Susanne and Patrick weren't the type to keep secrets, but Renee had deliberately not told them the competition date because she didn't want them to make a big fuss. That left only one person: Travis. Just yesterday, he had called to wish her good luck. She hadn't expected him to surprise her today.Her roommates eagerly opened the box, revealing a long, silken gown in a shade of smoky lavender. The dress featured hand-sewn beads on the bodice, with pearls of varying sizes that shimmered gently under the light. The waistline flowed into two layers of ultra-thin silk, one darker, one lighter, creating a dreamy, ethereal effect."Wow, this dress is glowing even under our dorm lights! Imagine how it'll sparkle on stage!" One of her roommates mimicked an excited voice, making Renee laugh. "Stop laughing and get dressed! We need to do your makeup too."...An hour later, Renee stood like a doll as her roommates admired her. "You look stunning, Renee. If I weren't a woman, I'd probably fa
As Wendy watched Renee pick up the milk carton, she clinked her own carton against it eagerly."Cheers," Wendy said.Just as Wendy was about to take a sip, Renee quickly snatched the carton from her hand."This brand has several flavors. Let me see which one I like," Renee said, examining the carton. "Oh, Wendy, you bought the same flavor as mine?"Wendy immediately became flustered, her eyes fixed on Renee's hand. With a forced smile, she replied, "We have similar tastes, so I just bought the same one."She then grabbed the carton from Renee's left hand and took a quick sip, as if afraid Renee might want to switch.Renee raised her own carton and took a sip as well. "Thanks for the treat."Wendy watched intently as the liquid traveled up the straw and into Renee's mouth. Afterward, she smiled widely."You're welcome. I'm glad you like it.""Well, I'll head inside now," Renee said, walking into the waiting room with a neutral expression.As the door slowly closed behind Renee
As everyone's attention shifted to the floral ring on display, it became apparent that the overall design had become somewhat exaggerated in an attempt to highlight the large ruby at its center. It lacked the natural harmony found in the necklace and earrings.Annie's expression faltered slightly, her grip tightening on the microphone as she struggled to maintain her poise and grace."Thank you for your feedback, Professor Xander. I'll continue to improve," she managed to say.Mandy, pleased with Annie's attitude, decided to pay her a bit more attention."Ms. Simmons, your current designs have already far exceeded my expectations for this competition. I'm curious, is there any particular contestant you'd like to compete against?"The audience perked up at this question, finding it far more intriguing than simply viewing each piece one by one.Annie pondered for a moment before replying with a smile, "Actually... I have a classmate who's also participating. I've always admired her
Renee glanced at the audience, her gaze landing on a man in the VIP section. Beside him, an event organizer was speaking quietly, head bowed. The man seemed disinterested, holding a teacup and staring at Renee with dark, intense eyes through the rising steam. The pressure of his gaze made her uneasy, and she quickly looked away.Most of the audience didn't seem to expect much from Renee. After all, few contestants used million-dollar gemstones like Annie had, let alone with such innovative designs.The organizer shared this sentiment. "Mr. Grey, don't worry. I just spoke with Professor Xander. She's very impressed with Ms. Simmons. The first prize is surely hers."Carl sipped his tea and replied coolly, "Not necessarily."Confused, the organizer followed Carl's gaze to Renee on stage. After a moment of thought, he nodded. "I understand, Mr. Grey."Carl ignored him, fixated on Renee's striking figure. The organizer bowed and left, whispering to a staff member who quickly ran off.
Renee glanced at Annie, then took two steps forward."Even though we're classmates, are we really that close? Why would I need help from a competitor, especially in a situation like this?"Annie faltered, her expression turning wounded.One of the judges, aware of Annie's unusual background and seeing Carl standing behind her, quickly stood up and scolded Renee. "Renee, you dropped your own work, and Ms. Simmons was just trying to help you. Is this how you respond? Security! Take her out! If you have no work to show, you have no right to be here. Don't waste everyone's time."Annie discreetly wiped her eyes, casting a triumphant glance at Renee.But Renee remained unusually calm. "Who said I don't have any work?"She turned toward Annie and continued, her voice steady and deliberate, "Life is unpredictable. I prepared a second set of samples just in case."Annie's expression stiffened.The next moment, a staff member whom Renee had specifically hired to stand by came onto the s
Only Renee knew that her Sarah was the most wonderful daughter in the world. Since Sarah was old enough to understand, her only birthday wish has been for Renee to be happy.Sarah would always tell her, "Mommy, please don't cry anymore, okay?"She also said, "Mommy, other kids have their daddies help them put on their crowns."Later, when Sarah realized her father didn't care about her, she told Renee that she looked even more beautiful wearing the crown.Thinking of this, Renee's eyes reddened for a moment, but she had promised Sarah that she would never cry again, so she held back the tears.She raised her hand to gently touch the crown on her head, lifting her gaze slightly."Sarah, Mommy made you a crown. Do you like it?"Putting aside the earlier incident, Mandy was genuinely impressed with Renee's skills. Her design and creativity were more innovative than Annie's.Annie's work was good too, but there was one glaring flaw—the overly flashy ring.At that moment, Mandy sud
It wasn't until Mandy said, "Let's continue with the competition," that the tension eased.The host quickly shifted gears. "Thank you, contestants. Please take a moment to rest while we invite the next participant to the stage."Renee descended from the stage with a smile, but Annie quickly followed behind her."Did you know all along?" Annie demanded."Ms. Simmons, what are you talking about? I don't understand. That wasn't your work, so what could I possibly know?" Renee replied, feigning confusion.Annie glanced around to ensure no one was listening and lowered her voice. "Why did the necklace break?"Renee smiled faintly. "You didn't even bother to adjust the specs after copying my design? You can't even plagiarize properly?"With that, she turned to walk away, but after a few steps, she paused and looked back at Annie. "Didn't Uncle Carl warn you not to overdo it when he gave you the design? That ring was truly awful.""Renee Lacey!" Annie was livid, nearly losing her pois
Renee accepted the heavy trophy, her expression blank, as she gazed out at the audience. It felt like an invisible hand was clutching her throat, suffocating her, and reminding her of the challenge of escaping a predetermined fate—especially when facing an opponent with powerful support.But in the next moment, she tightened her grip on the trophy. In her past life, she hadn't even qualified to compete, but now she held a trophy that threatened Annie's victory. Finally, the cursed fate that had haunted her was starting to shift.One day, her desired path would align with her destiny.Renee lifted her head and smiled at the audience, especially at the owner of those dark eyes—Carl Grey.No one could bring her down anymore, unless... she fell on her own.In the audience, Jackson approached Carl and leaned in to report quietly, "Mr. Grey, it's done.""Good."Carl picked up his teacup, locking eyes with Renee, narrowing his gaze to hide his displeasure. Her dazzling smile under the