Melany's heart skipped a beat as she absorbed the words. "By no means!"

Years ago, she had spent a fortune trying to track down Scarlet Snake, an allegedly elusive figure in his sixties who had disappeared from the spotlight. At the time, Allison was a penniless orphan stranded on a desert island; there was no way she could have afforded to travel to Leswington to enter a major competition, let alone learn the art of perfumery.

"I'm not Scarlet Snake," Melany admitted. "But I learned from her. Over time, people started confusing me with her, and it was impossible to sort it out. She's been like a mentor to me."

She knew she had to reveal the truth; there was no other option with everyone watching. If her carefully constructed facade collapsed, it would be a disaster. Melany tried to maintain her composure, avoiding Colton's gaze. She dug her nails into her palms, using the pain to stay calm and resist Allison's provocation.

"Allison," she said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "don't go making wild accusations without proof. I respect my mentor too much to allow you to slander her name. I have no idea why our perfumes share similarities, but let's not forget that Scarlet Snake won the first perfumery competition when you were sixteen—a destitute orphan with no way to afford travel abroad, let alone study the trade."

Her words stirred the crowd. Rumors had always painted Allison as a country girl, far removed from the world of luxury and high-end perfumery. Colton remained silent, but his thoughts echoed in his mind. For as long as he could remember, he had believed Melany was Scarlet Snake. His friends had even praised her as a young genius worthy of the legend after the cruise, and she had never flatly denied it. Modesty, he thought. He had admired her modesty, her humility. But now?

Colton clenched his fists, memories flooding back: Melany saving him five years ago, the trust he'd placed in her. Could it all have been based on a lie? Was he admiring an imitation, taking advantage of someone else's legacy?

"Melany is right," Allison finally snapped, her voice heavy with disdain. "You were a nobody then. You couldn't even afford a plane ticket, let alone perfumery classes. And now you're here, trying to discredit Melany? You're nothing but a thief and a liar, too proud to admit it!"

Before Allison could respond, a thunderous voice boomed, "Enough of unfounded accusations!"

Heads turned as the crowd parted to reveal Mack Lloyd, one of the most respected names in the perfume industry, holding a thick stack of papers. His presence silenced the room. A legend in his own right, he had mentored countless perfumers, many present.

"I've heard there are questions about the results of our contest," Mack said, his deep voice echoing. "Let me make this clear: we have video recordings of all ten finalists. And for the record, I have already met Scarlet Snake."

Colton straightened, sneering at Allison. "Did you hear? A man like Mack Lloyd won't let a fraud like you stand here pretending. If I were you, I'd leave before things get any worse."

"Stop it, Colton!" Melany hissed, tugging at his arm. "It's okay. If Allison has benefited from my perfume, let her have it. Scarlet Snake herself has chosen anonymity; she wouldn't care about public opinion." Melany was desperate to end this; the real Scarlet Snake's appearance would bring unbearable shame. "Justlearn your lesson and don't try anything like that again, Allison," he added.

But Rebecca, beside Allison, laughed mockingly. "What's wrong with you, Melany? Are you afraid the truth will come out? It seems you're the one who has something to hide."

Mack turned to Melany, his expression unreadable. "No. This can't be swept under the rug. The truth will come out today."

With slow, deliberate steps, Mack approached Allison. "I must say, I thought you would still be using the name Scarlet Serpent, but it seems you've switched to 'Lemonade' this time. A smart move, but your talent still shines through. What kept you away for so long, our true prodigy?"

His words fell like a bomb. The revelation that Lemonade had won the first Perfumery Competition as Scarlet Snake sent gasps and whispers through the room. Scarlet Serpent? Here, among them? Competing under another name?

Melany's knees nearly buckled. "Nono, that's impossible," she muttered, her vision blurring. Colton, equally stunned, stood frozen, unable to process the bombshell.