Hearing her name, Phoebe's heart danced between shock and joy. Taking careful steps, she marveled at the shimmering stage lights. This couldn't be real, could it?

She always pictured herself as a modest designer; standing on such a grand stage, let alone clinching the title, was beyond her wildest dreams.

It all felt surreal.

But if there was someone she owed this magic to, it was Lilah.

Phoebe's gaze settled on Lilah; her spirit soared when she saw that proud smile.

Just then, a voice pierced the air, “There's evidence of cheating in the finals!"

A hush spread through the room; all eyes hunted for the source.

Phoebe turned, eyes widening, to the person next to her.

Lorena stepped up, microphone in hand. “Someone had a heads-up about the final theme!"

The emcee, already frazzled from the last round's hiccups, couldn't believe there would be another hiccup in the finals too. This felt like his own personal disaster, a true low point in his hosting career.

Seeing the chief coordinator give a nod of approval, the emcee posed a heavy question. "Ms. Bauer, can you back your claims with proof?

If there's a shred of truth to this, our crew won't turn a blind eye.

The National Design Competition has a reputation for integrity; we won't Let anything shady slide!"

"I can. Phoebe had a heads-up about the theme," Lorena declared, fixing Phoebe with a penetrating stare. "Lilah told her!"

Phoebe's heart plummeted; she felt Like the rug was pulled from under her.

“Lorena, why would you..." Phoebe's voice wavered. The very person she admired in the contest was now pointing fingers at her.

"I've always seen you as a friend, Phoebe," Lorena began, a mix of pain and resolution on her face. "But I can't watch you walk on a crooked path."

She continued, addressing the room, “This morning, I noticed Phoebe hadn't had her breakfast, so I swung by with some bread. To my surprise, Lilah was heading to Phoebe's room. Thinking they had some work matters to sort, I lingered outside. But the words I caught left me stunned-Lilah was briefing Phoebe on the competition theme and the design strategy. Hoping to give Phoebe the benefit of the doubt, I joined her for breakfast. But her silence stung. I kept telling myself that Lilah wouldn't stoop so low. It was only when I found out ‘spring' was the theme, that reality hit."

Lorena's account was compelling and logically presented, and many found it tough to dismiss. To make matters worse, several designers recalled seeing Lorena bring breakfast to Phoebe that morning.

Expressions darkened among the design community.

“I never pegged Phoebe to pull something like this," one designer muttered.

“And Lilah? From victim to schemer overnight? Why did she aid a designer from her company?" another asked.

"We need answers from the organizers!"

A ripple of discontent spread.