Chapter 767:
The apology had been nothing more than damage control, a way to soften public outrage. Yet Rylie brushed her off as if she were beneath notice. Did she really think her family’s wealth gave her the right to trample others so openly? Surely the audience would see the arrogance for what it was.
Raymond reclaimed the microphone, his voice cutting through the buzz of the crowd. “The rules are clear. Plagiarism has no place in this competition. Once exposed, it leads to permanent disqualification.”
He glanced coldly at Laurel and Paola before continuing, “Now, I announce the disqualification of Elegance from the competition, and there will be no further partnership between us.”
Upon hearing this, Laurel crumpled to the floor in despair. It was finished — everything was over.
Watching her unravel, Kyla frowned and asked hesitantly, “Is the punishment really that harsh?”
Melany leaned closer, her tone brisk. “Of course it is. This is Meridian Future we’re talking about — the trendsetter, the gold standard of fashion. For any local brand dreaming of breaking into the global scene, Meridian Future is the fastest gateway. Winning here means your work gets pushed worldwide with their elite fashion team behind it. Every brand they’ve backed has skyrocketed to success.”
Rylie, composed as ever, added evenly, “And any brand they blacklist? They’re crushed. The last one they turned on ended up bankrupt, completely wiped out.”
Melany let out a sharp snort. “Serves them right.”
Once Raymond finished delivering the crushing verdict, his tone shifted as he turned to the final announcement.
“I trust everyone here has already guessed the champion. The judges’ tallies confirm it.” Lifting the winners list with a broad smile, he looked straight at Rylie. “Let’s welcome the creator of Spring, the unexpected dark horse of this competition, to step on stage and claim the award!”
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Rylie gave Melany a playful nudge. “Go on, genius designer — your moment’s here.”
Melany’s knees went weak the instant she stood, but somehow she managed to walk forward. Each step felt light and unreal, as though she were treading on clouds. The spotlight locked on her the moment she reached center stage, while cameras swirled around to capture every angle.
Inside the grand hall that celebrated the best in fashion, Melany finally achieved the honor she had only dared to dream of. Raymond passed her the gleaming trophy with a teasing smile. “Careful now, it’s solid gold.”
Her fingers wrapped tightly around it, nerves and excitement tangling in her chest. Looking down toward the seats, she called out, “I owe this to Rylie. She is the one who pushed me to join. Without her encouragement, Seasons would never have come to life. With her guidance, I know I’ll create even stronger designs for Sweetberry. Thank you.”
The audience erupted in applause, their claps echoing through the venue. Heat rushed to her face as she tried to shrink under the spotlight. Clutching her prize, she hurried offstage — only to misstep and pitch forward, stumbling right in front of everyone.
Melany’s eyes widened in alarm, a scream stuck in her throat — only to be silenced when a steady hand caught her mid-fall. In the next instant, she was pulled securely against a broad chest. A subtle scent of wood and spice filled her nose, grounding her as she blinked up at the stranger.
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