Sophia waited with absolute confidence for Elise to present her designs.

In truth, Sophia was certain she wouldn't even need to scheme against Elise to secure victory this time.

Suddenly, applause erupted through the venue.

Sophia turned to see Elise stepping onto the stage.

Amanda was still back in the changing room, so the audience remained relatively subdued.

Several minutes later, the curtains parted once more.

The crowd roared with renewed excitement as Amanda made her entrance, instantly commanding everyone's attention.

She wore a breathtaking red gown, intricately adorned with vibrant crimson roses from neckline to hem. The design was anything but vulgar. It felt both refreshingly original and stunningly alluring.

Sophia's own design had emphasized aesthetic appeal, something an audience might admire from a distance. Elise's creation, however, sparked an immediate, visceral desire. People longed to own it, to wear it, to become the center of attention themselves.

Naturally, Elise's design was the more breathtaking of the two.

This was exactly what Sophia had anticipated.

To be precise, it was what she had orchestrated.

Sophia's eyes briefly met Amanda's across the stage.

To any observer, it was a simple glance between close friends.

Only the two of them understood it was a silent confirmation of their cunning plan's success.

Meanwhile, Elise pressed her lips together, her gaze fixed on the flawless gown Amanda wore.

She could feel the audience's palpable delight.

Barring any unforeseen disasters, this victory should have been hers.

But the harsh reality was this: the gown Amanda was showcasing… was not the one Elise had designed.

Elise had personally helped Amanda into her original creation in the dressing room. Once finished, she had exited first, as the script required.

But alarm bells had started ringing when Amanda failed to appear after several minutes.

Once she was out, Elise couldn't simply return backstage.

She had anticipated sabotage—perhaps a torn seam. She was prepared to mend it quickly, blaming an accident. A few minor deduction points were manageable; the overall victory would remain secure.

She never expected such a brazen, complete switch.

This had to be a premeditated act. The gown Amanda now wore hadn't been hastily assembled; it must have been smuggled backstage beforehand. The moment Elise left, one of the assistants must have helped Amanda change.

It was a bold theory, but the lack of cameras in the dressing room made it terrifyingly plausible.

Despite the turmoil inside, Elise's expression remained a mask of perfect composure.

Staying calm, she realized the dress she had actually designed was likely already removed by the backstage crew, who were undoubtedly in on the scheme.

She had no evidence to expose the plot. Furthermore, the designers had worked in a sealed room from the very beginning.

Adjudicators had been present in that room, but it went without saying that Samuel had already ensured their cooperation.

After being so vigilant against Sophia and Samuel for so many rounds… to finally fall into their trap at the last moment!

How deeply did they resent her success that they would sink to such despicable depths?

The competition proceeded to the final voting.

Once again, Elise won by an overwhelming majority, claiming the ultimate victory.

Confetti rained down. Poppers cracked, filling the air with colorful streamers.

Sophia walked over to Elise, a brilliant smile on her face, and enveloped her in a warm, seemingly heartfelt hug. She offered sincere, effusive congratulations.

There was no doubt about it. The gesture generated a massive wave of goodwill from the live audience and the millions watching on television screens.