Chapter 190

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

Designers whispered amongst themselves, completely taken aback by the revelation And this particular woman, Ms. Clarkson, had actually clinched the championship?

The host himself seemed surprised, pausing momentarily before continuing, “From what I hear, she’s a newcomer to the design world. No, rather, she’s the dark horse of our design industry, and remarkably claims the highest honor a designer could attain. Now, let’s invite Ms. Clarkson onto the stage to receive her trophy.”

Though no one had heard of Ms. Clarkson before, they sincerely applauded the victor.

Amidst the roaring applause, the champion of the contest, Ms. Clarkson, gracefully made her way to the stage.

Ms. Clarkson 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 gallantly bowed to Ms. Clarkson. “My lady, are you from Neptune?”

Ms. Clarkson blinked in surprise. “Neptune?”

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

Ms. Clarkson chuckled.

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

Clarkson, although you’re a newcomer to the design industry, this crystal crown you’ve designed has topped this competition. Could you share the inspiration behind it?”

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

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

The crown was completely encrusted with amethysts, but it didn’t resemble the traditional British crowns one might have expected. Instead, it was a novel design.

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 a lazily 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. Clarkson, would you honor me by accepting 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 enchanting lady already has plans 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 the lady is spoken for, I guess I shouldn’t intrude,” David said, taking Ms. Clarkson’s hand and gently kissing it. “Beautiful lady, 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 crowd laughed at David’s words but held a newfound respect for Ms. Clarkson 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. Clarkson happily accepted her trophy and exited the stage.

Callum quickly approached, taking out a silk handkerchief and wiping the spot on Ms. Clarkson’s hand where David had kissed.

“Callum, that’s not very polite,” Ms. Clarkson 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 me later. I can’t have you carrying another man’s scent.”

Ms. Clarkson blushed at Callum’s teasing, and playfully punched him. “Stop it, people might misunderstand,”

“Let them misunderstand.” Callum seemed satisfied with his cleaning, and nonchalantly tossed his handkerchief aside, He draped his arm around Ms. Clarkson’s shoulder, and they left Hampton Court together, After the others had gone, David also stepped down from the viewing platform.

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 13:08 sense of regret surged in David’s heart.

Such a beautiful lady was already spoken for, how unfair was that!

However, David’s gloom didn’t last long. Two voluptuous, sexy ladies came over, draped their arms around him, and were ready to accompany him into the night.

Well, there were plenty of women out there, and David wasn’t foolish enough to compete with Callum over a woman!

Meanwhile, Callum, with Ms. Clarkson on his arm, strode out of the Hampton Court Palace and bent over to get into a stretched limousine.