Chapter 382

Emily Lowell had nearly drained her savings to obtain that compromising video.

True to her cautious nature, she'd only paid half the ransom upfront to the kidnappers.

When the footage finally arrived, she found it disappointingly dark and blurry.

Only shadowy figures of gangsters surrounding a woman could be vaguely discerned.

The woman's face remained obscured, captured only in partial profile.

Fortunately, the silhouette bore some resemblance to Sophia Laurent's delicate features and slender frame.

Combined with the prearranged hotel surveillance footage, it would suffice to cement Sophia's scandalous reputation.

Backstage at the Starlight Design Awards, Sophia sat pensively in her dressing room.

After expressing her gratitude, she fell into deep contemplation.

The media's relentless inquiries about her child's paternity demanded a strategic response.

Perhaps silence would serve as her most powerful weapon.

She wasn't part of the entertainment circus, after all.

Alexander Valdemar stood nearby, his gaze softening imperceptibly.

The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension.

A sharp knock shattered the quiet moment.

"Ms. Laurent, all competition entries have been submitted. Judging commences shortly." Gavin Winslow's voice carried through the door. "Our senior design team awaits your presence."

Straightening her collar, Sophia rose. "I'm coming."

This biennial event had humble beginnings.

Originally an internal company evaluation, she and Gavin had overseen its entirety.

As Versini Couture's prestige grew, so did participant numbers and judging panels.

To ensure absolute transparency, they'd transitioned to live-streamed evaluations.

The moment Sophia stepped out, a barrage of stares assaulted her.

Reporters' eyes gleamed with predatory interest at her appearance.

When Alexander emerged behind her, their excitement nearly boiled over.

Gavin's icy warning cut through the buzz. "Any off-topic questions will result in immediate expulsion."

His words doused the journalists' nosy enthusiasm like cold water.

While Sophia's personal life tempted them, ejection meant professional failure.

The live broadcast commenced.

Tension crackled through the venue.

Designers from across the nation coveted positions at elite fashion houses.

Yet one question burned brighter than Sophia's scandal—why did she occupy the head judge's seat?

Even Versini's president Gavin Winslow sat subordinate to her.

A reporter couldn't resist. "By what authority does Ms. Laurent judge this competition?"

The question barely skirted acceptable boundaries.

Gavin's sharp glance silenced further inquiries. "She isn't a contestant."

Daniel Lowell frowned from the audience.

His recent employment at Versini hadn't revealed any special connection between Gavin and Sophia.

His phone screen illuminated, showing only design draft exchanges with Gavin.

Staff began distributing competition blueprints to the judges.