Chapter 263: Finished Faster

All three participants stood on the stage, the five judges had taken their seats, and the audience in the event hall, along with those watching on their screens, were buzzing with excitement to see the final result.

The showdown between the two sisters: Was Natalie truly skilled, or just a plagiarist? And what about Briena, the well-known Aroma—would she show her magic again? Who among these two would win this time?

Everything was set, and the participants were signaled to begin their work as the timer started. All three of them focused intensely on their creations.

Briena occasionally glanced at Natalie.

As the audience watched, murmurs filled the hall.

"Who do you think will win?"

"Briena, of course. Don’t you know she’s the perfume prodigy, Aroma?"

"You can’t be so sure. Aroma’s been out of the spotlight for a long time. She might not be as skilled as before."

"True. And didn’t you see Natalie during that event? She was so confident, and her perfume is set to become this season’s bestseller."

"Let’s wait and watch. I’m sure we’re in for a good show between the two sisters."

Among the audience were family members, each watching intently, their emotions hidden behind composed expressions.

Sephina sat in her office, her gaze fixed on the screen.

Albert, watching from his hospital room, felt nervous for Natalie. All he could do was pray for her success. Both his granddaughters were competing, but his heart leaned toward Natalie. She had started from scratch, building everything on her own, while Briena already had everything—a career, resources, and support.

Caryn was also watching. Her gaze was fixed solely on Natalie. She wasn’t worried at all. Seeing Natalie’s focused and determined expression, Caryn knew her daughter wasn’t going to lose. In fact, she felt Natalie was up to something big.

Caryn understood how Natalie had been framed as a plagiarist in the past and now looked forward to seeing how her daughter would reclaim what rightfully belonged to her.

The clock ticked away, and with each passing second, the event hall grew quieter, tension hanging heavy in the air.

As always, Briena was the first to finish making her perfume. She glanced at Natalie, who was still focused on her work and seemed far from done.

The audience was amazed at how effortlessly Briena had completed her task. Her confidence and happiness radiated as if she already knew she had done a great job.

The second participant finished soon after Briena, yet Natalie continued working, seemingly unbothered by the time or her surroundings.

Briena grinned inwardly.

She confidently presented her perfume to the judges, along with the formula she had written on the page.

The judges examined the formula and were visibly impressed. Then, one by one, they began testing the perfume.

Briena watched their expressions closely, knowing they were going to be amazed. After all, when she tried it herself, she had been equally astonished. She had even wondered for a moment if she had truly created it—but sadly, it was Natalie’s work.

"It’s... It’s amazing," one of the judges murmured to the colleague next to him.

The rest couldn’t help but agree.

Ms. Taylor, who tested the perfume next, was visibly impressed as well, but her expression revealed something else—a hint of doubt.

Noticing her conflicted look, one of the judges asked, "What do you think, Ms. Taylor? Your expression suggests you have something in mind. Didn’t you like it?"

Ms. Taylor shook her head. "No, it’s indeed a wonderful creation..." She paused, her expression conflicted. "But it feels like something is... amiss."

Briena’s smile faltered slightly.

"Really?" The other judges, curious about Ms. Taylor’s comment, started testing the perfume once more, their expressions thoughtful.

"Hmm, maybe it’s a unique creation, so we’re feeling this way?" one of the judges commented.

"Maybe," another judge agreed.

Hearing this, Briena’s expression relaxed, her confidence returning.

"Ms. Briena, you may now explain the theme of your perfume," one of the judges said.

Briena smiled graciously and began her explanation. "The name I’ve given to this perfume is It represents the scent of ambition and what one aspires to achieve..." She continued eloquently, detailing the ingredients she used and their symbolic meanings in the perfume.

Her explanation was captivating and impressive, earning her a loud round of applause from the audience.

Once Briena was done, the next participant presented her perfume to the judges and explained her theme. Her work was undoubtedly impressive as well, and the audience responded with enthusiastic clapping and cheers.

Meanwhile, Natalie was still working. By now, she was becoming known for making full use of the entire allotted time.

The clock was ticking, and the audience murmured among themselves, wondering if she would finish in time as only a few minutes remained.

Briena, standing off to the side, wore a smug expression.