The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 190

The host’s voice had barely faded when an unusual wave of murmuring broke out among the audience.

Designers whispered amongst themselves, completely taken aback by the revelation And this particular woman, Ms. Clarkson, had actually clinched the championship?

The host himself seemed surprised, pausing momentarily before continuing, “From what I hear, she’s a newcomer to the design world. No, rather, she’s the dark horse of our design industry, and remarkably claims the highest honor a designer could attain. Now, let’s invite Ms. Clarkson onto the stage to receive her trophy.”

Though no one had heard of Ms. Clarkson before, they sincerely applauded the victor.

Amidst the roaring applause, the champion of the contest, Ms. Clarkson, gracefully made her way to the stage.

Ms. Clarkson appeared slightly shy as she joined the host on stage, seeming somewhat

uneasy.

The host, a veteran of many such events, noticed the awkwardness and immediately lightened the mood with a genial grin. He gallantly bowed to Ms. Clarkson. “My lady, are you from Neptune?”

Ms. Clarkson blinked in surprise. “Neptune?”

“Indeed, for why else would your eyes hold such intoxicating constellations?” The host joked.

Ms. Clarkson chuckled.

lightened. “Ms. Clarkson, although you’re a newcomer to the design industry, this crystal crown you’ve designed has topped this competition. Could you

the crystal crown referred to

other designers on stage fell silent, and

crystal crown.

was completely encrusted with amethysts, but it didn’t resemble the traditional British crowns one might have expected. Instead, it was

“Is that a phoenix crown?

a lazily perched golden phoenix. Its feathers were adorned with colorful crystals. The depiction was lifelike and exuded an

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my dinner invitation?” The host gentlemanly asked, once again

can’t, I have a

audience broke in. The host looked down to see a tall, blond, blue–eyed man

he said, “This enchanting lady already has plans with me. So, David, you might as

hadn’t expected the sweet young woman beside him to know Callum. He and Callum were old friends, but he had

for, I guess I shouldn’t intrude,” David said, taking Ms. Clarkson’s hand and gently kissing it. “Beautiful lady, if you ever change your mind, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Whether it’s a sunny day

Clarkson standing on stage. Their respect wasn’t just for the crown she designed, but for her connection with

Callum practically controlled all of London. Even the Queen had to tread carefully around him. Offending Callum meant losing

crowd’s thoughts, Ms. Clarkson happily accepted her trophy and exited the stage. Callum quickly approached, taking out a silk handkerchief and wiping the spot on Ms. Clarkson’s hand where David had

that’s not very polite,” Ms. Clarkson whispered, fearing Callum’s

continued to wipe her hand, “Dear, you’re having dinner with me later. I can’t have you carrying another man’s

Clarkson blushed at Callum’s teasing, and playfully punched

cleaning, and nonchalantly tossed his handkerchief aside, He draped his arm around Ms. Clarkson’s shoulder, and they

had gone, David also