With a chilling look on her face, Katelyn said in a cold, sharp tone, “Miss Lopez, the proof is clear. You can’t deny it. I expect a full explanation from you and the Lopez family!”

She wasn’t concerned about the Lopez family’s power. Today, she was set on getting an apology!

Ruby shot a venomous glare at Katelyn, her voice laced with fury.

“I didn’t do it! Are you deaf, or just too dumb to understand?!”

Shoving Lise aside with force, Ruby yelled, “Move!” She was desperate to escape.

Lise had assumed Ruby was too caught up in the argument with Katelyn to do anything to her. Ruby shoved her without warning, catching her completely off guard. Her elbow hit the floor hard.

Crack! The sickening sound of a bone snapping echoed.

“Ouch… My arm!” Lise cried out, clutching her elbow, her face draining of color.

But Ruby didn’t even look at Lise. She simply tried to walk away.

The crowd was stunned, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.

Ruby’s audacity was beyond belief. She had tampered with the competition entry and had been caught in the act. As if that wasn’t enough, she had also attacked Lise. Now, she acted like nothing had happened and tried to walk away. How could she think that was even possible?

The event staff wasted no time. Before Ruby could leave the audience area, security moved in to stop her.

“Miss, please stop. If you resist, we’ll be forced to take action.”

Ruby froze, unable to take another step. In an instant, a group of security guards swarmed her, restraining her on the spot.

Zandra took the stage once more, her voice firm.

“We will be reporting this incident to the police. The authorities will decide the appropriate punishment.”

She paused briefly, then added, “Additionally, on behalf of the organizers, I officially announce that Miss Ruby Lopez’s entry has been disqualified from this competition. Furthermore, she is now permanently banned from any future events hosted by us.”

Permanently banned! A sharp gasp spread through the crowd. The punishment felt incredibly harsh. For a designer, it was like shutting the door to any future in this industry.

But there was no denying it—Ruby’s actions had been far too severe. The punishment seemed fair enough. After all, it was the first time something like this had happened. If the consequences weren’t harsh enough, it might happen again.

Ruby’s eyes went wide with shock. She fought against the guards, shouting, “I won’t accept this! I didn’t do anything! Why am I being banned?!”

A permanent ban meant the Lopez family would turn their backs on her.

No, she couldn’t let that happen! She was supposed to be the future heir to the Lopez family. This couldn’t be the way it ended!

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