Chapter 190


    The host’s voice had barely faded when an unusual wave of murmuring broke out among the audience.


    Designers whispered amongst themselves,pletely taken aback by the revtion And this particr


    woman, Ms. rkson, had actually clinched the championship?


    The host himself seemed surprised, pausing momentarily before continuing, “From what I hear, she’s a


    neer to the design world. No, rather, she’s the dark horse of our design industry, and remarkably


    ims the highest honor a designer could attain. Now, let’s invite Ms. rkson onto the stage to


    receive her trophy.”


    Though no one had heard of Ms. rkson before, they sincerely apuded the victor.


    Amidst the roaring apuse, the champion of the contest, Ms. rkson, gracefully made her way to


    the stage.


    Ms. rkson appeared slightly shy as she joined the host on stage, seeming somewhat


    uneasy.


    The host, a veteran of many such events, noticed the awkwardness and immediately lightened the


    mood with a genial grin. He gantly bowed to Ms. rkson. “Mydy, are you from Neptune?”


    Ms. rkson blinked in surprise. “Neptune?”


    “Indeed, for why else would your eyes hold such intoxicating constetions?” The host joked.


    Ms. rkson chuckled.


    “A smile that could topple a kingdom,” the host continued, seeing the mood had lightened. “Ms.


    rkson, although you’re a neer to the design industry, this crystal crown you’ve designed has


    topped thispetition. Could you share the inspiration behind it?”


    The mention of the crystal crown referred to the piece on disy on the stage.


    The other designers on stage fell silent, and their eyes were all drawn to the mesmerizing


    crystal crown.


    The crown waspletely encrusted with amethysts, but it didn’t resemble the traditional British


    crowns one might have expected. Instead, it was a novel design.


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    A few recognized the design. “Is that a phoenix crown? Combining the phoenix crown with a royal one,


    that’s ingenious.”


    On the crown was azily perched golden phoenix. Its feathers were adorned with colorful crystals. The


    depiction was lifelike and exuded an indomitable pride, making the crown look regal.


    13:09


    “Ms. rkson, would you honor me by epting my dinner invitation?” The host gentlemanly asked,


    once again bending down in a bow.


    I’m afraid I can’t, I have a prior engagement.”


    A voice from the audience broke in. The host looked down to see a tall, blond, blue–eyed man standing


    confidently at the front of the stage.


    The man’s face was full of adoration as he said, “This enchantingdy already has ns with me. So,


    David, you might as well give up.”


    David hadn’t expected the sweet young woman beside him to know Callum. He and Callum were old


    friends, but he had never known Callum to keep a beauty secret.


    “Well, since thedy is spoken for, I guess I shouldn’t intrude,” David said, taking Ms. rkson’s hand


    and gently kissing it. “Beautifuldy, if you ever change your mind, please don’t hesitate to let me know.


    Whether it’s a sunny day or a stormy night, just one call, and I’ll rush to your side.”


    The crowdughed at David’s words but held a newfound respect for Ms. rkson standing on stage.


    Their respect wasn’t just for the crown she designed, but for her connection with Callum.


    Everyone knew that Callum practically controlled all of London. Even the Queen had to tread carefully


    around him. Offending Callum meant losing any footing in London.


    Unaware of the crowd’s thoughts, Ms. rkson happily epted her trophy and exited the stage.


    Callum quickly approached, taking out a silk handkerchief and wiping the spot on Ms. rkson’s hand


    where David had kissed.


    “Callum, that’s not very polite,” Ms. rkson whispered, fearing Callum’s action would offend the


    crowd.


    But Callum didn’t care, and continued to wipe her hand, “Dear, you’re having dinner with meter. I


    can’t have you carrying another man’s scent.”


    Ms. rkson blushed at Callum’s teasing, and yfully punched him. “Stop it, people might


    misunderstand,”


    “Let them misunderstand.” Callum seemed satisfied with his cleaning, and nonchntly tossed his


    handkerchief aside, He draped his arm around Ms. rkson’s shoulder, and they left Hampton Court


    together,


    After the others had gone, David also stepped down from the viewing tform.


    His face, which previously held a jesting smile, suddenly froze in the next moment.


    He had seen every move of Callum’s, understanding that he was marking his territory A


    212


    13:08


    sense of regret surged in David’s heart.


    Such a beautifuldy was already spoken for, how unfair was that!


    However, David’s gloom didn’tst long. Two voluptuous, sexydies came over, draped their arms


    around him, and were ready to apany him into the night.


    Well, there were plenty of women out there, and David wasn’t foolish enough topete with Callum


    over a woman!


    Meanwhile, Callum, with Ms. rkson on his arm, strode out of the Hampton Court Pce and bent


    over to get into a stretched limousine.