?Chapter 616:


    “Helena’s hairpin is clever, but ced beside Cathy’s vibrant peacock, it seems somewhat understated.”


    “Is this all Helena can show us?”


    “This hairpin couldn’t fetch a dor at a street market. It’spletely dull,cking any spark.”


    “I’m casting my vote for Cathy.”


    Cathy shed a confident smirk. “You really think you can outdo me with that? Elena, your past designs must have been done by others, right?”


    The host paused, slightly taken aback, but quickly regained hisposure. “Helena, we are down to thest thirty seconds of the contest. Is this truly your masterpiece?”


    Elena remained silent, her fingers skillfully sprinkling golden powder into a porcin jar filled with murky, stagnant water. She then submerged the scalding ss into the chilled water, producing a sharp, hissing sound. Droplets scattered in a wild spray.


    Suddenly, a wondrous transformation took ce. The heated ss shimmered instantly as a radiantyer of gold fused along its contours. A previously invisible design blossomed spectacrly—a phoenix, majestic and alive, perched dominantly on the hairpin. Its wings, bathed in golden light, flickered with an ethereal glow, both imposing and bewitching.


    The host’s grip on the microphone faltered, his voice filled with awe. “Behold! A phoenix—sovereign of the skies!”


    The crowd erupted in apuse, the room filled with fervent excitement.


    Critics who had dismissed the hairpin earlier now expressed regret at their hasty skepticism.


    “I’m astounded! This phoenix is a marvel. Helena has truly exceeded all expectations!”


    “The phoenix reigns supreme among birds. Even Cathy’s peacock must bow to its majesty. Helena’s craftsmanship is unmatched. How did she achieve this?”


    “I cast my vote for Helena!”


    “I, too, am a devoted admirer of Helena’s work. From now on, I vow to scrutinize every detail of her designs.”


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    Cathy’s smile stiffened, her eyes widening in shock. “Impossible! What trickery is this? What did you add to the water just now? I won’t stand for it. I demand Elena be disqualified!”


    Monica sneered, “Oh, struggling to ept defeat? Cathy, one might mistake you for a toddler wailing over a lost toy.”


    Cathy turned away, her gaze bitterly fixed on the phoenix hairpin clutched in Elena’s victorious hand.


    The host cleared his throat, his tone turning serious. “Ms. Garrett, please be reminded that the use of artistic aids is withinpetition guidelines. Helena has breached no protocols. The thunderous apuse from the audience confirms the jury’s decision. The undisputed winner of today’s contest is Helena!”


    Monica, unable to resist, yfully stuck her tongue out at Cathy. Cathy, determined to outshine Elena, received a harsh reality check. Her pride undoubtedly took a severe hit.


    Cathy clenched her teeth and balled her hands into fists, simmering with rage. Were the crowd not seeing clearly? How could they rate Elena’s phoenix above her own peacock?


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