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.

could topple a kingdom,” the host continued, seeing the mood had lightened. “Ms. Clarkson, although you’re a newcomer to the design industry, this crystal crown you’ve designed has topped this competition. Could

referred to the piece on display on the

on stage fell silent, and their eyes were all

crystal crown.

resemble the traditional British crowns one might have expected. Instead,

“Is that a phoenix crown? Combining the phoenix crown with a

were adorned with colorful crystals. The depiction was lifelike and exuded an

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honor me by accepting my dinner invitation?” The host gentlemanly asked, once

afraid I can’t, I have

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

adoration as he said, “This enchanting lady already

hadn’t expected the sweet young woman beside him to know Callum. He and Callum were old friends, but he had never known Callum to keep a beauty

spoken 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

laughed at David’s words but held a newfound respect for Ms. Clarkson standing on stage. Their

Even the Queen had to tread carefully around him. Offending Callum meant losing any

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

Clarkson whispered,

“Dear, you’re having dinner with me later. I can’t

and playfully

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

the others had gone, David also stepped