Linda stood up and got on the podium under people's gesticulation.

"Thank you, the organizing committee. Thank you, the Foley Group for the support. Thank you, my coworkers at Birch Maple Studio."

In three simple sentences, she completed her acceptance speech.

"Well, this is exciting! Now, here we'll have... uh..."

The host was about to move on to the next session when a neatly-dressed woman was seen showing up under the stage with a child in her arms.

"Eh, isn't that Linda's partner, Carrie May? What's she doing here?"

Someone had sharp eyes to recognize the woman.

Before the audience could respond, Carrie already trotted on stage and handed the child to Linda.

A close-up of the child soon appeared on the live screen.

About two years old, he looked chubby, cute, and noble. He had curly hair, fair skin, and delicate features. Dressed in a small white T-shirt and jeans overall, he looked just like Prince George of the UK.

The most particular parts about him were his amber eyes and eyelashes as thick as feather fans. The close-up enlarged his beautiful features, and people couldn't tear them eyes away.

As soon as the child landed in the arms of Linda, he kissed her.

The auditorium fell into complete silence to the point that even the sound of a dropping needle could be heard.

With their mouths agape, the reporters even forgot to press the shutters.

"Em."

After kissing her, the child held Linda's neck and babbled. His voice, cute and sweet, came out from the microphone.

While holding the child, Linda skillfully coaxed him and drew close to the microphone, "Also, through the stage, I'd like to introduce my son to everyone."

Her words broke the silence and dropped a bomb off the stage.

"See? Confirmed! The rumor on the internet is true. She indeed has an illegitimate child. Who knows which wild man is the father!"

"How can we let such a woman reach 99 D.C. Street? What a shame! I demand the organizing committee to re-evaluate!"

"Tsk-tsk, how could such a nasty woman deserve the reward? What's wrong with the value of Valentine's judges?"

People under the stage were chattering, and the media's cameras were directed at Linda like cannons. It felt like shells would be fired at any second, and she would be blown up.

Pursing her lips, Linda glanced at the hostile audience and looked into the cameras.

"Everyone, you don't need to guess. Indeed, I am not married and a single mother.

Three years ago, I was deceived by a shameless unfaithful man. After I was forced to give birth, he disappeared without a trace. I was angry but also grateful because God blessed me with an angelic baby.

My mother, Ms. Lisa Marley, died of a heart attack three years ago. Birch Maple was a brand founded by her and also the fruit of my lifetime devotion. I'll carry on her mantle and make Birch Maple the top designer brand in the USA!

I'm saying this today to show everyone that I'm a mother and an aspiring designer! No way I will or have the leisure to overindulge. Promiscuity and drugs are the bottom lines that I'll never touch!

As for the rumors on the internet, they are pure slanders! To those slanderers, I'll reserve the right to prosecute and investigate thoroughly!"

Following her words, she bowed deeply to the audience with the child in her arms.

The auditorium fell into silence again, and the audience was dazed.

She admitted it? She really had a child born out of wedlock?

Nevertheless, no one could say anything harsh against her.

The life of a single mother was difficult, and Linda was also a victim. It took great courage and commitment for her to clarify everything in front of the camera with her child.

The blame was on that disappeared... shameless unfaithful man!