Chapter 371
Gabrielle Winston ran a luxury product review account on social media. Her lavish lifestyle posts had garnered a sizable following.
At that moment, she was animatedly explaining the Winston family's background and her own design expertise to Isabella Evans.
The crowd suddenly stirred.
Gabrielle turned to see Sophia Laurent surrounded by reporters, camera flashes erupting around her.
"Mrs. Valdemar, is it true Mr. Valdemar has recovered and been discharged?"
"Will Mr. Valdemar's return affect your authority within the company?"
"Are you here to participate in the Starlight Design Awards?"
Sophia's lips curved into a poised smile as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Company matters will be addressed by Mr. Valdemar himself. I suggest you wait for the official press conference."
She took a graceful half-step back, creating distance.
"As for participating..." A glint of amusement flashed in her eyes. "You could say that."
Attending as a judge certainly counted as participation.
The reporters eagerly pressed for more details.
Just as the atmosphere grew lively, a shrill voice cut through the air.
"Pathetic! Sophia Laurent, how dare you show your face at Starlight?"
Gabrielle strode forward in stilettos, disdain dripping from her gaze.
Most contestants were rising designers or at least formally trained.
What qualifications did Sophia have?
Sophia lifted her gaze, her calm eyes sweeping over Gabrielle's twisted expression.
"The competition is open to all who love design. There are no restrictions."
Gabrielle scoffed. "Take a good look in the mirror. This isn't your scene!"
The blatant provocation caused an immediate uproar. Some discreetly raised their phones, live-streaming the confrontation.
Comments exploded across screens:
Who is this lunatic? How dare she speak to Mrs. Valdemar like that?
Sophia's emerald gown is stunning! That elegance is killer!
Wait, isn't that the Winston heiress?
Gabrielle's fans quickly rallied:
Our Gabrielle is Mr. Valdemar's cousin!
She never picks fights unprovoked. Sophia must've done something!
Expose this fake saint!
Sophia ignored the spectacle.
As a representative of the event, she only needed to maintain composure.
"My schedule requires no concern."
The contrast was striking—one woman poised, the other hysterical.
The crowd's judgmental stares made Gabrielle's skin prickle.
Spotting the live cameras, her eyes hardened with malice.
Today, she'd expose this fraud in front of the entire world.