Chapter 149 Pulling Strings.


    +5 Pearls


    Kate felt a strange unease creeping up, but she fought to suppress it. Taking a deep breath, she felt her phone buzz suddenly. ncing down, she saw a message from Eric.


    Tll be thereter.’


    A wave of relief washed over her.


    Kate smiled andposed herself before settling into her seat calmly.


    Not far from Kate, Ruth red at her with intense eyes, a smug grin ying on her lips.


    <i>I’ll </i><i>let </i>her revel in her arrogance a bit longer. Let’s see <i>if </i>she can keep it upter!


    Soon, all ten designers arrived at thepetition venue and took their ces. The judging panel filled gradually with prominent figures from Capital City.


    Kate noticed Hendrick enter; he smiled at her and gestured encouragement, to which Kate responded with a smile.


    However, Eric’s seat remained empty. He wasn’t here yet.


    With the finals about tomence, Kate instinctively clenched her fists, keeping <b>a </b>vignt eye out for Eric until just one minute before the start….


    That was when she spotted Eric, impably dressed in a suit, entering the venue with a stern


    expression.


    Eric naturallymanded attention. His demeanour was icy, not intimidating intentionally, but carrying an air of authority that made pthers instinctively defer to him.


    People ahead of him parted ways, allowing Eric to take his seat expressionlessly. He locked eyes with Kate across the contestant seating.


    Kate had been monitoring Eric’s arrival closely. When she saw him settle in, a smile of relief spread across her face. Eric’s deep gaze met hers tenderly.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Shortly after, the finalsmenced.


    The order was determined by drawing lots, and Kate happened to draw… thest spot.


    Ruth was ahead of her.


    Kate wasn’t surprised by the draw. Given Ruth’s knack for stirring up trouble, it was likely her backers had smoothed her path.


    The first designer confidently began presenting their design concept. Their sketches were impressive, earning nods from several judges who diligently recorded their scores.


    Bnce:


    1 Coins


    1683 + 1003


    1 Pearls


    11:53 AM


    Chapter 149 Pulling Strings


    their design philosophies with keen interest.


    +5 Pearls


    Meanwhile, Ruth paid no heed to these details. She had been watching Kate closely, noting how Kate appeared deeply engaged. A trace of disdain crossed Ruth’s face.


    <i>Hmph</i>. Miss Trophy <i>Wife</i>, you <i>seem </i>to <i>be </i><i>listening </i>intently, but what good will it do <i>you</i><i>? </i><i>Today</i>, <i>you’ll </i>surely face humiliation!


    After the first eight designerspleted their presentations, it was finally Ruth’s turn to take the


    stage.


    With an air of pride, Ruth walked confidently to the front and opened her design sketches from her USB drive, whereupon a breathtaking design appeared on the screen. Upon seeing it, many judges gasped audibly, their eyes fixed in admiration at Ruth’s disyed sketches.


    The other contestants were momentarily stunned as they instinctively turned their attention towards Ruth, their expressions reflecting a mix of emotions.


    Ruth nced triumphantly at Kate, anticipating shock and confusion on her face. Yet, when she looked over, Kate’s expression was surprisingly serene! She even seemed to be smiling at her!


    Ruth felt an inexplicable pang of unease. Nevertheless, sheposed herself, took a deep breath, and confidently discussed her design sketches. The audience nodded approvingly as they listened to Ruth’s presentation, their eyes reflecting satisfaction and admiration.


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    20


    Bnce


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    1 Coins=