Chapter 477 Questioning

Observing Norah among the judges, Sean pondered briefly before joining Susanna and Phillip.

"Madeline, you assert that 'Future Technology' is your creation, correct? Kindly explain your design concepts to us."

Norah crossed her arms and reclined in her chair, casting a cold gaze at Madeline on the stage with her intense eyes.

It marked Norah's inaugural commentary initiative. The rest of the judges observed, sensing Noelle's focused attention on this particular contestant. After a pause, Madeline, her lips bitten in anxiety, began, "The design is rooted in futuristic technology. And... And... It... Um, the specifics revolve

around...

Her speech faltered, leaving her unable to articulate a full sentence. A palpable tension filled the air.

"I tried to integrate elements of future technology into the design. Among these..."

As Madeline continued, her stuttering increased, forcing her to swiftly conclude the topic, her hands clasped in anxiety. Despite having prepared her response, her mind went blank in that moment. Norah's subtle smile unnerved her, rendering her speechless.

"Is that all?"

"And... And...

Madeline struggled to say more but failed. Susanna, while stroking her chin, remarked, "Is Madeline losing her composure? I didn't anticipate Norah being on the judging panel. What an unlucky day for Madeline!"

Sean's expression grew cold. Norah had divorced Derek. What was the reason for her animosity toward Madeline? Did she still harbor feelings for Derek? They had been together for over two years. Despite their divorce, could they still have lingering emotions for one another?

But what did it matter now? With Norah by her side, she had to let go of Derek Individuals who no longer maintained contact were mere strangers.

Kathy's eyes flared with fury. "Derek, did you witness that? Noah intentionally made things challenging for Madeline! Although Madeline spoke up, Norah persisted. Madeline is visibly anxious."

Madeline's unfamiliarity with her own design sketches was evident. Despite her nerves, she was expected to elaborate on her design concepts, yet she

faltered in doing so. "Derek, I believe Norah is deliberately acting this way. She's aware of your upcoming marriage, so she's attempting to grab your attention. She's envious

and harbors lingering emotions for you."

Derek's eyes gleamed with surprise. Norah still had feelings for him? He

gazed at Norah with a blank expression. Was she truly not over him?

Standing solitary on the stage, Madeline gripped the microphone tightly,

feeling a sense of mockery looming in her ears. How humiliating it was for a designer to struggle with articulating her own design concepts!

"Are you at a loss for words?"

Norah extended her hand, lifting Madeline's design sketch. "Your design bears a resemblance to one I previously created."

Coldly, she tossed the sketch in front of Madeline. "You're audacious to present a plagiarized design in this competition."

Norah's words left everyone stunned.

"What? Her work was copied. Did she steal Noelle's design?"

"Oh my goodness! This is unbelievable!"

"So that's why Noelle was furious. It appears she recognized her own design." "Madeline brought this upon herself. If she receives an award for plagiarism, I'll be outraged! Thankfully, she was exposed! I'm siding with Noelle!"

Even the other judges were taken aback. They hadn't anticipated plagiarism in an international competition. This would jeopardize the contestant's standing in the fashion design community.