Despite her meticulous preparation, Rosalynn's heart raced upon the announcement.

Maggie wrapped her in a joyful embrace, and Rosalynn, smiling, returned the gesture.

Her eyes met Gail's across the room; the smiles they exchanged were of mutual pride.

Then, amidst the celebratory murmur, a voice cut through.

"This outcome is unacceptable!"

The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward the source of the dissent.

Rosalynn turned her gaze in the direction of the abrupt voice and observed Ballard rising to his feet, his gaze fixed on her with an icy detachment.

The coordinator turned to his assistant for confirmation before addressing Ballard, “Mr. Morgan, do you question the integrity of the bid conference's outcome?"

Ballard replied with firmness, “Indeed, I do! The process was unjust.

Ms. Fuller, the victor, not only fabricated her qualifications but also pre-emptively swayed the judges with bribes!"

His accusation sent a ripple of murmurs through the gathered crowd.

With a grave expression, the coordinator pressed, “Evidence is required, Mr. Morgan. What makes you assert such a claim?"

"This lady is not the real Rose!" Ballard accused, pointing directly at Rosalynn.

"Back at another bid conference, she denied being Rose.

Now, all of a sudden, she claims she is! My suspicion is she colluded with a judge to secure the project! After all, expanding the Skrix Museum is a major venture. How else could a mere intern like her wield such influence without invoking the name ‘Rose'?"

The coordinator's brow creased in concern.

"You've implicated the judges, Mr. Morgan. To whom are you referring?"

Ballard shot a covert glance at Gail and and signaled his assistant with a look.

Understanding the cue, the assistant projected images onto the screen.

“Behold what I stumbled upon over dinner," Ballard announced.