?Chapter 579:


    Garrett’s brows immediately furrowed, and his expression turned grim. The judges, who had previously been quiet and stern, were now abuzz with hushed discussions.


    This did not escape the audience’s attention, and they began to exchange spections on what might have urred.


    “What’s happening? Something seems off with the judges.”


    “I have no idea. Perhaps there’s been a change in thepetition results?”


    “No way. The participants haven’t even finished presenting their designs. How could there be results already?”


    “He’s right. Don’t be ridiculous.”


    The conversation continued, with everyone putting forth their opinions. Vivi had also noticed the strange behavior of the judges. An inexplicable sense of foreboding welled up inside her.


    “Did something happen?” she murmured to herself.


    Just then, the same staff member stepped forward. He spoke into the microphone, his voice booming throughout the venue.


    “Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the interruption.” His voice was thick with tension. “We have just received an anonymous tip using Miss Vivi Quinn of giarism, which disqualifies her from thepetition.”


    This, of course, caused an uproar among the crowd.


    All heads turned to Vivi, their faces ranging from astonishment to rage. Vivi’s eyes were wide with horror and disbelief as she stared at the staff member.


    “What—what did you say?” she asked, her voice hoarse and shaky.


    “Say that again!”


    New chapters now on gαlnσv??ls?c?m


    “Miss Quinn, we received an allegation that you have giarized another designer’s work. That makes you ineligible for thispetition,” the staff member repeated without batting an eye.


    “That’s absolutely impossible!” Vivi screamed. “All my pieces are original! How dare you say I giarized? This is in nder!”


    Before anyone could react, she suddenly lunged at the staff member, shouting, “How dare you use me of such a thing? What evidence do you have?”


    The man was unfazed, even in the face of Vivi’s furious questioning.


    “Miss Quinn,” he replied calmly, “we are merely acting on a report we received. An investigation is still needed to verify the truth. In the meantime, we hope that you will cooperate as we go through the investigation.”


    Garrett chose to speak up as well.


    “Please calm down, Miss Quinn. We will uncover the truth and provide you with a fair response.”


    Vivi noted his grave expression and grew even more panicked. She knew she couldn’t get out of this one easily.


    “But—but…” Vivi tried to argue, only to be interrupted by Garrett.


    “I’m afraid this is not the time to plead your case, Miss Quinn. To ensure fairness in thepetition, we have decided to pause the event for thirty minutes as we investigate the matter.”


    He paused to let his words sink in, then added, “Please apany us backstage to assist with the investigation.”


    Vivi tried to protest again, but two staff members had already appeared on either side of her.


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