Lilah had been engrossed in her computer when the commotion started.

When she looked up to see Phoebe's self-inflicted injury, her heart skipped a beat.

Racing to the stage, she enveloped Phoebe in a comforting embrace. A storm seemed to brew in her eyes as they settled on the gash on Phoebe's forehead. Turning her gaze to Lorena, it felt as if the temperature dropped several degrees.

Lorena, still recovering from the shock of Phoebe's actions, met Lilah's chilling stare. The intensity of it sent shivers down her spine. Why was Lilah exuding such an intimidating aura?

Trying to regain her composure, Lorena managed to find her voice.

"Phoebe, there's no need for such dramatics. If you're innocent, this isn't the way to prove it. Do you think head-butting a wall is going to change opinions? If that were the case, every guilty soul would have a bruised forehead," she said with a mocking undertone.

Lilah's gaze could've frozen fire. Even in this situation, Lorena kept pushing, trying to unsettle Phoebe further.

Suddenly, a slap echoed through the room. Lorena's cheek flamed from the impact, her eyes wide with disbelief. It took her a few beats to react, her hand rising instinctively to her stinging cheek. Gritting her teeth, she shot back at Lilah, “So, you resort to violence now?

Is this the new low for Aurora Jewelers? What's next in this twisted game?"

Before Lorena could even land a hand on Lilah, the latter grabbed her wrist, pulling it back with such force that she stumbled and ended up on the floor. Lorena glared up, her pride wounded, and spat, "So this is how you play, Lilah? You think you own this place? Fine, I'm done with this farce of a competition. Happy now?"

Lilah returned her gaze, cold as a winter morning. “Perhaps it's best if you do. This competition is meant for those with integrity, not deceit."

Lorena's voice quivered with rage, “And who do you think you are to lecture me? Just wait. Soon enough, the world will see your true colors."

By now, murmurs filled the room, and other contestants felt the need to intervene. "Lilah, how could you let this happen? We respected you as a fellow designer. How could you help a cheater," one said, shaking her head in disappointment.

“Lorena, we stand with you!"

Another chimed in with, “Lorena's right! If she leaves, we're out too.

Who'd want to be part of such a sham?"

Lorena managed to put on a brave face, but for a fleeting moment, there was a glint in her eyes that gave away her satisfaction.

With the atmosphere growing thick with tension, Lorena believed that Lilah would be disqualified as a judge of the competition. And though no one could officially strip Phoebe of her title, whispers and sideways glances would always haunt her. To many, Lorena would rise as the rightful winner, her plan coming to fruition.

Beneath her poised exterior, Lorena harbored a deep-seated jealousy toward Phoebe. While she presented herself as humble and kind-hearted, her ego told a different story. She couldn't fathom that someone as green as Phoebe could challenge her, especially in such an esteemed competition. The very thought that Bernard hinted at Phoebe's potential victory was a bitter pill to swallow.

People couldn't help but notice Phoebe's distinct touch and bold flair in her designs, resonating with many. Her meteoric rise was a trend Lorena just couldn't come to terms with.

After pouring years into her craft, Lorena now faced the sting of defeat to a newcomer with barely two years under her belt. Such a blow to her pride was unbearable for her.

Lilah, eyes filled with pity, told Lorena, "If you keep lying to yourself, you're just chasing fantasies."

Pushing herself up, Lorena retorted, "You think trying to scare me will change anything? Awards? Titles? They mean nothing. Before all that, I'm human with a conscience. And that's what guides me."

It might have been a moving declaration, but Lilah knew better.