Chapter 371 Her Doubt
The host said, "Currently, contestant number 3, Serafina, holds the highest score with an impressive average of 9.4 from the judges. Now, the pressure is on our final two contestants, numbers 9 and 5."
Victoria did not participate in the commentary for the first six contestants.
So, the task of commenting on the last two contestants was handed over to her.
Victoria glanced at Isadora and Clara.
Clara's gaze was full of confidence and arrogance, which Victoria chose to ignore, opting to comment on Isadora first.
She lowered her voice, adding a touch of huskiness. "Contestant number 9, you were the only one to use both distillation and concentration methods, achieving a purer and more refined essential oil. Your precision in such a challenging environment is commendable."
It was well known that Master Deer rarely praised anyone, and when she did, it meant she truly saw potential in that person.
Victoria picked up the formula placed in front of her, looked at Isadora, and continued, "You named it "Encounter." It possesses a cool, gentle quality, reminiscent of a rain-kissed forest—clean and refreshing. The base notes of teakwood and musk add a touch of sophistication and brightness. Each layer unfolds seamlessly, creating a deeply immersive experience. I truly admire it."
The host smiled and interjected appropriately, "Master Deer has given a very high evaluation of number 9. We all know that Master Deer rarely praises anyone, but today she made an exception."
Isadora was delighted with Victoria's comments, as expected from one of her idols.
Few people could use such precise words to describe Isadora's perfume.
In contrast, Clara felt a wave of panic upon hearing this commentary.
She admired Master Deer greatly, so she spent some time studying her. She knew that Master Deer never praised anyone lightly.
Master Deer's satisfaction with Isadora's work made Clara feel an immediate sense of crisis.
The Kennedy family members in the audience felt the same way.
Victoria looked up at Isadora and asked, "Did you add another ingredient to this perfume? But you didn't write it down here?"
Isadora was stunned that she could smell it. "Yes."
Victoria understood and didn't ask further.
Every perfumer has their own habits or unique formulas.
And Isadora's last name was Penrose. In Rihegde and the entire Stellaria, there was no other Penrose with such a high talent for perfumery. Besides the rumored Penrose family, there seemed to be no one else. According to her knowledge, the Penrose family was in Country M.
Isadora's final average score was 9.6, instantly becoming the highest score of the event.
Many people were quite surprised, as she was just a newcomer in the public's eyes.
Clara's face instantly darkened. She never expected Isadora, this unexpected figure, to be so formidable.
According to the current scoring method, her average score and vote count would have to be higher than Isadora's to have a chance of winning.
However, the number of votes was still fluctuating and remained an uncertain factor.
Therefore, securing higher scores from the judges was the immediate priority.
Now, all eyes were on Clara, wondering if she could turn the tables.
After all, everyone had different expectations for this so-called "talented heiress."
The host said, "Now, only contestant number 5 remains. In previous years, number 5 consistently secured third place. Will she break this tradition this year? Let's turn to Master Deer for further commentary."
Victoria did not speak immediately but remained silent.
Everyone on site, including Clara on stage, expected her to say something, but they didn't hear her speak for a long time.
So, they all looked at her curiously.
Victoria remained calm, sitting there. She reached out and picked up another piece of paper placed in front of her with two fingers.
After a moment, she calmly lifted her head and looked towards the stage. "Contestant number 5, are you certain this formula is your original creation?" she asked.
The entire audience was instantly stunned into silence.
What did this mean?
Weren't these formulas written on the spot?
Could there be plagiarism?
Clara on stage was instantly stunned.
Even the host didn't know how to smooth things over and could only stand aside and listen.
Victoria was in no hurry, waiting for Clara to respond.
Everyone's eyes alternated between the judges' table and Clara on stage.
Clara was momentarily shocked.
She composed herself and forced a stiff smile, saying, "Yes. The topic was announced by you on the spot, so this formula must be my original creation."
She paused and then asked, "Master Deer, do you think there's a problem?"
Victoria cooperated and continued, "Yes."
Clara dared not speak.
Victoria looked up at her and said word by word, "And the problem is even bigger."
This time, she didn't deliberately lower her voice, using her normal tone.
Clara felt a moment of familiarity, but her mind was preoccupied with the current situation, unable to think of anything else.
She could only bite the bullet and humbly ask, "Then please, Master Deer, enlighten me. I have always admired you and considered you my idol."
Victoria had no interest in listening to her flattery and directly interrupted Clara, "Before I comment, why don't you explain your creative process and inspiration behind this formula?"
Clara said, "I named it 'Breeze.' The top notes have a citrus and sweet pear fragrance. I added green nashi pear to give it a touch of greenery, making it fresh and sweet."