Chapter 18As the crew got ready for the next segment, the stage lights dimmed a bit. Yvette leaned over to Shakira and said, “Dad and the others are here today. You know why, right?” Shakira didn’t even look her way. “Yvette, you really don’t have to keep showing off how the Nelsons support you. I don’t care at all.”Shakira’s cold vibe and smirked. ‘Shakira can’t be as unfazed as she pretends. She’s filled with jealousy beneath that calm façade, humph.Yvette blinked innocently. “What are you talking about, Shakira? Showing off? Are you saying Dad and brothers changed their busy schedules just to cheer me on at this competition?” Feigning surprise, she added, “You’ve got it all wrong. They’re not here just for me. It’s about Yonder Digital.”You know how tough th?…they’re going through,are for the company right now. Dad and brothers have tried everything, and only Yonder Digital can pull us through. So, they can’t afford any mistakes today. I know you put on a tough front, but you care more than you let on. You get what After a pause, Yvette whispered, “Actually, these past few days, Dad, Mom, and brothers have been wishing they hadn’t stopped you that night. I believe that once we get through this rough patch, everyone will be excited to have you back home.” Yvette wasn’t just boasting; she was making sure Shakira knew how critical today was for the Nelson family. If anything went wrong, it could spell disaster. Shakira needed to understand that no matter what, the company came first. If she wanted to return and earn their attention again, she had to keep it together.When Shakira heard Yvette’s last comment, she let out a soft, almost sarcastic laugh. “Oh, really? I can’t wait to see that.” Yvette felt a sense of satisfaction with her response. Just look at Shakira, still hoping to win back the Nelson family. How laughable!’ Just then, the I en, the host announced, “Now, let’s check out our contestants’ works for this audition.”On the big screen, the design drafts of each participant appeared one by one, along with models showcasing the garments freshly made backstage.The designs from the first few contestants were pretty, but to the professional judges, they lacked originality. There was nothing technically wrong with the designs, but none of them brought a truly fresh perspective. Soon, it was Shakira’s turn. “The contestant, Shakira, presents, ‘Ashes,” the host declared.Shakira’s design lit up the screen-a floor-length dress in the deepest black imaginable. The audience buzzed as the model emerged, wearing Shakira’s creation.With shattered embroidery, a strapless waistline, and large transparent black lace connecting from the chest to the arms, the model’s figure was on full display. The sharp contrast between the black dress and her tender skin was striking.But what really drew everyone’s attention was the transparent black organza veil draping over the model’s head. As she moved, it swayed with a mysterious grace, revealing part of her face from the shadows, like a resurrected enchantress, ready to take on the world. The room fell silent for a moment. It wasn’t until the model finished her turn and returned to Shakira that the crowd began to react.”This dress is stunning! So powerful!”1/315:38 Thu, Oct 1715:3apter 18Totally! It’s gorgeous! But does it actually fit the theme? The title is ‘Hope, and she named her piece ‘Ashes?””Come on, you don’t see it? The title is metaphorical. ‘Ashes’ means rebirth-new hope rising from the ruins. This piece is incredible!””Exactly! I think it’s way better than the first few-totally takes my breath away!” “I’m voting for her.””Me too.”Wait, there are more contestants to come.””I really don’t think anyone can top this.””Hey, did you guys notice? The designer seems to be even better in that dress than the model. She’s gorgeous, and that little beauty mark by her eye adds just the right touch-totally cool!”The audience gasped in admiration, leaving the Nelson family’s expressions a colorful mix.Cody was lost in his thoughts, completely silent..Finn broke the silence, saying, “If Shakira wins, it’ll open up more opportunities for us.” sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Findηovel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Mitchell’s eyes widened in admiration, but he quickly covered it up with a smirk. “Shakira’s no match for Yvette. Her designs are just okay-not anything special.”+5Yvette had felt at ease upon hearing the name of Shakira’s design-she hadn’t used any of her portfolio pieces. Yvette’s submissions were from the early pages of Shakira’s sketchbook, and she figured Shakira probably wouldn’t even remember them. When the black dress hit the stage, Yvette almost burst into laughter-it looked completely inappropriate for the theme. But as the audience buzzed with excitement, Yvette’s anxiety shot up, and an angry feeling began to well up inside her. ‘Seriously? These people think Shakira’s raggedy black creation is pretty? They must be blind!” “Next up is contestant Yvette with her piece-‘Galaxy!” The host’s voice sounded again.Yvette’s design aand the model took the stage, and everyone’s eyes widened. It was a stunning yellow gown that faded into a deep blue at the waist, resembling starlight against a night sky. Mitchell practically jumped up to grab his phone, eager to catch Yvette’s shining moment. But when he saw her design on-screen, he froze.After two years of studying art, he wasn’t a pro, but he understood the basics. The lines in Yvette’s design looked eerily similar to Shakira’s sketches. The smile slipped from Mitchell’s face, replaced by worry.The audience didn’t know the technical details. They were just captivated by it all.”Wow, this dress is stunning!””I love the color-it looks like the galaxy.””What a genius!”2/363% 63%did anyone notice? Both the Nelson designers have amazing work. Is there some special talent in that last name?” “The Nelson surname isn’t common in Crescentville. Who would’ve thought two would show up at once? Are they related?”Chapter 18″Come on! How could they he related? The clothes and accessories on Shakira probably don’t even come close to the price of Yvette’s shoes. Not every Nelson is rich.” “Enough with the elitism. Honestly, Shakira looks way better than Yvette here. She’s beautiful and talented. If she makes it big, she’ll be the one raking in the cash.” “LOL, as if! She can never earn anywhere near what the Nelson family is worth. Yvette comes from a century-old family business-stop being delusional.”Yvette lifted her chin defiantly. As she scanned the audience and saw their amazed faces, she felt sure of her victory. She winked at Cody and the others, secretly thrilled.But then she turned her head and saw the judges in the front row, looking serious and whispering among themselves. She rolled her eyes. What could they even discuss? My Galaxy is way better than Shakira’s dull Ashes!’Suddenly, the judges stood up and took the microphone from the host, their faces grave. “This retest is meant to ensure transparency and fairness, aiming to identify outstanding designers for our studio and contribute to the fashion industry. But we never expected to see plagiarism in such a prestigious competition!”+5Yvette’s heart dropped, and her face went pale as she instinctively took a step back. Suddenly, she felt a tight grip around her wrist.