathy. Some were furious at Caroline’s brothers and Helen. Others were heartbroken over what Caroline had endured.
A few even wiped away tears, realizing how lucky they were to have supportive families.
Helen clutched the sides of her dress so tightly her knuckles turned white.
She had waited so long for this moment–how could it all fall apart because of a few words from Caroline?
She wasn’t going to let it end like this.
Storming up to Caroline, Helen snatched the microphone from her hands.
“She’s lying!” she cried. “Please don’t just listen to her one–sided story!”
A voice rose from the audience, “Maybe she is, maybe she isn’t. But that video doesn’t lie. If you think she’s framing you, then prove it. Show us that you didn’t steal the design.”
Helen’s voice sharpened. “I studied fashion design in college. I’ve produced multiple bestsellers in our factory. She didn’t even go to college. She’s never studied fashion design at all! Isn’t it obvious whose design it really was?” Her last sentence was aimed squarely at Caroline.
Her eyes were full of venom, as if she wanted to slap Caroline right then and there.
Someone in the crowd spoke up again, “Since what you guys claimed is different, why don’t we do this? Give them both a theme, right here and now, and have them each design something on the spot.
Whoever does better is telling the truth.”
Back by the barricade, Liam heard the suggestion and shouted, “Yes! That’s exactly what we should do have them compete!”
No matter how sharp Caroline’s tongue was, she had no formal training. There was no could outperform Helen, who’d studied fashion design for years,
And, she wouldn’t be able to pull any tricks under so many watchful eyes.
way she
He was already imagining Caroline making a fool of herself. In his mind, she deserved it for trying and failing to ruin Helen, only to end up digging her own grave.
The host hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside and made a phone call to the event organizers.
After a brief conversation, he returned to the center of the stage, now composed and serious. His eyes moved between Caroline and Helen.
Chapter 43 A Competition
will be declared today’s true champion.”
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