The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)
Chapter 1006 The Speech

The award ceremony was in full swing as the host announced the nominated novelist on stage.

"It has to be Estella. No other way about it! It has to be her!" Janet heard Sean muttering beside her.

As Estella had assured Janet that she would take home the prize, Janet just sat calmly beside Sean, prepared to cheer on Estella.

After a brief moment of silence, the host ultimately declared Estella the winner.

A thunderous round of applause echoed through the banquet hall as Estella stood and bowed deeply to the audience. She walked past the screen displaying her works and made her way to the stage. Many of the attendees noticed that Estella was wearing a dress from the prestigious W Marks Studio in Barnes, causing them to cast envious glances her way.

The evening gown was adorned with a beautiful pattern and thousands of tiny diamonds, exuding luxury and highlighting Estella's perfect figure.

As Estella stepped onto the stage, her eyes locked on Sean, who was seated next to Janet.

It turned out Sean was there!

Estella's eyes sparkled as she recognized him, taken aback by his extraordinary demeanor in that suit.

The host reminded Estella to give a speech, and she approached the microphone.

The bright spotlights made it difficult for her to see the people in the audience clearly, but her gaze kept drifting back to where Sean was sitting.

Excitedly, Estella began, "To be honest, I didn't expect to win the prize for my novel. I've been writing for over a decade, and many of the contemporary writers around me already have many popular works. I really wasn't the luckiest one." As she reminisced about the past, Estella sighed, "My novels were never really successful. I was really anxious at the time, but fortunately, I had friends and family who encouraged me. I want to thank everyone who has inspired me in my life, including my designer Janet. She's been so patient with me, even when I have a bad temper. She always made adjustments according to my opinions with such patience."

The host asked, "Congratulations, Estella. I heard that you're working on a new book now. I also heard it's based on a real story from your own life. Many of us are looking forward to it. Can you give us a hint about your inspiration?"

Holding the microphone, Estella gazed into the darkness below the stage and replied, "Well, I've recently met someone special in my life, and I feel like love is on the horizon."

The host raised his eyebrows and asked with a touch of gossip, "Is this man your boyfriend? Can you tell us more?"

The audience erupted into an uproar.

Estella smiled. "He's right there. He's sitting next to my designer."

The lights immediately zeroed in on Sean, and the audience erupted into cheers. Janet gave Sean a gentle push, saying, "Don't be silly. Go to her!"

Sean was nudged onto the stage and walked over to Estella with a sheepish smile.

The two of them made a stunning pair. The audience cheered.

Sean took the microphone handed to him by the host and ran a hand through his hair. "I wanted to express my love for you, but you beat me to it." Estella pressed her lips together, her eyes shining with emotion. "It's not too late. You could still say it now."

Sean's mind went blank!

He tried to replace the right words to express his deep love for Estella, but there was nothing.

Eventually, he mustered up the courage to approach her and leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips.

Estella was taken aback for a moment, but then returned the gesture with a passionate embrace and kiss.

Janet, who had been all eyes, cheered and snapped a photo of the romantic moment and sent it to Brandon.

As the award ceremony came to a close and the dinner party began, Janet prepared to leave.

"Janet," Estella called out, as she and Sean walked over to her, hand in hand.

"I should say congratulations on your award. Now that Sean and you are together, I can say that my mission is accomplished." Janet smiled at the happy couple. "Mrs. Larson, let me get you home," Sean offered, setting down his glass of wine.

But Janet declined, explaining that Brandon had arranged for a bodyguard to drive her home. "You two stay and enjoy each other's company," she said with a wink. Sean shyly handed over the car keys and Janet left with Estella.

Mesue was already waiting for her at the door. Janet gave Mesue the key and said, "Sean won't be coming with us. Come on, let's get out of here." Mesue hastily grabbed the key and remarked, "It is chilly outdoors. Please wait for me in the hall, Mrs. Larson. I'll call you when I bring the car over." Janet smiled and replied, "Okay." After watching Mesue go, she returned to the banquet hall.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of stiletto heels behind her, as though someone was coming her way...