Chapter 97
"Isabella Langley? Impossible."
"How could KL's top designer do such a thing?"
"It must be a system error. Check again."
Whispers filled the room as disbelief painted every face.
Celadon's supporters exchanged uneasy glances. Though convinced she deserved the win, the idea of the Langley heiress cheating was beyond comprehension.
The host approached Isabella cautiously, extending the microphone.
"Miss Langley, would you like to comment?" His voice softened, wary of offending the Langley princess.
"No." Isabella forced composure, but her gaze darted nervously.
Her fingers clenched the fabric of her dress, knuckles whitening as nails dug into her palms.
Retrieving the mic, the host cleared his throat.
"Due to voting irregularities, the judging panel will suspend the awards ceremony for a full investigation."
The auditorium fell silent, the air thickening with tension.
Isabella strode toward backstage, stiletto heels clicking sharply against the floor.
In the shadows, Vanessa Valrose leaned gracefully against the wall.
Her tailored navy suit accentuated her statuesque frame, giving her the aura of a runway model.
"Cousin..." Isabella's voice trembled.
Vanessa smiled, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Isabella's ear.
"Why panic?"
"What do we do now?" Isabella bit her lip.
Vanessa produced a cigarette from her pocket, lighting it with deliberate slowness.
"That Dylan Orlando..." She exhaled a smoke ring. "Isn't Celadon."
Isabella's head snapped up.
"The real Celadon is a woman. Someone abroad saw her in person." Vanessa flicked ash from her cigarette. "Dylan's just an impostor."
A spark ignited in Isabella's eyes.
She turned toward the stage, lips curling into a cold smirk.
"Dylan Orlando... You're finished."