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 you share the inspiration

crystal crown referred to the piece on display on

and their eyes were all

crystal crown.

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

design. “Is that a phoenix crown?

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

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me by accepting my dinner invitation?” The host gentlemanly asked, once again bending down in a

can’t, I have a

from the audience broke in. The host looked down to see a

full of adoration as he said, “This enchanting lady already has plans with me. So, David, you might as well give

and Callum were old friends, but he had never

lady is 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 to let me know. Whether it’s a

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

Queen had to tread carefully

trophy and exited the stage. Callum quickly approached, taking out a silk handkerchief and wiping the spot on

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

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

teasing, and playfully punched him. “Stop

misunderstand.” Callum seemed satisfied with his cleaning, and nonchalantly tossed his handkerchief aside, He draped his arm around

gone, David also