Chapter 5
"In the spirit of fairness," the host announced, "we've decided to postpone awarding the top three. We'll announce the winners after further investigation."
Nathaniel and the audience erupted in an uproar.
"Why postpone the awards?" someone shouted. "It's unfair!"
"The judges should disqualify both companies involved in the controversy!" another voice added.
"Tell us the names of the companies!" demanded a third.
The scene was chaotic, the reporters even more frenzied than the crowd. Initially, everyone anticipated a smooth ceremony, expecting no complications or negative headlines the following day.
Nathaniel, however, remained confident. Stepping forward, he raised his voice. "You're right! Given the situation, the organizing committee should disclose the results immediately. I believe the representatives of the two suspected companies are present, so we, their peers, can witness any injustice firsthand. Wouldn't that be more convincing?"
While the screen displayed the tumultuous scene, Alexander focused on the woman beside him. Lily held a wine glass, untouched, a faint, indifferent smile playing on her lips. After three years of waiting, she was finally his. He'd always considered Nathaniel undeserving of her.
He would have vehemently objected to a marriage between Lily and Nathaniel, but their relationship had imploded independently, saving him the trouble. This outcome, however, was necessary; Lily hadn't yet seen Nathaniel's true nature.
Their long relationship had made Lily timid and cautious, her voice reduced to a whisper. But now, watching the screen, her confidence returned, her determined eyes revealing the defiant spirit he knew so well.
"I'm leaving," Lily said, setting down her glass and glancing at Alexander.
"Remember, I'm here," he replied, his nod a silent reassurance.
Though Lily didn't want Alexander to intervene directly, his words calmed her. She nodded gratefully, exited the VIP room, and headed for the venue.
The chaos continued, fueled by Nathaniel's vocal protests. He was the loudest voice in the crowd; Melanie, meanwhile, basked in the unexpected attention, enjoying her proximity to Nathaniel.
The host's brow furrowed until someone approached the stage and whispered in his ear. He relaxed, turned to Nathaniel, and announced, "For the sake of sportsmanship, we intended to be discreet about the plagiarism. However, given the audience's strong demand, the organizing committee will publicly disclose the two companies and their entries."
"A plagiarist is a thief, deserving of no respect!" Nathaniel exclaimed, certain he wasn't implicated. He aimed to slander the culprits, believing this would boost MN Inc.'s reputation and popularity. He envisioned a brighter, wealthier future for his company.
The host adjusted the microphone. "Two companies submitted identical perfumes, both named 'First Love.'"
Melanie stared, stunned; Nathaniel feigned surprise. "First Love? That's MN Inc.'s creation. I wonder which company dared to copy us." Melanie scanned the crowd, searching for the culprit.
The host continued without further delay. "The company that submitted a product identical to MN Inc.'s is Rebirth."
"Re-Rebirth?" Nathaniel stammered. "Which company is that? I've never heard of them." His outward confusion masked his inner elation. The unknown competitor didn't matter; he was still set to win his award.
"Rebirth? Isn't that La Beautรฉ Group's new sister company, founded last year?" someone in the audience remarked.
"Yes, I've heard of them. They're new, backed by La Beautรฉ Group," another added.
"I see. Is Rebirth's representative here? My company worked diligently for over three months on 'First Love.' I'd like to know how Rebirth obtained our product," Nathaniel said, subtly emphasizing his company's innocence.
A calm, courteous man approached the stage. "Good evening, everyone. I'm Will, the PR manager of Rebirth. We're as surprised as you are. We didn't expect to submit an identical product, especially given the similarities. Initially, we were willing to cooperate with the committee's private investigation. However, given the other company's disagreement, we'll accept an on-site authenticity check."
Will's calm demeanor and La Beautรฉ Group's reputation swayed the audience.
Nathaniel, sensing the shift in momentum, said nonchalantly, "I agree to an on-site authenticity check. MN Inc. may be smaller than La Beautรฉ Group, but we're confident in our integrity. We can prove our originality!"
"Yes! I created 'First Love' myself. I'm shocked there's a copy," Melanie added earnestly.
The audience remained uncertain, looking to the host for resolution. Rebirth's representative remained calm and direct. "We've submitted 'First Love's' data records and research to the judges. I trust the organizing committee will make a fair judgment."
"Oh, we submitted ours too. The judges will easily see who plagiarized," Nathaniel declared self-righteously.
"There's no need. The judges have already reached a verdict," the host said, opening an envelope. He looked at Nathaniel. "Mr. Hall, can you confirm that Ms. Thayer developed 'First Love' independently?"
"Absolutely!" Nathaniel affirmed. "Mel is our company's most outstanding perfumer, renowned in the industry. She created our previous bestsellers." The host nodded, then turned to Rebirth's representative. "Mr. Will, who developed your 'First Love'?"
Will smiled. "Coincidentally, our perfumer is present. We're happy to introduce her." He gestured, and a figure emerged from the back of the venue.