"I'm actually planning to set the theme for the next quarter's products as the four seasons," she said, hoping to sound convincing. "I plan to add a bit of balm to the skincare products. The feel and scent would vary in different seasons, which may attract a lot of attention." Her explanation felt thin, even to her own ears. But it was all she had. Now, she just had to pray Lilah wouldn't see through her poorly constructed lie.

"That's quite novel," Lilah remarked.

Lilah's eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement. Milly, on the spot, had sputtered out a surprisingly creative idea. Fast thinking, Lilah thought, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Is this competition a way of advance publicity for the upcoming products?"

Lilah's question hung heavy in the air. "If so, don't mess it up. I'm looking forward to your performance."

With a nonchalant shrug, Lilah patted Milly on the shoulder, the gesture both friendly and subtly dismissive. “Coming, Laura?" she called, already turning toward the VIP section.

Milly stood there, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

A storm raged in Milly's heart.

But a stubborn spark flickered to life amidst the turmoil. she must make the most of this competition. Once the project was completed, the tables would turn. Lilah, with all her secrets and manipulations, would be the one brought down.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is! Fancy meeting you here," a voice said, laced with a hint of sarcasm and surprise.

Lilah and Laura were just getting comfortable on the flush VIP seats with a satisfying sigh when the voice cut through the murmur like a knife. It was Karol's, emerging from the throng.

With a cool edge to her voice, Lilah said, “Karol. What a surprise."

"Oh, how well we've become acquainted," Karol said, dripping with sarcasm.

She let out a sharp exhale, the sound laced with a hint of deflation. Her gaze darting around, searching with an intensity that spoke volumes of disappointment.

A flicker of complacency returned to Karol's eyes. Her earlier frustration seemed to vanish as quickly as it arose.

"I don't see Gerard around. Did he not come with you?"

"I am no wilting flower that requires a chaperone wherever I go," Lilah said.

She had initially anticipated facing off against Karol in the final round alone. Perhaps as people said, "Foes are bound to cross paths."

"Did Effie invite you to this?" Karol quipped mockingly. "You truly are skilled at using your cunning to get Gerard to keep in touch with you by first mingling with those in his immediate vicinity."

“Miss Morris." Lilah's lips curled into a wry smile. "I've heard the Morris family is the primary sponsor of this competition. Surely the organizers wouldn't turn a blind eye to the sponsor's preferences when it comes to selecting the featured artist, am I right?"

It was quite probable that the Morris family sent the invitation to Effie, which was why she was able to attend this event.

And the reason?

Karol was subtly attempting to win Gerard over.

It made sense why Gerard didn't want to come here today.