Reborn to Marry My Best Friend's Uncle novel Chapter 27

Annie's mind went blank for a beat.

Murmurs from the audience below grew louder and crashed against her nerves like relentless waves. She couldn't afford to panic now.

Just as she was about to speak, the highly respected chief judge seated among the panels, Wallace Locke, suddenly raised his hand. His assistant was bent close to his ear, whispering urgently as he listened to a clear command coming from his earpiece.

Wallace's expression shifted before he picked up his microphone and solemnly announced, "The contest is suspended.

"There are questionable aspects to this matter, so the judging panel needs time for an urgent review. There will be a 30-minute break."

In a private VIP lounge backstage, Wallace, who'd just made the announcement for the contest's suspension, now stood stiffly to the side. Cold sweat beaded at his temples.

On the couch, a tall man sat with easy, almost idle composure, his long legs crossed. It was Christian.

Wallace sneaked a glance at his face and inwardly groaned.

How could he have known that Christian, CEO of Parker Group and one of the most powerful men in Jynston, would turn up in person today?

What shocked him more was that Annie, the young designer just accused of plagiarism on stage, was someone Christian intended to protect.

Instead of looking at him, Christian's gaze stayed fixed on the monitor in the lounge. On the screen, Annie stood alone at the center of the stage, taking the accusations head-on.

Christian finally looked away. "We're changing today's theme."

Taken aback, Wallace instinctively asked, "To what?"

"An on-site challenge. Everyone gets the same materials and three hours. Whoever shows the most talent wins," Christian instructed.

He paused, then looked up and added, "The winning piece will have its copyright directly acquired by Parker Group's haute couture brand."

Wallace sucked in a sharp breath. Parker Group's haute couture brand was a global luxury powerhouse and a hallowed hall countless designers dreamed of entering.

She went straight to the point and said in a quiet but firm voice, "I did not plagiarize, Mr. Locke."

Her demeanor seemed to convince Wallace that she was stating 80% of the truth. Coupled with the thought of Christian standing behind the curtains, his attitude instantly softened to be kind and amiable.

"Don't worry, Ms. Steward," he gently reassured her and stepped aside so she could enter the lounge.

"I know you've been wronged, but rest assured. The judging panel will never unfairly condemn a talented designer. We will ensure the fairest, most just outcome for you and everyone else."

His words took Annie by surprise. She'd braced herself for harsh interrogation and even immediate disqualification, but not this unexpected gentleness.

Instead of feeling relaxed and reassured by the abnormal kindness, it raised her guard. Things did not seem as simple as she'd imagined.

She pressed her lips together and insisted, "I have evidence that can prove that the design draft was my original work."