SWNOVELS Chapter 61
Although Allison merely asked if Melany was interested in viewing the evidence, she had already signaled to a nearby staff member.
“I need the big screen,” she said, her voice calm but authoritative, “and to upload the files from my laptop.
”
Melany froze, her mind racing.
It was unimaginable that Allison could produce any evidence.
It was unthinkable.
If Allison could, Melany's fate would be sealed.
However, as he watched Allison's serenity, an uneasiness crept into his thoughts, clouding his confidence.
Even Colton, who rarely reacted, frowned, clearly surprised by Allison's apparent ability to back up her claims.
Within moments, all eyes were on the big screen.
The images came to life, showing a much younger Allison in a game room.
Her appearance was less refined, her bearing not fully developed, but something in her furrowed brow and cool demeanor hinted at the woman she had become.
Colton blinked, momentarily surprised.
It was a version of Allison he’d never seen.
Her youthful face was still soft, but an almost distant look gave her an air of mystery.
The intensity in her eyes seemed to strip the world of its imperfections.
Colton's heart pounded in his chest, almost involuntarily.
But it wasn't Allison's looks that captivated the crowd.
It was her pure, breathtaking talent.
"Amazing.
He could determine the proportions just by smelling them, without any calculations," one spectator whispered in amazement.
“Incredible,” added another, “especially considering that the slightest mistake can tip the balance.
Making a fragrance requires precise calculations and endless testing.
”
“It’s natural.
It’s like watching a master at work,” marveled another.
“That kind of perfect execution isn’t just talent.
It’s a gift.
”
Under the weight of their collective gaze, the video was nearing its conclusion.
On the screen, Allison methodically added cedarwood, musk, violet, and a delicate touch of rosemary.
She paused briefly, sniffing the concoction just before the final addition.
It was exactly as she had described earlier.
“You’re all experts here,” Allison’s voice cut through the murmurs.
“I’m sure you can recognize the stage from the video.
”
His tone was firm, his face unfazed by the astonished gazes.
“This video is from the first competition I ever entered.
According to the rules of the competition, the judges and officials are sworn to secrecy unless the contestant reveals themselves.
Other than Mr.
Mack Lloyd, no one had ever seen my true identity until now.
” Mack nodded gravely.
“Yes,” he said.
“As you all witnessed, Allison’s process in the video matches the creation that won her the championship that year.
Whether Allison is Scarlet Snake or not should now be clear to anyone with an ounce of common sense.
Nothing more needs to be said.
”
The undeniable evidence left no room for doubt, and only a fool would continue to believe Melany's lies at this point.
The excitement spread through the crowd like wildfire.
“Can you believe Melany’s audacity? Wearing the same perfume and still acting like a victim? Shameless!” “Wow, our community is thriving! Allison wasn’t even an adult then, and look at her now, beyond amazing!”
«I once smelled the perfume that Scarlet Snake created years ago, and it changed my entire approach to art.
I invested in new equipment, trained myself from scratch, and now I'm standing in front of my idol.
Unbelievable.
»
The conversations buzzed like a swarm of bees, each word another needle pricking Melany's pride.
The looks of contempt that surrounded her made her wish the ground would swallow her whole.
But Allison wasn't going to let him get away that easily.
“A little while ago,” Allison began, her voice sharp as a knife cutting through the tension, “you insinuated that sharing similar base notes amounts to plagiarism.
You even tried to make everyone believe that your mentor was Scarlet Snake.
But if memory serves, I’ve never had a student as unworthy as you, especially…” Her eyes scanned Melany’s pale face like a hawk circling its prey.
“Especially someone so dumb.
What gives you the nerve to think you can take on someone for real?”