Despite the uproar among the designers, the audience, seasoned from yesterday's drama, held their judgment. They weren't quick to pick up their pitchforks.

As the murmurs grew, Phoebe, pale and shaky, confronted Lorena, her voice barely above a whisper. “Did you approach me this morning just to set me up, Lorena?"

Lorena's gaze was unwavering, “Phoebe, I simply noticed you hadn't eaten. I offered you food out of goodwill. Discovering your secret was unintended. You're my friend, and I value our bond, but this isn't fair to any other designer here." Her words, imbued with a sense of justice, swayed many, drawing them into her corner.

The emcee, sensing the escalating tension, interjected, rubbing his temples, "Ms. Bauer, can you provide tangible evidence? Even our judges are in the dark about the theme until the Last moment."

"Truth be told, I stumbled upon the conversation, so no, I don't have solid evidence," Lorena admitted, her voice unwavering. “But trust that I'm speaking the truth. I put my entire design career on the line here. If I'm weaving tales, may I never craft a worthy design again."

Lorena's fervor was palpable, and it resonated with those present.

“Lorena's words ring true. I've always held her in high regard; she's got undeniable talent," someone voiced.

Another piped in, "Let's be real here. Before this contest, who knew of Phoebe from Aurora Jewelers? Yet, she's managed to outshine many here. It's a bit too good to be true, isn't it?"

“Lilah's hand is clear in all this. Trying to uplift designers from Aurora Jewelers at any cost. Is she fit to sit in the judge's chair?"

The wave of animosity toward Lilah and Phoebe surged.

While Phoebe felt sad about the criticism directed at her, hearing Lilah's integrity challenged was another thing entirely. She countered, her voice trembling yet firm, "“Lilah is innocent. She dropped by only to soothe my pre-show jitters. She's a paragon in the fashion world; she wouldn't stoop to such lows!"

No one seemed to be on Phoebe's side.

"You say it's false; where's your proof?"

"Look at them; they're in this together. Shouldn't the organizers just boot them out?"

“I've always had my doubts about Lilah. She's a designer herself; how doesn't she see this as a slap to the other participants?"

The barbed words cut deep, making Phoebe's heart race. It was as if she'd been thrown into a pit of shadows. In Lorena's eyes, she found cold detachment. Even in the absence of solid evidence, both Phoebe's and Lilah's reputations were now tainted in the public eye.

Lilah had poured her heart into Aurora Jewelers; she had been a pillar of support for Phoebe.

Tears blurred Phoebe's vision.

With a loud crash, Phoebe threw herself at the wall. Blood trickled from her forehead amidst horrified gasps.

"She's lost it!"

"Someone, do something!"

Despite the blood and pain, Phoebe's voice, though shaky, was unwavering. “I didn't rig anything, and Lilah certainly didn't either.

She's golden-hearted. Doubt me if you must, but leave her out of it.

A hushed silence settled over the audience.