Chapter 88
Chapter 88
Beau was convinced that Juliette had stolen the sandalwood to spite Bianca–a senseless act.
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This trending topic also targeted Bianca despite no objective evidence against her. Beau Harrison even questioned whether Juliette truly loved Patrick, suggesting she might still be in love with Finn.
Beau couldn’t help but glance at Patrick, wondering if Juliette was being unfaithful after using such a ridiculous tactic on Bianca.
Beau was deeply frustrated. He couldn’t express his disapproval of Juliette without Patrick overreacting, so his only option was to arrange for her protection, a responsibility that weighed heavily on him.
Thora recognized their doubt. “Juliette would never lie,” she asserted. “She saved my life five years ago, risking everything.”
“Five years ago? She was the one who knew me back then?” Juliette’s fingertips twitched slightly. She longed to ask more, but they were called into the venue just then. The competition results were about to be announced.
Juliette knew this wasn’t the right time or place to discuss what happened five years ago; it would have to wait until after the competition.
She gave Thora’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you for believing in me,” she said. “After everything is over today, I’d
love to buy you “ce. I hope you can make it.”
Thora nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely! And it’s my treat, no question. You saved my life – I couldn’t possibly let you pay.”
Juliette smiled and didn’t say anything else.
At three o’clock in the afternoon, people began filing into the venue, where Beau had reserved front–row seats for the awards
ceremony.
This year, many exceptional perfumes were created. The top ten contenders were showcased individually on the big screen each with a detailed presentation of its bottle design and fragrance concept.
Ten judges selected the top three fragrances after more than six hours of judging. Bianca’s rose fragrance, “Rose Blood,” won first place in this year’s National Perfume Competition.
The audience erupted in thunderous applause as Bianca rose and took a bow for the camera.
Both Beau and Patrick glanced at Juliette, worried their words might provoke her. Instead of an outburst, a subtle sneer curled her lips.
To a wave of applause, Bianca, radiant in the “Inferno” dress, approached the podium, bathed in the spotlight that followed her every step.
Her beauty, enhanced by her smooth skin and delicate makeup, captivated the crowd. Her dazzling dress added to her allure, making her the undeniable center of attention. Such was her elegance that it silenced most of the onlookers.
Finn’s eyes were brimming with affection for someone he liked, unlike Juliette, whose beauty was only skin deep.
The host remarked, “Bianca’s perfume creation is a beautiful rose fragrance with a hint of fantasy. Our judges agreed: Wearing this rosy perfume is like stepping into a pure paradise, inspiring courage to pursue love. It embodies both love and the bravery found in loneliness.
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Chapter 88
“This rose–toned perfume evokes a sense of nobility, making anyone who wears it feel dignified and accomplished.”
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Thunderous applause erupted once more as Bianca stood in the spotlight, awaiting the gold medal the staff brought to the
stage.
The host announced, “Next, let’s welcome Leighton Harrison, a renowned perfume industry leader, to the stage to present the award to this year’s perfume competition champion, Ms. Bianca Vaughn!”
An elegant woman in a vintage black dress stood and walked to the podium, her gray hair framing her face and radiating
energy.
Leighton took the medal from the staff and was about to hand it to Bianca. She bowed politely to accept the award, but at that moment, Beau abruptly stood up and shouted, “Bianca cannot be given this award!”
In an instant, everyone turned to look at Beau in a commotion.
Leighton, Beau’s grandmother, frowned, disapproving of his careless words. She wondered how Beau, representing the Harrison family on such a momentous occasion, could be so flippant.
Someone quickly passed the microphone to Beau, who continued, “Bianca’s perfume is plagiarized.”
Francis had just tagged him in the group chat, claiming Bianca’s work was not hers. Since only one Francis was in the group. he knew instantly that it was the right person and didn’t need to confirm his identity. If Francis said it was plagiarism, it probably was.
“How could the National Perfume Competition award first prize to a plagiarist?” exclaimed Beau.
On the podium, Bianca felt a flicker of panic, but her composure quickly returned. She spoke into the microphone with a calm expression and a slight smile.
“It’s incredibly coincidental. Around lunchtime, my sister spread false accusations of plagiarism against me, which gained enough traction to trend online. Our company has already issued her a cease and desist letter regarding these fabricated claims.
“She feels free to bully me privately, but attacking me publicly about perfume disrespects the legacy of Vaughn Perfumes. That’s why I sent a cease and desist letter.”
Bianca continued, “Mr. Harrison, please tell me exactly whose work you believe I plagiarized. You can’t accuse me of something this serious just because you and my brother–in–law are close friends.”
With these words, Bianca presented herself as a victim of repeated bullying.
Beau pursed his lips, waiting for Francis to respond in the group chat about whose work had been plagiarized and what evidence existed.
He’d just seen the trophy nearly in Bianca’s grasp; it would be too late if he didn’t act. He couldn’t answer her questions, though, without any proof. Still, he trusted Francis, so he stopped for a time, hoping evidence would turn up.
To everyone’s astonishment, Juliette rose to her feet. She took Beau’s microphone and, looking directly at Bianca on stage and the camera, declared, “You plagiarized my work.”
Chapter 89
