Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 115

If I hadn't watched the whole show, I would never have seen through the committee's little scheme! I'm standing right here tonight—let's see which gossip blog dares to slander Mirabelle now!

Trying to shut us up by handing Mirabelle this award? As if we can't see right through you!

The outrage online had reached an all-time high.

Mirabelle sat still in the audience, her smile composed as she accepted the microphone. "Thank you to the judges for your recognition. But honestly, I look forward to winning this trophy one day—fair and square."

She turned down the award.

Her message was crystal clear.

"It's getting late. Sorry for taking up your time. I wish you all a wonderful night."

"And thank you to my team and my friends for their unwavering support. Until next time."

With a graceful wave, Mirabelle turned and walked offstage. The skirt of her gown swayed behind her, the image so striking it was burned into everyone's memory.

YES! That's our Mirabelle—she's got real backbone!

Serves The Magnolia Awards right. Let's see how they clean up this mess!

She's so damn gorgeous! This is beauty from within, a thousand times more dazzling than Joanna-the-thief's fake diamonds! By the way, where did Mirabelle get her dress?!

Mirabelle's refusal sent hashtags like #MagnoliaAwardsScandal, #JoannaTheThief, and #MirabelleNotBestActress skyrocketing to the top of the trending list.

And her gown instantly became the subject of rabid fascination online.

Seabay stepped in directly, claiming the dress and officially announcing Mirabelle as the brand's new ambassador for the upcoming season.

SeabayOfficial: Thank you all for your love! The gown Mirabelle wore tonight is part of our ‘Spring Rain on Long Avenue' collection, designed by the talented Alison!

Mirabelle's Silken Strands: Designer Selwyn, I adore your updated design! Please, can you convince Seabay to release Mirabelle's version soon?!

Celestine smiled softly.

It was clear Mirabelle's fans were genuinely kind-hearted.

Funny enough, the dress itself was originally designed by one of her mentors—she'd only updated it with permission. She never imagined it would become so beloved.

Just as things felt harmonious, the conspiracy theorists crept in.

Lawless: Is it your taste that's broken or mine? It's just a generic dress—one diamond from Joanna's gown outshines the whole thing. I don't get the hype.

Go Away, Idiot: Exactly, just a bunch of brainless fans hyping themselves up. For all we know, Seabay and Mirabelle staged this whole thing to push a newcomer. Watch those clueless fans rush to buy whatever they're told!