Chapter 40
Hailey didn’t leave Instead, the lingesed outside the conference Loom
As the judges steppedout, laughing and talking, a smirk tugged at her lips, lien eyes gleaming with calculation. Without hesitation, she rushed toward them.
After lunch and a brief text, Alesia returned to the conference room. As she reached the door, the nearly collided with Halley.
She shot her a glare Just het lock to ran into Hailey
However, Hailey only gave her am umsetiling smile. She seemed to be hiding something.
Alexia fremmed, unease prickling at her. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but something about Haley’s expression felt off.
Once the judges and audience had taken their seats, Ryan walked up on stage
Now that we’ve had a short break, let’s resume the competition and welcome our three designers back to the stage,” he announced.
The the designers walked up to the stage.
Byan continued, “Over the past two weeks of fierce competition, these three have delivered truly impressive work. Please join me in welcoming the head judge of this competition, Mr. Tony
Applause erupted as Tony stepped onto the stage
“It’s been an honor to serve as the head judge this year. I’ve seen so much passion and talent on display. Without further delay, let’s reveal the winner of the Gold Award,” he said, gesturing Toward the screen behind him.
“Everyone, please turn your attention to the saree.”
The lights dimmed, and a countdown appeared on the big screen.
The crowd began to chant. “Five, four, three
Alexa’s breath hitched, her eyes glued to the screen.
the countdown hir zero. Hailey’s name appeared on the screen.
Alex’s eyes widened in disbeliet, and even Steve froze, momentarily stunned
Hailey’s eyes widened in shock, her hand covering her mouth as disbelief spread across har face.
“Ms. Hailey, please step forward. The other twodnigners, please step down and wait backstage,” Ryan said
Alexia felt a heavy weight settle in her chest, making it hard to beathe. She stood frozen, her mind struggling to catch up with what was happening.
Noticing her dated look, Ryan fried and gave her a subtle nudge. Alesta snapped out of it and followed Steve off the stage, feeling disappointed.
“Certificates and trophies will now be presented to Ms. Bailey by Mr. Tony. Congratulations on your Gold Award!”
The spotlight immediately shifted to Halley, making her the center of attention
Halley raised the trophy high, a smile playing on her lips. “Thank you, everyone, and thank you to the judges for recognizing my design. I promise to keep working hard and aim for even greater achievements”
as she spoke, Hailey cast a smug look at Alexia, her ayes filled with self–satisfaction
Steve leaned in and quietly said, “Her design wasn’t as good as yours. To me, you’re the first–place winner.
Alexia wanted to smile, but she couldn’t bring herself to the forced a smile and said, “Thank you, Mr. Miller Every judge has their preferences. Hailey must have had something extraedinary in her design win The judges probably made the decision after careful consideration.”
She couldn’t argue with the techs, she had to accept them, no matter how painful.
It wasn’t about being angry. It was the overwhelming sense of opponent–the emptiness in her chest that wouldn’t go away.
She had no one to blame but hersell for being overconfident, for letting a few compliments food her into thinking she could actually win first place.
And now,hese she was defeated and lu
Hey lite felt like a mess. Not only had she lost to Halley in love and marriage, but now her career had been overshadowed by hers as well
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