“The photos everyone took yesterday have already been uploaded to the official website, and voting is now open. You can log in and vote for


    “What’s the prize for first ce this time, teacher?”


    your favorites.”


    “This time, we’ve added a few more categories–Most Creative, Most Unique, and People’s Choice. There’s no single first prize anymore, so your chances of winning something are higher. Anyone who ces gets a basic prize, and, more importantly, there’s an opportunity to coborate with A&P. If that interests you, be sure to take it seriously.”


    “A&P?” The ss buzzed with excitement. “If I’d known, I would have tried harder! Why did the school keep this under wraps?”


    “Probably so people wouldn’t find ways to cheat.“.


    “Is it toote to start campaigning for votes now?”


    “With your outfit? Are you sure you want to talk about taste and style?”


    “Who do you think in our ss actually has a shot?”


    “It’s got to be Penny again, right?”


    “There’s a Most Creative Award, isn’t there? What if it’s me?”


    The moment Pierce chimed in, everyone nearby gave him a look that said more than words ever could. He scratched his nose, a little hurt, and nced hopefully at Alessia. She just sighed and tossed him a piece of candy.


    “Honestly, I think Alessia has a real chance. I really liked her design. If A&P makes a limited edition based on hers, I’d definitely buy one. Actually, I need to go vote for her right now.”


    “Same here. I thought it looked amazing. Say what you will–Alessia’s drawing skills might be questionable, but nobody can deny her sense of style.”


    “My family’s worked with A&P before. They’re ridiculously picky about fabrics–my mom spent a fortune just to meet their standards,”


    “Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. At least your family got to work with them. I heard the Young family tried five or six times just to get a meeting, and they couldn’t even get past the front desk.”


    “The Young family can’t reallypare to yours, can they?”


    14:40


    “My dad’s looking for new textiles too. Do you have any inside info<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    <b>“</b>I’ll keep an ear out for you.”


    That’s why it’s always better to have an ally than a rival. Sharing information


    sometimes gets everyone ahead. For them, the real prize wasn’t the award–it was the chance at coboration.


    “Excuse me, teacher.” In the midst of all the chatter, a delicate voice tried to cut through. But the ssroom was too noisy, and Ileana’s words were drowned out. So she raised her hand high.


    “Yes, Ileana? What’s your question?”


    The room fell silent, with a few students eyeing her curiously.


    “Um, I just transferred here. Am I still allowed to participate?”


    Lance frowned. “The uniforms should have been delivered to every student yesterday, and all the event details were sent out. Didn’t you get them?”


    Ileana’s cheeks flushed pale and pink. Of course she knew about it–she just hadn’t wanted to take part. In her mind, the whole event was childish and beneath her, hardly fitting for someone of her status. Why wear a in white tee on her first day at a new school when she could show off one of her designer dresses?


    But she couldn’t exactly say that. Instead, she silently med Lance for putting her on the spot, though she kept her expression carefully wounded.


    “I… I didn’t notice. My housekeeper must have organized my things for me…”


    Alessia, watching from across the room, knew she was lying. Mae was meticulous–if she’d organized Ileana’s uniform, she would have told her, especially after an official school notice. Alessia could only shake her head.