chapter405

"We support Miss L! We support Jenny!" The crowd erupted, voices blending into one unstoppable wave of cheers.

Sierra's face went ghostly pale. She stared at the crowd, her jaw tight with disbelief. Were they all idiots? Seriously? Just because Lydia had a big name and Blake had power, everyone automatically sided with Jenny? This was ridiculous.

Lydia raised her hand, asking for quiet. She looked calm, totally unbothered by the chaos.

"Thank you all for standing with us. If anyone still has doubts, let's keep watching the competition. See for yourselves whether Jenny has the skill to back it up."

Her words rang out, clear and steady, and the crowd responded instantly.

"Yes!"

"Let's keep going!"

"We want the competition to continue!"

Lydia smiled politely. "Sorry for holding things up. Host, you can carry on with the contest."

On stage, Sierra and Sharee felt like they wanted to disappear. They were basically the villains now, the kind everyone wanted to boo off the stage. Trying to tear someone down just because you can't measure up yourself? It was pathetic, and honestly, kind of gross.

Luna shot them a furious look. So, these two were just bitter because they couldn't win.

"Pathetic," she muttered under her breath, then stormed off the stage.

Sharee was burning with shame. How was she supposed to keep competing after this?

Sierra, let's just go, she said, not even waiting for a reply. Head down, she hurried off the stage as fast as she could.

God, this was humiliating. How was she ever going to show her face in the design world again? Her friends would never let her live this down.

Jenny watched Sierra with a hint of a smirk, her eyes full of amusement. Sierra, why are you still here? Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough?"

Sierra's fists clenched tight. She glared at Jenny, biting her lip hard, then finally stomped off the stage.

With all the drama finally over, the next round began. The first round had tested their eye for trends, their vision, and their design chops. Now, it was about turning a sketch into a real outfit. This round was albabour cutting, fabric choices, color combos, and creative patterns.

Fifty designers were supposed to move on, but some didn't get a single vote. They were out, just like that. In the end, forty-two contestants made it to round two.

Those forty-two had two hours to bring their ideas to life, right there on the stage.

The whole thing was being streamed live. Anyone, anywhere, could tune in.

Cameron and Kylie were glued to the TV, waiting to see if Lydia's team could actually win something on the international stage. Mr. Norwood had nothing else going on, so when he heard Lydia's team was competing, he had someone bring out snacks and fruit. He was ready to watch too.

Lucinda couldn't care less. Lydia wasn't even competing herself. It was just those designers from Greenward Power, and honestly the thought their clothes were ugly She had no idea how they made it to an international competition. Were the judges back home blind or what?

"I always wanted to be an international fashion designer, but it never happened," Kylie said, eyes glued to the screen. "With Lydia's talent, I know she'll make it big one day."

Cameron smiled. "Just look at how she runs Greenward Power. You can tell she's going places."

Lucinda forced a sweet smile and asked, "Mom, Dad, if my sister's so talented at design, why isn't she competing herself this time?"