Elena’s POV

The question hit like a slap across the face, loud, deliberate, and meant to humiliate.

“Your perfume carries the scent of starlight and moon essence, Miss Elena,” the reporter said, voice sharp with mockery. “While Miss Stella’s design was inspired by sunlight. Considering you saw her drafts before the competition… did you perhaps draw inspiration from her?”

For a heartbeat, I didn’t move. Then I exhaled softly, almost laughing.

So this is how far Stella would ...