?Chapter 394:
Even the most brilliant creators couldn’t always summon it on demand.
“Since you know, there’s no need to exin further,” Mariana dered, turning to address the audience. “Our duel will involve creating threepletely different gown designs within fifteen minutes. Each design must feature a unique style, original aesthetic, and colors not seen on today’s runways!”
Gasps rippled through the hall.
“Within fifteen minutes? Even sketching one idea would be pushing it, let alone three!”
“And they have to be entirely new? That’s ridiculously tough!”
“This isn’t just apetition — this is pure creative warfare!”
“This is way more thrilling than anything I’ve seen at an international fashion event!”
Mariana kept her eyes glued to Maia, hoping to catch even a trace of panic or hesitation, savoring the moment. Yet Maia’s expression remained serene and unaffected, not the slightest hint of unease clouding her gaze.
After hearing Mariana’s challenge, Maia merely replied, “Okay.”
That simple eptance struck Mariana with an unexpected jolt. As the pampered Cooper heiress and a genius in her own right, Mariana had never been eclipsed by any woman — except her elder sister overseas. In every social circle, Mariana had outshone her peers effortlessly.
But Maia’s dispassionate, almost dismissive look made Mariana feel not just challenged but dismissed — as if she wasn’t even worth serious regard.
The sensation rattled Mariana more deeply than she cared to admit.
Truthfully, Mariana had meticulously studied Eileen’s past collections in preparation for today. Since inheriting control of Aurora Apparel Company, she had been plotting to undermine MCN. Although Blue Sea had dazzled the world two years ago, the fashion industry was fickle, with trends shifting overnight. By now, Eileen’s old masterpieces seemed outdated.
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Moreover, following Blue Sea’s triumph, Eileen had produced no notable new work. It was likely she had exhausted her well of inspiration and stalled in her creative evolution.
Every era of brilliance eventually sows the seeds of its downfall.
Two years prior, Blue Sea had clinched every prestigious design award and skyrocketed MCN’s valuation into the stratosphere, cementing its position among the elite luxury brands.
But that spectacr sess might have drained Maia dry.
Therefore, Mariana was certain that in a high-stakes, innovation-driven showdown like today’s, Maia stood little chance of surviving unscathed. It seemed inevitable that Maia would be facing resounding defeat.
Mariana’s lips twisted into a mischievous grin. She could barely contain her excitement to see Maia’s inevitable copse.
At the rear of the crowd, Jarrod quietly approached Rosanna. He lightly tapped her arm and, with a concerned expression, asked, “Rosanna, are you really nning to see Maia take on Mariana?”
Rosanna turned to look at him. “What else would I do?”
“How could Maia stand a chance against Mariana? Mariana graduated with flying colors from Wegus University! Has Maia even attended college? She didn’t evenplete high school! Sure, she may have had a bit of talent and luck, winning an award for her Blue Sea gown, but that doesn’t mean she canpete with Mariana!” Jarrod eximed nervously.
Rosanna frowned and gave him a dubious nce. “Are you concerned about Maia?”
Jarrod faltered, then quickly straightened his posture and said, “Why should I be concerned about her? I’m just worried she might bring shame to our family!”
Rosanna fixed him with a cold, measured stare. “She’s representing MCN now. Even if she doesn’t win, it’s MCN’s reputation on the line. Plus, she’s no longer a Morgan. She said it herself.”
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