Chapter 5

"In the spirit of fairness, we’ve decided to postpone awarding to the top three. Instead, we’ll announce them after some investigation.”

When the host said that, Nathaniel and everyone else were in an uproar.

“Why must they postpone the award ceremony? It’s unfair to everyone!”

“The judges should disqualify both companies since they’re involved in a controversy!”

“Hey, tell us the names of the two companies!”

Various comments were on the scene, and the reporters were even more excited. Initially, everyone thought the competition would go on without a hitch and did not expect any complications, so there would be no concerning headlines the following day.

Still, Nathaniel was sure his company would be fine, so he confidently stepped forward and raised his voice, “You guys are right! Given the situation, the organizing committee should disclose the results right now. I believe the representatives of the two suspected companies are present so we, as their peers, can witness their unjustness. Won’t that be more convincing?!”

Compared to the bustling scene on the screen, Alexander's attention was on the woman beside him. Lily held a wine glass in her hand but did not take a sip, and her lips kept an indifferent smile.

After so many years, Lily finally belonged to him. Alexander had waited for three years. He always thought a sc*mbag like Nathaniel did not deserve Lily.

He would be the first to object if Lily and Nathaniel were to get married. However, the two had hit a crossroad on their own, which saved Alexander the trouble. Still, things had to happen this way because Lily could not see who the real Nathaniel was.

Lily and Nathaniel had been together for so long, and Lily had become timid and cautious. She even started speaking softly like a mouse. But at that moment, sitting before the screen, Lily became confident again, and her determined eyes proved that she had not changed. She was still the arrogant girl behind the scenes.

"I'm heading out.” Lily put her wine glass down and looked back at Alexander.

Alexander nodded. "Remember, I'm here."

Although Lily did not intend to let Alexander take action personally, his words made her feel relieved. She nodded gratefully, opened the door to the VIP room, and walked out.

The venue was still chaotic as Nathaniel took the lead in prolonging the disorder. He was the person who shouted the most among the crowd. Meanwhile, Melanie could not hide her complacency. She had never stood so close to Nathaniel before this and became the focus of everyone’s attention.

The host's brows furrowed until someone ran up to the stage and whispered in his ear. The host relaxed, turned to Nathaniel, and said, “We wanted to be discreet about the plagiarists for the sake of sportsmanship, but since everyone strongly demands we reveal the suspects’ names, the organizing committee will disclose the two companies and their competition entries publicly.”

“A plagiarist is a thief that does not deserve anyone’s respect! We should curse and exile these scoundrels!” Nathaniel excitedly exclaimed. He thought he was certainly not the person in question.

Since that was the case, he wanted to slander the plagiarists as much as possible. He thought MN Inc.’s popularity would rise and significantly improve its reputation if he preemptively defamed the suspects. Nathaniel seemed to have seen a brighter and countless wealth for his company.

The host glanced at him and adjusted the microphone. “Two companies have submitted the same perfume. These perfumes are both named First Love.”

Melanie was stunned after hearing this, while Nathaniel pretended to be surprised. “First Love, huh? That is MN Inc.’s work, so I wonder which company dared to submit the same perfume as us.” Melanie looked around as if she wanted to find the culprit among the crowd.

The host did not keep everyone guessing and continued, “Yes, the other company that submitted the same product as MN Inc. is Rebirth!”

“R-Rebirth?” Nathaniel was puzzled. “Which company is that? Forgive me for being ignorant, but I have never heard of them.” Nathaniel behaved modestly but was ecstatic in his heart. Although he did not know that company, he did not care as long as he could attain his award.

“Rebirth? Isn’t that La Beauté Group’s sister company, which they founded last year?” Someone familiar with the industry said.

“Yes, I’ve also heard of Rebirth. They are new in the industry, and La Beauté Group is their backer.”

"I see. I wonder if Rebirth’s representative is here. I want to know because my company has worked diligently for over three months to formulate First Love. I wonder how Rebirth got hold of my product,” As Nathaniel said, he tried to convince others that he was not the plagiarist in question.

At this time, a gentle and courteous man came on stage, "Good evening, everyone. I am the PR manager of Rebirth, and my surname is Will. We are also surprised by what has happened tonight. Rebirth did not expect to submit the same product as the other company, especially since they are highly similar. At first, we were willing to respect the organizing committee’s opinion to verify and resolve the matter privately. However, since the other company did not agree, we will accept the on-site authenticity identification.”

Will was polite and gentle. His words were loud and clear. On top of that, most people nodded in agreement due to La Beauté Group’s reverence.

Nathaniel realized the situation was not looking good, so he said casually, “I agree with the on-site authenticity identification too. Although MN Inc. is small compared to La Beauté Group, we are fearless because we know we are in the right. We can attest to our originality!”

“Yeah! I made First Love on my own, so I wondered why there was a copy,” Melanie added timely. Her tone was heartfelt and eager.

It was tough for everyone to distinguish both companies’ sincerity, so they could only look to the host. Meanwhile, Rebirth’s representative was calm and straightforward as he said, “We have submitted First Love’s data records and research containing its characteristics and features to the judges. I believe the organizing committee will make a fair judgment.”

“Oh, we’ve handed them in too. I’m sure the judges can distinguish who the real plagiarist is,” Nathaniel said righteously.

“There’s no need. The judges already have the results.” The host received an envelope and looked at Nathaniel first. “Mr. Hall, can you confirm that Ms. Thayer was the one who developed First Love on her own?”

“Of course she did!” Nathaniel nodded affirmatively. “Mel is the most outstanding perfumer in my company and is well-known in the industry. She also made my company’s previous best-selling perfumes.”

The host nodded and looked at the person in charge of Rebirth next. “Mr. Will, can you tell us who in your company developed your First Love?”

Will responded smilingly, “Coincidentally, the perfumer who developed our First Love is also here today, and we would be honored to introduce this person to the public.” Will leaned in and stretched his arms outward. Then a figure slowly stepped out from the back of the venue.