"I didn't realize you had so many identities. Are there any I haven't uncovered yet?" Karol's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Lilah leaned in, her voice low. “Oh, many more than you can imagine."

"Don't think you can marry Gerard by winning a few competitions. No matter how many identities you have, you can't erase the fact that your mother was a whore," Karol spat out, her bitterness evident.

Lilah's expression remained unchanged, but her high heel found its mark on Karol's foot, causing her to wince in pain.

As Karol attempted to step back, she realized she couldn't move her foot at all, and her dress hem obscured the altercation from the audience and cameras onstage.

Karol understood then that Lilah had orchestrated the entire exchange.

"Karol Morris." Lilah's gaze bored into Karol, her eyes piercing like an endless abyss. Fear gripped Karol's heart as Lilah's words cut through the air. "Don't risk your life with that foul mouth of yours."

With those ominous words, Lilah withdrew her foot, leaving Karol stunned in her wake.

Turning to the leading judge as if nothing had happened, Lilah addressed him confidently.

"Gentleman, you just asked me about the inspiration behind my creation. This perfume, designed for men, holds great personal significance for me. I will share its story during the award ceremony."

"Indeed. Let's proceed with the ceremony. Since there are no objections, I hereby declare Windy as the champion of this perfume-making competition."

Karol's face drained of color as the pain in her foot intensified, making it difficult for her to maintain her composure. Thankfully, her assistant came to her aid, guiding her offstage before she could embarrass herself further.

“Miss Morris, your foot!" the assistant exclaimed.

"Shut up! I know!" Karol snapped, her gaze fixed on Lilah, who stood triumphant with the trophy in hand.

Lilah basked in the spotlight, the warm glow casting her in an ethereal light, resembling a goddess that held the audience spellbound.

“Firstly, I extend my gratitude to the esteemed judges of the perfume-making competition. Your recognition of my creation holds profound significance.

This perfume holds a special place in my heart, and I am delighted to share it with all of you. I invite you to open the sample strips in your hands, which bear the scent modified in accordance with the competition guidelines."

With anticipation, everyone raised their sample strips, mirroring Lilah's gesture.

Even Gerard, seated in the private box, eagerly participated.

As the light illuminated the sample strip, a simple yet affectionate message emerged: "L loves G."

A subtle smile played on Gerard's lips as he understood the significance behind Lilah's surprise.

Once, he had orchestrated a grand declaration of love for her. Now, in front of the entire competition audience, Lilah confessed her love for him, a moment witnessed by all.

"I drew inspiration from my beloved man to craft this perfume," Lilah revealed with a radiant smile, her eyes gleaming with happiness.

“What kind of man is he, you wonder? Perhaps you've already surmised, or maybe it'll take some time for the realization to sink in. After all, perceptions of love vary from person to person. While some may find this scent appealing, others may not."