99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 157

“I’m Liyah Cruz, the younger sister of Ethan Cruz, one of this year’s judges. And you think you have the right to tell me to leave?” Liyah arched a proud brow.

“You’re Ethan Cruz’s little sister?” Jack’s expression twisted, then smoothed into a greasy smile. He quickly extended his hand.

“Well then, you are owed my apologies, Ms. Cruz. I just shared a drink with your Ethan at dinner last night.”

Liyah mocked a low gagging sound at his shameless switch of face. She pulled away in disgust.

“Then I should have my brother tested for the diseases he must have caught by keeping such disgusting company. Claire, come on. Don’t waste your time on them. They’re beneath us!”

She grabbed my hand and strode off.

I cast the cousins one last frosty glance, fingers tightening unconsciously before I nodded and followed

Liyah toward the other side of the ballroom.

Just as we walked away, the lights dimmed and converged on the stage. The host approached the microphone gracefully.

“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Innovative Home – International Future

Furniture Design Competition awards gala! Tonight, we will witness the birth of a shining new star in the world of design!”

After the lengthy opening, the awards began. Bronze and silver winners were announced in turn, each mounting the stage to deliver speeches.

At last, the moment for the coveted gold award arrived.

The host drew a deep breath, his voice charged with fervour.

“Now, the highest honour of this year’s Future Star Design Awards-the Gold Prize! This designer, with groundbreaking concepts, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound insight into future living, won over every single judge! The mysterious and brilliant designer is-Seere!”

“Seere?”

“It’s really her! She won gold!”

“Oh my God! Her Urban Symbiosis series was incredible!”

“Is the designer Seere really here? Who is she, really?”

“So mysterious-never once appeared in public!”

The hall erupted. Applause thundered, gasps and shouts tangled with eager eyes craning in search of the rising star,

“And now,” the host continued, “please welcome our guest presenter-Mr. Reese, Vice President of Reese Group and special judge of this competition, to award the Gold Prize to Seere!”

Straightening his jacket, Bob strode onstage confidently. Behind him, a hostess carried the glittering trophy.

Center stage, Bob took the microphone with practiced ease.

“It is my absolute honour to present this award to such a gifted designer. Seere’s work marries foresight with humanity, perfectly embodying the spirit of International Future. At Reese Group, we are also committed to fostering talent in the furniture industry-”

He never finished. From the front row, I stood up.

I knew Bob, nor any of the other family members watching, understood my sudden rise from the seated crowd, but they soon would.

In the hush of countless stares, I left my seating area with measured calm. Step by step, I strode down the crimson aisle carpet, heading straight for the center of the stage.

The smile on my face grew in unspoken triumph, not for the trophy award like Seere’s, but for the expression on Bob’s face as I got closer to him and the platform he stood on.

The smile on Bob’s face froze the instant he saw me rise. A flicker of disbelief crossed his eyes, followed swiftly by deep unease. It only heightened the curl on my lips.

That familiar figure drew closer and closer to the stage.

“Claire? What’s she doing?”

“Is she-wait, she’s the mysterious designer, Seere?”

“It must be her… she’s walking up. No other person is stepping forward as the recipient.”

“My Goddess! So Seere is really a woman-and she’s breathtaking. She’s like the goddess of the design world!”

Whispers rippled through the crowd, filled with shock and doubt.

Down below, Hale was dumbstruck.

“Claire!! Are you out of your mind? Sit back down, or I will ruin you!” He blurted out.

Hale threatened, catching the attention of several guests around him, but I didn’t so much as glance his way,

I reached the stage steps, lifted the hem of my gown, and ascended with graceful composure.

The spotlight followed me the entire way, cloaking me in brilliance.

At the center of the stage, I came to a stop-right in front of Bob, close enough for me to see the storm raging in his eyes. I smirked in response.

“Surprise!” I whispered smugly.

The hall fell into a suffocating silence. Everyone held their breath, riveted by the sight.

Bob still held the microphone, the muscles in his face twitching from the sheer force of his shock. He stared at me, utterly blank, his mind refusing to process what was happening.

After several agonizing seconds, he snapped out of it. His voice cracked, sharp with disbelief and fury, spilling out before he could stop himself.

“Claire? What are you doing up here? You’re not even qualified to be called a designer-what the hell is this? Get out of here right now!”

He forgot he was holding a microphone. The frantic, incredulous accusation boomed across the hall, clear as day.

But I never wavered. I raised the invitation in my hand.

“The host just read my name, did he not? I am Seere.” I paused, turning my gaze onto Bob. “Mr. Reese, are you now refusing to give me my trophy? That doesn’t seem very honourable, does it?”