She pressed a key on the keyboard.


    The screen changed—and the design Alice had previously imed as her own now appeared in front of everyone, this time under Hera’s name. A wave of gasps and murmurs rippled through the audience. Online, viewers were already lighting up social media in a frenzy.


    One of the judges furrowed his brows, clearly disturbed. His gaze snapped toward Hera, and before he could stop himself, he muttered aloud—


    "So all this—everything you’ve said—was just to lead us to <i>that</i> design? The same one shown earlier by the previous designer?" the judge said sharply, his tone cutting through the room. "You’re trying to appeal to everyone’s emotions, showing us your past work just to im you didn’t giarize? Do you have <i>any</i> proof?"


    His words were harsh, his scrutiny intense—but Hera weed it. It was better to speak with someone sharp than someone easily swayed. She remainedposed, smiling calmly as she nodded in response. She didn’t flinch, didn’t falter.


    Around her, murmurs grew louder. The audience buzzed with tension. Representatives from major brands andpanies began to frown, their expressions darkening with suspicion. In the fashion industry, few things were more detested than giarism—and since Hera had presented the duplicate design <ist</i>, many instinctively assumed she was at fault.


    But Hera didn’t let their scowls or whispered judgments shake her. She stood tall, unwavering, as if daring them to listen before they condemned her.


    The scandal was too explosive to contain. It had already spread like wildfire across the inte, with trending topics shifting by the second. Those with quick reflexes had managed to take screenshots and were now posting side-by-sideparisons of Alice’s and Hera’s presentations. The controversy drew more and more eyes to thepetition, turning it into an online spectacle.


    As the chaos unfolded, harsh criticism poured in. Many viewers rushed to roast Hera, trash-talking her name and questioning her integrity. But Hera’s millions of fans were not just bystanders—they immediately rallied to her defense. They believed in her character and the values she stood for. They knew Hera wouldn’t make such a bold move without having something solid prepared. So they waited—angry, loyal, and confident that her exnation would turn the tide.


    "Like I mentioned earlier, I’m still new to designing. I don’t have a long portfolio to show because I only started creating designs a few weeks ago. The person who taught me the fundamentals—the history of jewelry design, and how to refine my work—was a friend. But that’s not the point," Hera said, her voice calm and steady.


    "Even though my portfolio is small, I showed you my previous design for a reason. I wanted you to notice the consistent design elements—the patterns and style unique to me. As many of you know, every designer has their own distinct designnguage, their signature characteristics. These often act as a silent mark of authenticity, a way to protect our work from being stolen."


    She paused for a moment, scanning the room, unbothered by the skeptical gazes fixed on her. She held her head high, like a queen.


    "And I believe many of you saw exactly what I wanted to show you through that previous design. So now," she continued confidently, "let’s take a closer look at the Phoenix and Dragon design."


    Then, Hera clicked another key, and the two designs of the two sets—hers the same one Alice used for her presentation—were disyed side by side on therge screen.


    "The Phoenix and Dragon set was actually created as a unisex design," Hera began, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "The inspiration came from someone I love dearly, who is currently hospitalized. Before winning the IGI Expressionspetition back home, I had already prepared a new design for this event. But then something happened..."


    She paused briefly, drawing in a breath.


    "My loved one was hospitalized and has been in aa ever since. Sitting by his side, watching him unconscious... it broke my heart. But thanks to the people around me who supported me, my boyfriends, I managed to hold myself together. One of them stayed with me, while the another was in the ICU."


    A soft murmur rippled through the crowd. The way she said "boyfriends" made many assume she meant close male friends, not romantic partners. Her tone didn’t imply romance, but more a deep and dependable support system. Still, some in the audience chuckled quietly, imagining the absurdity of having multiple romantic partners while oneyatose.


    Meanwhile, Hera’s loyal fans watching the live stream started to panic online, specting who among her known malepanions was the one hospitalized. With so many "ships" in cirction, everyone was anxious—if the man they were rooting for was the one hurt, it would feel personal. More importantly, they couldn’t imagine how much pain Hera must be carrying behind her calm appearance.


    ____


    Special mention to Carol_Ma, Georgia_Meees_3607, Shell_Rodriguez, Nerissa_Guerra, and Ashley_Ortiz_7085. Thank you for the Golden tickets!!! I really appreciate it and I’m happy to receive your continuous support, my little Goddesses!