Colton, caught between protecting Melany and the unfolding mess, suppressed his frustration.

“Let’s not dredge up the past,” he said, his voice tense. “Besides, Melany didn’t steal or copy anything. She simply added to your original formula. Now that it’s in the public domain, the formula is worthless. Still, I’m willing to offer you $200,000 in compensation.” The last sentence was a bitter swallow, each word dragged out through clenched teeth. “Let’s end it here. We can still leave with our heads held high.”

Melany’s eyes shone with unshed tears; she looked deeply wronged. “This isn’t Allison’s fault. It’s my fault for creating this misunderstanding. Allison has been hiding her identity as the famous perfumer, Scarlet Snake, for years, and I’ve always admired her. That’s why I studied her techniques.”

Melany conveniently sidestepped the real issue, diverting attention from her dishonesty. The public remained skeptical, their silence heavy with doubt. Noticing this, Melany burst into tears, quickly playing the victim.

“Allison,” she said, her voice shaking with manufactured emotion, “I know you never liked me, thinking I wrecked your marriage. I’ve carried that guilt. I understand why you’re lashing out now, because Colton and I are about to get married.”

She dropped to her knees, her sobs echoing through the room, portraying herself as a sacrificial lamb. “Allison, if this is what it takes to make amends, I will do it. But please, don’t bring Colton into this. You know how much this competition means to him…”

He twisted the narrative with the skill of a seasoned storyteller, presenting the scandal as a love triangle.

Rebecca, fed up, retorted, “What a nerve! Plagiarism is plagiarism. Stop diverting attention from the truth!”

Allison, cold as ice, added, “Melany, no matter how you spin it, cheating and stealing ideas will be dealt with according to the contest rules.” Her gaze shifted to Colton; her tone was sharp and unyielding. “As for you, staying friends after a divorce? That’s for people who enjoy entangled lives.”

“Dragging me into your mess is disgusting,” Allison’s words cut through the air like a blade, leaving Colton and Melany reeling, faces flushed with embarrassment.

Colton’s face darkened; his voice rose. “We can settle this later, but for the record, Melany didn’t cheat. If you actually read the rules…”

His defense was cut short as the crowd fell silent, parting like the sea before a storm.

“Mr. Blakely,” a staff member announced as a curly-haired man approached with a wide, friendly smile.

“Kellan, it’s great to see you here,” the man said casually. “Are you still hoping I’ll invest in your company?”

Next to Kellan stood Ferdinand Blakely, who smirked. “Strange, isn’t it? The Everett Group always backs new talent, but with the Lloyd family’s wealth, you wouldn’t think my investment necessary.”

The room murmured; Ferdinand, president of the Everett Group, was known for being sharp and shrewd. Today, however, he radiated an oddly disarming warmth.

But beneath her sparkling eyes and easy smile lay a sharp edge. “I think you’re using the competition’s publicity to launch your new perfume, Charisma. How timely, don’t you think?”

Kellan laughed, unfazed. “You’re not missing a thing, Ferdinand.”

Allison watched calmly, noting the camaraderie between the two men. Ferdinand turned to her with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Miss Clarke, I presume. I’ve heard a lot about you, winner of the first Perfumery Competition.”

“I’m flattered, Mr. Blakely,” Allison replied politely, though she sensed a distance, a barrier he maintained.

He sighed, as if bored. “It’s a shame the contest has been marred by unqualified entrants. It’s damaged its reputation.”

His gaze drifted to Melany; his voice dropped to a chilling tone. “And if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s dishonesty. So, Miss Johnson, isn’t it time you offered a proper apology?”