Chapter 124

Everyone pointed fingers at Shirley. She surveyed the scene, then abruptly spun around, viciously pointing at Cynthia, who stood on the podium. "Cynthia, you set me up! It must be you!" Shirley yelled.

Although there was no proof, she had a hunch Cynthia was involved. "This feeling is so familiar! She knows exactly when to strike, when I'm at my peak. The same thing happened at my birthday party last year—I fell from grace because of her," Shirley mused.

Shirley widened her eyes, glaring fiercely at Cynthia. Internally, she fumed, She loves making my life hell, but this time is different. This time, I've been humiliated in front of the world, and recovery will be difficult!

Meanwhile, Cynthia, holding two trophies, calmly regarded Shirley. Her expression was contemptuous, laced with pity and disgust—as if viewing Shirley as a beggar.

Shirley's anger boiled over. She strode toward Cynthia, yelling, "Cynthia, we're going down together!"

Shirley had lost her reason. All she could think about was the fame, fortune, and success Cynthia had shattered. She hated Cynthia so much she wanted to strangle her. However, four security guards intervened, apprehending her before she reached Cynthia.

Her arms restrained, she continued her tirade on the podium. Finally, four strong men carried her offstage, but she kept viciously cursing Cynthia.

Spectators and judges sighed disdainfully. Simultaneously, netizens in the live chat raged:

[How ridiculous, Shirley! You plagiarized, but blamed Cynthia because she won two awards. Cynthia deserves it. Envy is toxic!]

[Don't you know Shirley and Cynthia were switched? The Jones family ousted Cynthia for their real daughter, Shirley. Though Cynthia represented Velorix, she signed up as an independent studio. Shirley got the real chance for recognition, yet plagiarized and threw a tantrum internationally, disgracing the Jones family. How ironic!]

[No wonder Velorix's designs have been terrible. The talented designer was kicked out! They didn't give Cynthia a chance but used her for fame. How greedy!]

[Velorix is disgusting. I'll never buy their clothes again.]

[Let's boycott Velorix!]

Seeing the screen flooded with boycott messages, Justin felt a near heart attack. He'd hoped the competition would elevate Velorix, but Shirley's plagiarism had plunged them into crisis.

The damage was done. Justin pinned his hopes on Cynthia's two awards to salvage Velorix's reputation. Cynthia, repeatedly mentioning her role as Velorix's representative, hadn't disappointed him onstage. Unfortunately, the audience, swayed by online rumors, began a relentless boycott. The more Cynthia spoke, the more sympathy she garnered—and the more aggressive the boycott became.

Chapter 124 (continued)

Justin gasped for breath, a sharp pain gripping his chest. Selena, noticing his distress, asked, "Justin, are you okay?" Justin had suffered a heart attack.

The Pillere Fashion Design Competition ended dramatically, attracting unprecedented attention. Discussion raged even after the competition's conclusion.

Cynthia stepped out of the building, a faint smile gracing her lips as she breathed the fresh air. Everything had gone as planned; she was confident Velorix's stock would plummet the next day. She mused, I never intended for things to escalate this far. If Shirley hadn't framed me, cut my model's shoes, and almost sabotaged my presentation, I wouldn't have retaliated so harshly. Tit for tat! You deserve this, Shirley!

"Cynthia, where are you going?" a voice called.

Night had fallen. Preston, having removed his makeup and changed into a simple white t-shirt and sweatpants, followed her out. A backpack slung over his shoulder, he looked like a student.

Cynthia smiled. "I'm grateful for your help. What do you want to eat? My treat."

Preston smiled shyly, dimples appearing. "Since it's your treat, a candlelit dinner. I've been in Friyx three years, but Friyxian cuisine is expensive; I haven't tried it. I'm returning home soon, and I want to experience it before I leave—so I'll take this opportunity to 'rip you off.'"

Cynthia readily agreed. "No problem. Choose any exclusive restaurant."

Preston, thrilled, suggested, "There's a three-star Michelin restaurant near the palace. Their dessert and foie gras with truffles are amazing. I've wanted to try them!"

Preston knew Cynthia had resources, and the competition offered substantial prize money, so he didn't hold back.

Cynthia nodded. "Whatever you want."

As Preston moved, he noticed Cynthia paused, seemingly waiting.

Cynthia anticipated his thoughts. "Let's wait for Annie. She's in the restroom. We'll go together." Annie was Cynthia's tireless assistant; Cynthia had a good impression of her.

Preston, slightly disappointed it would be three instead of two, quickly recovered. "Sure, I'll make a reservation. You two can join later."

That night, the three enjoyed a happy meal. Friyxian cuisine was about savoring each dish; the dining experience was long and leisurely. They ate and chatted, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Suddenly, Cynthia remembered something and asked curiously, "Preston, how did you get on the show?"