Images flickered into view, revealing Rosalynn and Gail dining together, and subsequent photos showed Rosalynn escorting Gail to a room following an allergic episode.

The crowd's whispers swelled into a clamor.

Their eyes darted between Rosalynn and Gail.

Rosalynn bit her red lips, realization dawning that Ballard must have been monitoring her since their encounter.

Gail's brows knitted at the sight of the photos.

"I did share a table with Ms. Fuller, purely by chance. And yes, I retreated to her room only due to a sudden ailment. I have never accepted a bribe. Money is not an object to me."

"You may not be short on money, but that doesn't exclude the possibility of a bribe," Ballard asserted, his gaze piercing Rosalynn with Loathing.

“This woman might lack competence, yet her cunning is undeniable.

It's the sole reason her employer entrusted her with the studio's bid."

Upon hearing Ballard's defamatory remarks, Maggie's temper flared.

“Mr. Morgan, refrain from besmirching Ms. Fuller. She's Rose. Don't her designs speak for themselves?"

Ballard's retort was edged with derision.

"The judges will determine the merit of the designs. I, for one, believe our company's designs hold their own."

“But you..."

"Let me speak! I'm not done," Ballard interjected sharply, his eyes cutting coldly toward Rosalynn.

Rosalynn's expression chilled; she guided Maggie to take a seat, her interest piqued by what Ballard would utter next.

Ballard went on, "The basis of my claim of her cunning lies in the rumors from Wragos. It was an allegation of her intimate involvement with her superior. He even dismissed three skilled designers on her account. What firm would sacrifice so much for an intern? He compromised his integrity for a woman's favor! But her escapades didn't end there. She's also rumored to have entangled herself with Brian, the head of Hughes Group, thriving like a fish in water. Just ask around her studio if you doubt. Moreover, remember the earthquake in Wragos two nights ago? The couple spotlighted in the news were none other than her and another man. What business does a man and woman have, alone at night in such a forsaken place? Seeking thrills, perhaps? And tragically, her actions led to the man's demise. These patterns paint her as a person of questionable morals. Ladies and gentlemen, a museum stands as a symbol of dignity and purity. Are you prepared to entrust such a project to a woman of her supposed reputation?”

Ballard's remarks swiftly ignited public fury.

"No, this won't stand! We cannot tolerate such a frivolous figure wreaking havoc in the design industry."

"Absolutely! How can these studios even contemplate such a ploy just to rake in profits? It's preposterous."