It was finally the long-awaited presentation night for the first sound, where half of the participants would be disqualified. ording to the arrangement, the models representing each group will walk the runway, after which the judges will judge them ordingly, grading them with a pass or a disqualification.


    “She did use the blue dress design you mentioned,” na pointed out as she walked into the dressing room assigned to their team.


    “That’s too much to expect. She’szy and not creative enough to be here, so the only option she has while trying to make a name for herself is to use underhanded methods,” Lily replied while making sure nothing had gone wrong with the clothing.


    “Are you nervous?” She asked, and Gary shook his head. “I’m not as nervous as I was the first time I did a photoshoot. And I don’t have that much work; I just have to walk down the runway,” he shrugged. “While making sure I don’t trip,” he added with a smile, and Lily chuckled.


    “Right! You have to make sure your fans don’t lose face.” Sheughed and patted his shoulder. “Everything is okay with the clothes being changed; it’s time to shine.”


    “Wait, I need to ask,” na called out as they walked out of the room, leaving Gary to change. “How do you know she’ll use the designs you made? Apart from the first and final stages, there isn’t a free-reign segment. You get them to work with for each stage.”


    Hearing her question, Lily shrugged with a smirk. “I prepared a design for each theme that might be used. I’m talking about anything and everything, including bikinis and every other one.”


    “Why?” na asked with a frown, “I understand you guys don’t get along but aren’t you going too far with this? This might ruin her career forever. A giarism stigma is not easy to remove,” she asked.


    “There’s no use for her being in a field she’s not good in, is there? And you asked why. Because I have a blood debt to settle, and heavens help me, I’ll take back everything I own with interest,” she exined.


    For a brief moment, na felt she was talking to someone else other than Lily, as the dark aura and killing intenting from her felt real and suffocating, making na feel a cold sweat running down her spine.


    At the host’s signal, the first model strutted down the runway in a stunning avant-garde design, a boldbination of vibrant colours and unconventional silhouettes. The judges were captivated by the designer’s fearlessness and creative vision, as well as the model’sposure and elegance.


    Judge 1: “This design is a breath of fresh air from the boring ones that young talents always give! The mix of colours and shapes is daring yet harmonious. I appreciate the risk-taking and innovation disyed here. My score is 9/10. I love this.”


    Judge 2: “I’m impressed by the originality and boundary-pushing nature of this design. The execution is wless, and the attention to detail is outstanding. I’d rate it an 8. 5/10. It needs a little bit of work with the detailing to bring out the story the designer intends to tell.”


    Judge 3: “While I admire the creativity, I feel the design may be a bit too oundish for the average consumer. However, it’s undeniably a work of art. I’ll give it a 5/10.”


    After their grading, the second model stepped on stage. The model gracefully navigated the runway in a design that initially showed promise. However, as the judges examined the details more closely, their expressions shifted, revealing their disappointment.


    The design featured a unique concept, attempting tobine elements of vintage and futuristic fashion. Unfortunately, the execution fell short, with visible ws in the construction and an awkwardbination of fabrics.


    Judge 1: “I appreciate the attempt to merge different styles, but the execution iscking. Thebination of fabrics doesn’t work, and the construction issues are hard to overlook. My score is 4/10. You should improve on your designs.”


    Judge 2: “While the concept had potential, the tailor failed to deliver a polished final product. The sewing appears rushed, and the craftsmanship is subpar. I’d rate it a 3/10.”


    Judge 3: “Unfortunately, this design falls t. The poor execution andck of attention to detail make it difficult to appreciate any positive aspects. I’ll give it a 3/10.”


    “And we have our first disqualified team for this round,” the host announced as the model walked off the stage, eyes filled with tears and shame.


    The third model floated down the runway in a dreamy, ethereal gown that seemed to defy gravity. The delicate fabric, intricate embroidery, and whimsical details left the audience in awe as they cheered excitedly.


    Judge 1: “This gown is an absolute masterpiece. The craftsmanship is beautiful and catchy, and the designer has managed to create a sense of magic and wonder. It’s a solid 9. 5/10 for me.”N?velDrama.Org content.


    Judge 2: “I’m enticed by the romantic and ethereal vibe of this design. The attention to detail is astounding, and the choice of fabrics is spot-on. I’d rate it a 9/10.”


    Judge 3: “While the design is undoubtedly beautiful, I’m concerned about its wearability. It may be more suited for a red carpet-event or a fantasy-themed asion. My score is 8/10 because it’s absolutely beautiful.”


    The ratings and grading continued, and it was finally time for Merrisa’s team to walk the runway. She stood beside her model, giving her reassuring words while ring at Lily, who stood to the side with an indifferent expression.


    “Why haven’t I seen your model? Are you too ashamed to disy your failed product?” Merissa taunted with a gloating expression, while Lily nced at her with a shake of her hand.


    On second thought, she decided to y along with her and moved closer. Standing directly beside her, she whispered, “You weren’t smart enough to add or at least change some minor details; are you afraid people won’t know you are disying stolen goods?” She chuckled and walked back into the changing room assigned to them. Leaving Merissa frozen in ce.


    As she heard her team’s number being called, she snapped out of her daze and hurriedly escorted out her model.


    The model confidently showcased the outfit on the runway: a light blue shimmery dress with arge bow on the waistline right above the long slit on its right leg. The dress is paired with a matching hat made purely from.


    Judge 1: “While the dress is well-made and the choice of fabric is lovely, it doesn’t seem to bring anything new to the table. It feels like something we’ve seen before. This design reminds me of the fashion show in London two years ago. This particr dress was one of the winning dresses; however, it got disqualified due to some bad stories. Your craftsmanship is good, but I’ll encourage you to add originality to your craft. My score is 6. 5/10.”


    Judge 2: “I have to agree. The craftsmanship ismendable, but the design itself is a bit predictable. There is nothing wrong with you taking some inspiration from already existing designs, but at least make a few changes to wow the audience. I’d rate it a 5/10. I look forward to some original ideas in the next stage.”


    Judge 3: “The only reason I’m going to rate you an average is because of the need for work. It’s beautiful and absolutely gorgeous. And because this stage gives you free reign over what to do, I won’t be so amodating in the next stage. I’ll give you a 5/10.”


    Hearing the judges’ words, Merissa’s face paled, and her shoulders shook in fear. She turned back and saw Lily grinning at her with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Biting her lips, she red at Lily and walked into the dressing room, her mind filled with fear.


    ‘Which one of these designs actually belongs to her?’ she thought to herself as she flipped through the designs that were sent to her.


    ‘Did she find out I was going to steal from her and set a trap? No, that can’t be; if she found out that Diana stole it, there’s no way she would allow her to continue to work for her,’ she mused, ignoring the hostile re she was getting from her teammates.


    “Are you really going to bring your bad habits into thispetition?” Calvin asked as he peeled a banana calmly like his teammate hadn’t just been caught cheating.


    “What do you mean by bad habit?” Merissa demanded with a re, and Calvin shrugged before biting into his banana. “Soren is not allergic to cinnamon rolls. And no, Lily did nothing to him; you can piece in the clues yourself,” he said, and he walked out on her, wanting to see the masterpiece that Lily had created.


    Finally, Gary confidently strode onto the runway wearing the semi-formal outfit, the silk-satin shirt shimmering under the spotlights. The crowd gasped at the attention to detail in the design, from the delicate silver threads forming a geometric pattern to the matching cufflink, belt, and mask. The judges leaned forward in their seats, their curiosity piqued.


    Judge 1: “I must say, I’m quite impressed with the design. The bnce between sophistication andfort ismendable. The attention to detail is impable, and the colour choice is striking. I’d rate it a solid 9/10.”


    Judge 2: “Yes, I agree. The craftsmanship in the design is top-notch, and the designer managed to create something unique without going over the top. I appreciate her restraint. I’d give it an 8. 5/10.”


    Judge 3: “The design is undeniably beautiful and well-crafted. You have managed to create a garment that is both stylish and versatile. I love thebination of textures and the attention to detail. My only concern is that the design might be a bit too bold for everyday wear. However, I think it’s a strong contender in this challenge. My score is 9/10.”


    With that, half of thepetitors were disqualified, leaving the other half to move to the stage where another half was to be disqualified.


    After the stage, the recordings were posted on the page, which immediately gathered both positive and negative attention.


    As Merissa browsed through designs, she frowned and called Diana’s number, only to realise she had been blocked.