I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 205: I Will Not Tolerate It

Chapter 205: I Will Not Tolerate It

The chaotic scene, thick with accusations and whispered conversations, was suddenly cleaved by the new, commanding voice. As a figure strode onto the stage, his presence radiating an undeniable aura of power and authority. It was Levi Van Doren.

He moved with a purposeful stride, his gaze sweeping across the room, taking in the scene with a single, sharp glance. He stopped near Lyse, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. His touch was gentle, but his expression was firm, his eyes blazing with a protective fire.

"I apologize for the interruption," he said, his voice resonating through the room, silencing the murmurs and whispers. "My name is Levi Van Doren. I am Lyse’s husband."

A collective gasp rippled through the audience. The revelation of Lyse’s marital status added another layer of intrigue to the already dramatic situation. All eyes were now on Levi, wondering what he would say next.

"I had not intended to wade into this situation, since my wife was unaware that I was in the audience." Levi said, while Lyse blushed beside him. She had not wanted him there because she knew he had a lot going on at work, but his presence felt like a calming balm.

He glanced at her for a long moment then he continued, his voice calm and measured. "I trusted that the truth would prevail. However, Ms. Brooke has seen fit to invoke my name, and I will not stand idly by while she attempts to tarnish my reputation, or more importantly, my wife’s."

He turned his gaze to Brooke, who stood frozen, her face pale and drawn. "Brooke," he said, his voice laced with steel, "you have accused me of...manipulating the outcome of this competition. Let me assure you, I have no need to manipulate anything. My wife is an exceptionally talented designer. She does not need my help to win. Her work speaks for itself."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. Then, he dropped another bombshell.

"In fact," he continued, his voice low and dangerous, "Brooke Chadwick’s...success...in the past has been largely based on...borrowed talent. Talent that belongs to her half-sister, Lyse."

A stunned silence filled the room. The audience stared at Brooke, their faces a mixture of shock and disbelief. The other contestants exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the implications of Levi’s words.

"Brooke here has bullied and has been piggybacking off my wife’s achievements for years," Levi explained, his voice calm and even. "She has been parading Lyse’s designs as her own, claiming credit for her creativity and hard work. That is the real reason for her...success...in previous competitions."

Brooke’s face was now crimson, her eyes filled with fury. She opened her mouth to protest, but Levi cut her off.

"I have refrained from revealing this information until now," he said, his voice firm. "I did not want to embarrass my wife. But Brooke Chadwick’s actions have forced my hand. She has crossed a line, and I will not tolerate it."

When Brooke opened her mouth to speak again, Levi repeated sharply. "I will not tolerate it!"

He turned his attention to Judge Thompson, who was attempting to slip away unnoticed. "Judge Thompson," Levi said, his voice sharp, "I suggest you stay where you are. We have some...unfinished business to discuss."

He gestured to two men standing near the stage, dressed in dark suits. "Gentlemen," he said, his voice commanding, "please escort Judge Thompson to a secure location. I believe a thorough examination of his phone...and his financial records...is in order."

The two men moved swiftly, seizing Judge Thompson before he could react. He struggled briefly, but his resistance was futile. He was quickly subdued and led away.

Brooke watched in horror as Judge Thompson was taken away, her last hope of escaping the consequences of her actions vanishing. She knew it was over. Levi’s revelation, combined with the evidence of the bribe, that was sure to seal her fate. She wished that she had insisted on her mother coming along, she felt so alone and she noticed that her admirers were actually putting physical distance between her and themselves.

As the two men searched Judge Thompson’s phone, they quickly discovered the evidence they were looking for. Two separate money transfers from Brooke’s account, each for a substantial sum, clearly marked as "consulting fees." The evidence was irrefutable.

The director, his face grave, turned to Brooke. "Ms. Brooke," he said, his voice cold, "I am afraid there is no need for further discussion. You are hereby disqualified from the Golden Fleece competition and I will ensure that you are never able to apply for any other competitions affiliated to our brand.."

Brooke stood there, her head bowed in shame while her eyes burned in anger. She had no remorse at all. In her opinion, Lyse was responsible for the humiliation she was facing.

Levi turned to Lyse, his expression softening. He took her hand, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Lyse nodded, her eyes filled with tears. "I’m fine," she whispered. "I’m just...relieved. Relieved that the truth has finally come out and glad you are here."

She looked at Brooke, her expression a mixture of pity and disappointment. "I am sorry, Brooke," she said softly. "I didn’t want it to end like this."

Brooke didn’t respond. She simply stood there, her face a mask of anger.

The director stepped forward, his voice professional. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "due to the...unforeseen circumstances...we have had to make some adjustments to the final results of the Golden Fleece competition. The winner remains...Lyse Van Doren."

The audience erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the room. Lyse smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile. She had won. She had won not just the competition, but also the respect and admiration of her peers. And she had done it all with her own talent, her own hard work, and her own unwavering integrity.

As the celebration began, Lyse looked at Levi, her eyes filled with love and gratitude. He had defended her, exposed the truth, and stood by her side through it all. She knew that she was incredibly lucky to have him in her life. He was her rock, her support, her everything. And as she looked into his eyes, she knew that their future together would be filled with love, happiness, and endless possibilities.