Chapter 373

The entire venue fell silent instantly. All eyes were fixed on Sophia Laurent and Gabrielle Winston.

Sophia's expression had turned icy the moment the reporter posed the question.

"It's the 21st century, Ms. Winston. Have you no basic manners?"

Gabrielle let out a derisive laugh, her eyes filled with contempt.

"You dare lecture me about manners? You're nothing but a gold-digging tramp."

She deliberately raised her voice. "Taking advantage of Alexander's coma to trick Patriarch Valdemar into marrying you. Quite the scheme."

Sophia's gaze turned razor-sharp.

"My personal affairs are none of your concern."

She didn't care about others' opinions, but Gabrielle's malicious slander was truly repulsive.

Daniel Lowell stood among the crowd, brows furrowed in silence.

Gabrielle lifted her chin triumphantly.

"Alexander is my cousin. I won't stand by while some scheming woman deceives him."

She glared venomously at Sophia. "And don't even think about setting your sights on the Winston family. We'd never accept secondhand goods!"

Sophia smirked coldly.

"The Winstons? I wouldn't take them if they were given to me."

"Though your behavior makes me question the family's upbringing."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Several judges frowned at Gabrielle's vulgar language.

"Starlight Design Awards has no place for contestants like you."

Gavin Winslow immediately signaled security.

"Escort this disruptive individual out."

Gabrielle's eyes widened in disbelief.

"On what grounds? I'm here to compete!"

She turned desperately to Isabella Evans, pleading for help.

Isabella finally stepped forward with deliberate slowness.

"Director Winslow, be reasonable."

She offered a fake smile. "My sister's young and impulsive. She's pulled all-nighters preparing for this competition. Show some leniency."

Gavin remained stone-faced.

"Remove her."

Panic set in as Gabrielle clutched Isabella's sleeve.

Isabella's eyes flashed with annoyance before forcing another smile.

"Director, considering Winston Enterprises' partnership with Versini Couture—"

Gavin cut her off.

"No exceptions."

Did they really think he'd risk angering the boss's wife?

"Gabrielle Winston is disqualified immediately."

Gabrielle turned pale.

She never expected Versini Couture to side with Sophia.

"Have you lost your minds? Sophia offended the Valdemars! Don't you fear—"

A cold male voice interrupted from the entrance.

"Who said the Valdemars have any grievance with Sophia Laurent?"