Chapter 64

Bianca couldn't help but smirk as she walked past Isabella. Isabella shot her a frosty glare.

But Bianca didn't give a damn. She strutted to the center of the stage, and the host handed her the mic.

"Ms. Taylor, please share your acceptance speech," the host said before stepping aside.

With the microphone in hand, Bianca beamed. "Winning this award was a shocker for me since all my entries were guided by my cousin Isabella. Honestly, I think she's way more talented than me, but the organizers liked my stuff better. I snagged her championship; hope she doesn't hold it against me."

She glanced at Isabella, and the crowd burst into applause and laughter, thinking Bianca was just being funny.

Reporters zeroed in on Isabella, snapping away as her face darkened.

"Today's headline is here; Isabella actually thought the first place was hers!" one reporter exclaimed, thrilled with the shots he got.

Everyone knew about the drama between Isabella and Bianca in high society. The media often caught John visiting Bianca, stirring the pot even more.

The cousins had clashed over John before, and people ate up that kind of gossip.

Isabella noticed the reporters' eager looks but didn't care. Ever since she called off her engagement with John, she couldn't care less about the media's opinions.

But then, out of nowhere, the host handed the microphone to Isabella.

"Ms. Isabella Taylor, do you want to congratulate Ms. Bianca Taylor on her win?" he asked, echoing the audience's curiosity.

Isabella's lips curled into a faint smile. "Of course, I'll congratulate her. I hope she creates even better works in the future and stays at the top of the design world."

Bianca's face fell; she didn't understand design at all, let alone create a better piece than the current one.

Isabella looked at Bianca coldly and thought, 'A fake is a fake. Sooner or later, she'll be exposed. The higher she stands now, the harder she'll fall then.'

The host, bummed that Isabella didn't give him the drama he wanted, turned to the audience. "Next, let's check out the award-winning works from each contestant."

Isabella watched the screen, curious about where Bianca had bought the designs.

Logically, the designs Bianca bought shouldn't be too bad. Even if the organizers were shady, they wouldn't dare put terrible work in first place. That'd be a huge blunder for their new company.

But when Bianca's designs flashed on the big screen, Isabella was floored.

Amelia jumped up, pointing at the screen. "What a joke! That's clearly Isabella's work!"

Amelia had seen Isabella's designs before and recognized them instantly.

Bianca, playing the victim, clutched the microphone and said, "Miss, what are you talking about? I already said I did these under Isabella's guidance. It's not weird for my style to look like hers, right?"

Isabella grabbed the microphone from the host. "I never guided you on anything! You broke into my house, smashed my computer, and stole my work. You thought smashing my computer would keep me from competing, but you didn't count on the organizers extending the deadline, giving me time to finish my designs."

Her words sent shockwaves through the venue.

Right then, Isabella's designs popped up on the big screen. Even folks who didn't know much about design could see the uncanny resemblance between the two sets of work.

The reporters were buzzing with excitement. "This is gold! An invisible 'war' is brewing. Will John get involved? Tomorrow's headline is set!"

The organizers were blindsided by the drama. The event manager whispered something to the host, who nodded and took the stage again.

"Ladies and gentlemen, due to unforeseen circumstances, we're pausing the award ceremony. But the banquet will go on as planned. Enjoy the food!" With that, all the contestants left the stage.

Amelia stormed up to Isabella, fuming. "I can't believe Bianca had the nerve to use your entry! How could the organizers miss the obvious similarities? Didn't they check?"

Isabella shook her head, just as confused. "I'm sure the organizers will explain."

Amelia, still worried, said, "But with John backing Bianca, won't he try to smear you online?"

Isabella's lips curled into a faint smile. "If he tries, I'll just tell Mason. He'll set John straight."

Amelia finally relaxed a bit.

After the banquet, the story of who copied whom between Isabella and Bianca blew up online. Netizens were all over it, debating fiercely.

Some backed Isabella, others sided with Bianca, but everyone agreed to wait for the organizers' investigation.

Later, Jerry filled Michael in on what went down.

"Tell our people to hold off on investigating. Let's see how this plays out. I'll handle it," Michael said before hanging up.

'Even though this mess might help me with Isabella, it's gotta be rough for her,' Michael thought, feeling a pang of guilt. He decided to head over to Isabella's place to be with her.

When Michael got to Isabella's house, she had just said goodbye to Amelia.

To his surprise, Isabella didn't look sad at all.

"I saw the news. I know about you and Bianca. Aren't you worried about the fallout? People are really going at you online," Michael asked, curious.