The event organizers returned after a few minutes, their faces serious. "We've reviewed the footage," one of them said, addressing the judge.
"It shows that the bottle was indeed at Empress Brew's station earlier in the day."
The judge turned to Peggy. "Ms. Carter, it appears there has been a mix-up. The bottle does belong to Empress Brew. Please return it."
Peggy's face turned red with anger and embarrassment. She turned her face away and handed the bottle to Horatio without a word, but before his hand could touch the bottle, a cracking sound was heard on the ground.
Everyone: "…"
"What just happened?"
Horatio's eyes blazed with anger. "What have you done, Peggy?" He was so angry that he directly called her by her first name.
Peggy met Horatio's gaze squarely. "Are you blaming your incompetence on me? I handed the bottle to you but you purposely dropped it."