Elise had clearly dominated this round with overwhelming public support, securing her place in the next phase.

The audience's cheers were thunderous.

However, the judges rated Elise's design poorly, dismissing it as lacking uniqueness, only acknowledging its overall aesthetic appeal. Fortunately, their scores accounted for just twenty percent of the total, and Samuel's earlier sabotage had ultimately failed.

Meanwhile, Sophia's face was pale with panic.

At this rate, even if she had a sudden burst of inspiration in the final round, she stood no chance against Elise.

She glanced toward Amanda, who was visibly pleased with Elise's creation.

In fact, Amanda had never felt more beautiful in her life!

If anyone else had designed that dress, she would have immediately hired them as her personal stylist.

But it had to be Elise... and she couldn't even bring herself to hate the design!

Naturally, she noticed Sophia's desperate look.

Personal preferences aside, Amanda would never allow Elise to surpass them.

She gave Sophia a subtle, understanding nod, which instantly boosted Sophia's confidence.

Meanwhile, at Levine Holdings headquarters, William instructed Samuel Wilson to reopen the live comment feed while calmly checking his WhatsApp.

Messages flooded in, all from Nathan Davis.

[Elise is incredible, starting off with a bang! @williamlevine]

[What's wrong with those judges?! How is Elise's design simple?! Don't they understand that less is more?! They have worse taste than I do! @williamlevine]

[Even though Amanda has always been somewhat attractive, and I might have noticed years ago, I have to admit she looks absolutely stunning tonight. It's all thanks to Elise's design. @williamlevine @ethanparker]

Nathan continued his enthusiastic rambling, but no one responded.

William had already switched his focus to the live comments.

[Doesn't anyone think Elise Scott's design was pure genius? How is that just luck?]

[I've always felt her designs had depth... Now comparing hers to Sophia's, the difference in skill is obvious.]

[Are the judges blind?! That dress has so many intricate details, and they completely dismissed it!]

[I still think Sophia has more potential. She's probably holding back to avoid humiliating the competition.]

The comments became a heated debate between Elise and Sophia's supporters, but approval for Elise was clearly growing!

Meanwhile, the final round moved into its second phase—the ultimate showdown between Elise and Sophia.

The theme was 'pinnacle'.

In reality, the theme was mostly for dramatic effect—any design could work as long as the narrative was well-executed.

After the theme announcement, Elise and Sophia began working intently.

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Once again, Sophia finished first, sending Stella onto the stage wearing her creation.

It was a bold, flamboyant dress with vibrant colors and intricate detailing, exuding both regal elegance and playful charm.

One might describe it as a fusion of queenly grace and seductive allure.

It immediately captured everyone's attention, and the audience erupted in applause.

Sophia had always craved validation.

Her troubled upbringing meant she was often looked down upon as a child, but as she grew older, she learned how to manipulate others with strategic flattery. Though she usually got what she wanted, people never failed to mention her humble origins.

That was why she constantly compared herself to Elise and harassed her relentlessly. Anything Elise possessed, Sophia had to take—or acquire something even better.