From behind Katelyn, Lise’s gaze never wavered, her sharp green eyes burning with envy. It felt like a cruel twist of fate. She couldn’t fathom how Katelyn had earned such an invitation.

Lise looked utterly frustrated, but she knew she had to suppress the surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

In the shadows, Neil sat still, his eyes locked on Katelyn in the front row. His gaze was deep, impossible to read.

The changes in the Wheeler family had been set in motion by her, yet here she was, thriving in ways he hadn’t expected.

His chest tightened, but he fought to keep his feelings in check. Patience, he reminded himself. Everything was still unfolding.

Three minutes later, Zandra’s voice broke through the silence.

“Our voting channel is now closed. I have all the online data, and we’ll combine it with the judges’ scores to announce the top ten entries.”

A heavy stillness settled over the room. The murmur of conversations vanished, replaced by the tense anticipation of what would come next. Finally, the results were announced.

Zandra, her smile bright and confident, held up the card.

“Tenth place, Lise Bailey!”

Lise’s hands trembled as she heard her name. Tenth place might not have been first, but to her, it was a victory. Tears blurred her vision, a mix of joy and relief flooding her chest. This was it. This could change everything. It could lift the Bailey family’s status and, perhaps, earn her the respect she longed for from Neil.

After a swift thank-you to the crowd, Lise’s gaze instinctively sought out Neil. But his face remained stoic, his eyes empty. It was as if her win meant nothing to him. Her smile began to fade, the warmth in her heart turning cold.

Could he really be this indifferent? Even with this achievement, he couldn’t spare her a single glance?

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Frustration bubbled inside her, tightening her chest. She had to find a way to meet Neil, to speak with him privately.

As for the rankings, Ashlyn claimed second place, and Katelyn stood at the top.

When Zandra read out the final results, the room erupted in applause.

Vincent stood, his face breaking into a proud smile.

“Congratulations, Katelyn. You truly deserve this.”

Her sleepless nights, her relentless dedication—it had all led to this moment. Vincent had seen it all and had witnessed Katelyn’s tireless efforts firsthand.

Though Katelyn had expected the announcement, hearing that she had taken first place sent a rush of excitement through her.

As the applause continued, people began to surround Katelyn and Ashlyn, offering congratulations. The live stream chat exploded with messages—a flood of admiration and praise.

It was Katelyn’s moment now, and it felt as if the world was celebrating with her.

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