Sylvia looked out at the audience, her face a mask of indifference as she epted the heavy trophy.


    It felt as if invisible hands were strangling her, the sensation of suffocation whispering how difficult it was to escape a fate already written, especially when facing an opponent with connections. But then, she tightened her grip on the trophy.


    In her past life, she hadn''t even qualified topete. This time, she had snatched the trophy right from under Bridget''s nose. At least, that damned destiny was beginning to shift. Someday, it would align with her desires.


    Sylvia lifted her head, smiling at the audience and, more specifically, at the owner of a certain pair of eyes.


    Rupert.


    No one could bring her down, unless...she fell herself.


    Down in the audience, Orson approached Rupert, leaning in to report.


    "Mr. Garcia, it''s done." "Okay."


    Rupert held his coffee cup and sipped, his gaze met Sylvia''s, his displeasure hidden behind a squint. Her smile, radiant under the spotlight, drew the gazes of all men. He could even hear the men beside him joking softly, plotting how to ask Sylvia for her contact informationter.


    His cold gaze silenced them immediately.


    As thepetition neared its end, Bridget, bubbling with excitement, headed for the interview area, eager to let the world know she had won.


    But before she could take another step, Eloise''s voice filled the hall.


    "Wait, there''s one more thing I''d like to announce. Given the exceptional talent of the contestants this time, the studio and I have decided that the top three will be offered internships. We hope to see more outstanding jewelry designers in the future."


    As Eloise''s piece was finished, Sylvia hesitated, thinking she was hallucinating. It wasn''t until Christine, who ced third, let out a shriek that Sylvia realized it was real.


    She...had earned an internship at Eloise''s studio!


    Mixed emotions filled the room.


    Bridget, once thought to be unrivaled, now looked livid, her fingernails digging into the trophy.


    Feeling indignant, she asked, "But Professor Eloise, didn''t you say only the first-ce winner would be eligible for entering your studio?"


    Eloise nced at her, unflustered, "I


    only said the winner would definitely get in, not that they''d be the only one. You''re all just too talented, and I found it hard to choose. I''m sure that with your capability, Ms Simpson, you aren''t worried about these details."


    Her words were impably kind, leaving Bridget without a leg to stand on. Frustrated, thetter


    tugged her lips. She inadvertentlyet


    looked towards Rupert in the audience, a picture of grievance, hoping for his support, only to find his attention wasn''t on her at all.


    Bridget followed his gaze, her eyesnding on Sylvia. With a dark look, Bridget bit her lip to control her emotions. She knew better than make a scene, or she''d be


    vera


    considered insensitive; Rupert disliked noisy women.


    A few secondster, Bridget managed a smile.


    "Professor Eloise is right. I''m not worried."


    "That''s the spirit. Why don''t we all take a group photo?" Eloise didn''t give Bridget a chance to argue, calling out to the audience, "Mr. Garcia, care to join?"


    Bridget, anticipating Sylvia''s inclusion in the photo, quickly said, "Professor Eloise, let''s not bother. Mr. Garcia doesn''t like to be..."


    "Sure."


    Rupert interrupted Bridget, slowly standing and joining them on stage.


    The reporters, seeing Rupert join, crowded forward, causing a bit of chaos. Sensibly, those on stage thought Rupert was there for Bridget and gave the couple the center spot. Sylvia, wanting no part of their drama, noticed Christine eyeing the spot beside Rupert with stars in her eyes and understood her intentions.