Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 207

Charles took a deep breath, deeply moved. "Sir, I finally understand why you hold Ms. Prescott in such high esteem. This level of conceptualization and execution is a gift."

He shook his head regretfully. "It's a shame she isn't pursuing design full-time. Otherwise, the entire design department at MK Global combined would pale in comparison."

The high praise from two of the industry's heaviest hitters dispelled any lingering doubts. The crowd gazed at her in total reverence.

Meredith and Macy stood tall, their faces practically glowing with pride, as if the triumph were their own.

Right at that moment—

"Ah!"

A shrill scream shattered the awe in the room.

The crowd whipped around in alarm to see Phoebe with tear-filled eyes, the back of her right hand visibly red and swollen.

"Phoebe! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it!" Sebastian panicked, gently holding her hand and blowing on it. "I slipped... Are you badly burned?"

"It's not your fault," Phoebe whimpered, shivering in mock agony while forcing a tragic smile. "It's my fault for needing a drink in the first place..."

She shakily reached for her brush. The second her fingertips brushed the handle, she cried out, letting it clatter to the ground.

"I can't... It hurts too much. I can't hold it."

"Stop trying! I'm taking you to the hospital!" Frantic, Sebastian scooped her up into his arms and bolted for the exit.

"Hold it right there."

Moving in sync, Meredith and Macy stepped into his path, blocking the way.

"Phoenix just proved her skills with a completed masterpiece. And Phoebe is trying to run away leaving a blank canvas?" Meredith sneered. "I guess this is her formally forfeiting and admitting she can't design to save her life?"

"Oh my. First she needs hot water, and then she coincidentally scalds her dominant hand. This script is too perfect." Macy crossed her arms, clicking her tongue. "Phoebe, pulling a self-injury stunt just to dodge a challenge is bold. I have to admire the commitment."

"I... I didn't..." Phoebe buried her face in Sebastian's chest, sobbing hysterically.

"That's enough!" Sebastian snapped, his eyes flashing red. "Her hand needs medical attention now. If it gets infected and scars, you couldn't afford to pay for it even if you sold everything you owned!"

"Have you forgotten?" Macy stepped aside, letting the medical team advance. "We have top-tier doctors right here. Why not let them patch her up? She might even finish the sketch in time."

"Sebastian..." Phoebe trembled violently, clutching his lapel.

Sebastian directed a venomous glare at Macy. "You're all conspiring with Phoenix! Who knows what you'd do to her. I'm taking her to a real hospital immediately!"

Yet, despite the obvious truth, a procedural loophole remained. Displaying the disputed piece would still invite unnecessary gossip.

"Ms. Prescott, I have zero doubts about your talent." Charles sighed, looking apologetic. "But The International Jewelry Expo is heavily monitored. Since the dispute wasn't legally settled, we have to disqualify the piece per regulations."

"I understand." Rather than getting angry, Phoenix offered a mysterious smile. "However, since I anticipated someone trying to frame me for plagiarism, did you really think I'd come without a backup plan?"

"Oh?" Charles's eyes lit up in surprise.

"Merry, bring it out."

Her eyes gleaming with excitement, Meredith rushed over with an exquisite velvet box and presented it to Charles.

Intrigued, Charles took the box and slowly lifted the lid.

The moment he laid eyes on the contents, the seasoned professional—a man accustomed to the world's most luxurious gems—wore a look of unprecedented awe.

"Good god... This is..."

"This is 'The Secret of Venus'. Centered around a deep sapphire and encased in intricate, classical filigree, it is a one-of-a-kind piece explicitly designed for this exhibition," Phoenix introduced with effortless grace. "Mr. Vane, does this masterpiece qualify for the competition?"