Chapter 467 Really Lost
Susan was disqualified from the competition for plagiarizing a famous designer's work, and the crowd was there to witness the drama. After the head judge made the announcement, he turned and walked away, followed by the crowd, leaving Susan standing alone.
She stared in disbelief at the vintage red dress in the display case. What once symbolized elegance and passion now seemed to mock her silently.
"Did I really lose just like that?" she muttered to herself.
The designers returned to the stage, and the outcome was now clear. Originally, only Susan had the potential to compete with Leo, but with her disqualification, the championship was Leo's for the taking.
Sure enough, the head judge stepped onto the stage and announced, "I declare the winner of this design competition is Leo!"
Everyone expected this result and applauded sincerely. When the judge invited a representative from Leo's studio to come up and accept the award, Camille didn't step forward.
Meeting the judge's gaze, she shook her head and smiled gracefully, "No need for that today because Leo is here in person!"
"What? Leo is here?" The designers were all shocked or delighted, exchanging bewildered and ecstatic glances. Leo was a master in the design world, known for never appearing at competitions even when winning numerous awards. And now, someone from Leo's studio claimed Leo was here?
Camille smiled proudly and stepped aside, revealing Margaret. The crowd followed her gaze, and Margaret smiled as she walked forward. As she moved, people gradually made way for her.
The judges were initially surprised to hear that Leo was present, but seeing a young woman from Solstice emerge from the crowd left them even more astonished.
Designers who had speculated about Leo's identity were now faced with the reality that their idol was a young woman, leading to a mix of admiration and disbelief, with the latter being more prevalent.
Margaret's appearance stunned the entire room. Reporters, seizing the opportunity, rapidly clicked their cameras, capturing her every move.
Who would have thought that the designer who consistently outshone Susan and won awards year after year was a young woman barely in her twenties from Solstice?
Margaret, under the spotlight, walked confidently to the stage. The head judge, regaining his composure, smiled and handed her the trophy.
Margaret accepted the trophy with a slight bow and spoke into the microphone, "Hello, everyone. I am Leo."
The name Leo was well-known among designers and reporters. After a brief pause, the audience erupted in applause.
Many in the audience had come specifically to see Leo, not expecting to actually see their idol, let alone discover Leo was a woman.
After the applause subsided, Margaret continued, "I'm thrilled to participate in the international design competition again and honored to receive this award. This is my first public appearance, and I hope to make the name Leo less of a mystery in the future."
Her candid words were met with prolonged applause. Reporters, eager to capitalize on Leo's reveal, stood up to ask questions, mostly about her design philosophy and why she chose to reveal herself now.
Margaret answered each question politely and confidently.
As she prepared to leave the stage with her trophy, a voice called out, "Wait!"
Everyone turned to see a man entering the room, his footsteps echoing on the floor.
It was William, holding a large bouquet of roses.
Margaret looked at William in surprise. She remembered him saying he was busy today, so...
Seeing the bouquet, Margaret felt a sudden warmth in her eyes.
William smiled as he approached the stage, nodding to Margaret, "Sorry, I was getting these flowers for you, so I’m a bit late."
"You..." Margaret's gaze fell on the roses in William's hand, and she had a guess but couldn't speak.
"Everyone," William smiled and turned to the audience, "Leo, Ms. Scott, is my fiancée. I apologize for not being here earlier, but today, I have something more important to do."
He turned back to Margaret, knelt on one knee, and offered the roses, "Margaret, I know today is important for you. This plan has been in my heart for a long time. We've been through so much together, and from the moment I fell for you, I never intended to be apart. Now, I want to ask, Ms. Scott, will you marry me?"
Margaret was stunned. She knew William might do something grand, but she didn't expect a proposal in such a setting.
She blinked, looking down at William, and suddenly smiled.
Though she didn't like being the center of attention, for William and for their future, she wasn't afraid anymore.
Margaret nodded and softly but firmly said, "I will."
The audience erupted in cheers and applause, some genuinely happy, others just enjoying the moment. Reporters, of course, didn't miss the chance to capture the proposal, snapping countless photos.
William, overjoyed, stood up and gave Margaret a warm, firm hug. After a few seconds, they released each other, fingers intertwined, and Margaret, still holding the roses, bowed to the audience.
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