Chapter 99

The blueprint still held residual warmth as Dylan Orlando clutched it, his hands trembling slightly. He had no time to fabricate an excuse.

"Can't answer?" Sebastian Valdemar's voice cut like an ice blade.

"Then let me rephrase." He took a step closer. "What's the core philosophy behind this competition?"

The real Celadon would never fail this question.

Dylan's Adam's apple bobbed. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

Isabella Langley let out a derisive laugh. "Can't keep up the act anymore?"

Her gaze clung to Sebastian, her pulse quickening. He'd ignored her earlier, yet now he stood up for her. He must have been impressed by her talent.

Whispers swelled from the audience.

"An impostor, just as I thought!"

"That piece was too perfect to be real."

"How shameless—pretending to be Master Celadon!"

Backstage, Evelyn Roland clenched her fists. Watching Dylan falter, she swiftly stripped off her work uniform.

Three minutes later, a dazzling figure stormed onto the stage.

"Who said he wasn't worthy of representing Celadon?"

Her voice sliced through the noise like a blade.

The crowd held their breath. The woman stood tall as a pine, her silver-white gown shimmering under the spotlight. Her piercing gaze swept across the room like an eagle's.

Dylan's eyes burned. He nearly rushed to embrace his savior.

"Evelyn?!" Isabella shrieked. She'd refused to attend this morning—how was she here now? Worse, that gown cost ten times hers.

"My apologies." Evelyn gave an elegant bow. "Due to personal reasons, I entrusted my apprentice to compete on my behalf. I didn't anticipate this misunderstanding."

She cast a reassuring glance at Dylan.

Sebastian's pupils constricted. He'd suspected Evelyn was extraordinary, but never imagined she was Celadon herself.

Only Alexander Roland maintained his enigmatic smile, as if he'd known all along.