As soon as Jasmine got out of the car, she spotted Antonino right away. She watched as he got out of the car, wearing an Armani suit, and a killing smile.
Right at that moment, he really did look successful.
She watched again as he got out of the car, walked to the passenger's side, opened the door, and stretched out his hand to Flora to help her out. Jasmine was in shock and could not help but wonder when her ex-boyfriend had grown into a gentleman.
"What are you looking at?" Jasper asked, looking at her suspiciously.
She lowered her head to hide the hurt and heartbreak she knew was reflected in her eyes and simply shook her head.
Why had she never seen Antonio for the scumbag he actually was? He and Flora were lovers behind her back. And very bold lovers obviously, since they were attending such an important event together in this manner.
For five years, she had spent all of her affection, time, and energy on a man who didn't even love her. Or respect her enough to conceal that he was a piece of scum.
Five good years.
But as Jasper led her in, she made up her mind that she would not let that deter her from what she set out to achieve in this competition. The joy that would come from putting the two of them in their rightful places.
The competition was not an excessively large one, but it was impartial, as well as fair, with judges coming from different provinces. So that no one could claim to be familiar with them and try to seek favor from them.
For this particular competition, entries were sent three hours before the start of the competition by various representatives. When that was done, the look of the perfumes, as well as the top, middle, and last notes were also scored.
Now that everyone was present, the winner was already known, all that remained was for the announcements to be made.
That was actually the most important part of Antonio and his lover.
Jasper quietly led Jasmine to a VIP room that was exclusive to only them. In it, was a large projection that gave them the necessary view of all that was happening at the competition.
Meanwhile, Antonio and Flora walked around in grandiose, as though certain of their victory.
Jasmine spotted them on the projector and looked at them, her face void of expression.
They smiled at each other.
Smiling like they hadn't just stolen her formula. Like they weren't trying to send her to prison.
Meanwhile, her poor mother was in the hospital fighting for her life.
Her nails dug into her palm as she watched them.
Suddenly, Jasper placed a thin folder on the table in front of her.
She blinked in surprise.
"What's this?"
"Insurance," he said calmly. "Open it."
She did as he asked.
Inside were laboratory logs, timestamps, formulation drafts, security footage, and ownership certificates. Every single document she needed to prove that she created the perfume months before Luigi Inc. submitted it.
Her breath caught.
"You… prepared all this?"
"I did. If someone frames my woman," he said flatly, "Then they ought to face the consequences."
Her heart skipped violently when he said the words my woman.
"President D'Angelo… thank you."
He didn't respond.
But his gaze softened ever so slightly.
The lights in the arena suddenly grew dim as the answers were about to be revealed, and the guests who spoke and laughed sat up in anticipation of what was to be said. No one wanted to miss an absolute thing.
As was customary, the host usually started with a bunch of inconspicuous small awards. But Antonio's mind was not on that. He knew his company to be the best, and patiently waited for his company to be announced as such...
In no time, it was finally time to announce the three top winners. But before the host cleared his throat and spoke into the mic, "It is necessary for me to state that all companies, regardless of their size, are welcome to participate in this competition as long as our requirements are adhered to."
"In addition to that, the contestants must be well-behaved and respectful, especially of each other. We have zero tolerance for plagiarism. Those found guilty of plagiarism are immediately disqualified and will suffer the penalties."
While in the VIP room, Jasmine curled her finger nervously and forced herself to inhale and exhale.
Obviously, both Antonio and Flora had no idea why the host said the things he said. It was the only reason they clapped so hard, grinning like twin clowns.
Antonio even had the audacity to say, "My company may not be the largest, but we do our best to stay as original as possible."
Jasmine could only press her lips together at his shamelessness.
Flora was quick to have her own piece, "That is very correct. I may not be the best perfumer out there. Perhaps not as good as my seniors, but I always do my best to not be an imitator. To be my own person as a perfumer. Always giving my best. Always being an original."
Her words incited the crowds and had them cheering loudly.
Some reporters even took the chance to take pictures of them together, looking happy and in love.
All the while, the host's smile remained polite.
"So, Mr.Luigi, I suppose this means that all of the perfumes you've entered into this competition are originals?"
"Of course! Antonio said, sounding very confident.
But he subconsciously felt that something was wrong. He had attended many competitions like this one, but none of the hosts had ever addressed him personally in this manner before.
But he knew that Jasmine had spent the past three months working in that lab and giving her all to the perfumes they entered. With that alone, he was 100 percent assured of the originality of their perfumes.
That alone had him standing taller. He had nothing to be worried about.
Jasmine watched the way he set his face after answering the question and smiled wickedly.
He had no idea Jasper had already submitted the evidence. No idea the judges had already reviewed the proof.
The host looked at him with deep meaning before speaking again, "During the course of inspection we found out that two companies presented the same perfumes. Even the names were very much alike."
Antonio froze.
"In addition," the host continued, "One company has provided legal documentation proving original ownership, complete with dated lab records and development files."
He felt suddenly embarrassed because he knew the implication of what the host had just said.
Everyone did. It was obvious, by the way, that the host had questioned Antonio that one of the said companies was his. But the other was unknown.
This public disgrace was definitely worse than not winning, and if the reporters so much as published this news, he was done for.
But he kept a straight face on the host, awaiting a meaning for all this nonsense.
In the VIP room, Jasmine stood up confidently and let out a sigh "I believe it's time for me to make an appearance."
Jasper's face didn't change, he just turned to her and oddly enough, he spoke to her gently, "Remember, I'm here if you feel you can't do it on your own."
Then in a quiet, almost possessive tone, he added,
"No one bullies you while I'm alive."