Lilah spoke, her voice firm. "That woman is not the real L.P."

The table went silent before the same male designer asked, "Really?

How can you be so sure?"

"Because L.P isn't from Fauwille," Lilah said confidently.

"But no one's seen him or her in public. We don't even know if L.P is male or female, let alone their age." The male designer continued to remark, "I've examined the work of that Fauwille woman. It's eerily similar to L.P's. Many on the forum are rallying behind her, believing she might just take the top spot in this contest."

Lilah pondered why that Fauwille lady tried impersonating her. Did that lady really believe L.P wouldn't take part in the competition?

“A phony will always show their true colors eventually," Lilah stated, her voice firm.

A collective gasp filled the room, yet the conversations about other designs went on. The male designer added, “And speaking of designs, Miss Phillips, yours is quite impressive. Frankly, it's on par with L.P's work.”

He left an unspoken thought hanging in the air. It was unfortunate that Lilah kept such a low profile. With more visibility, she'd easily be the spotlight and likely the favorite to clinch the competition.

Meanwhile, in another secluded room at the same restaurant, a party was in full swing.

"With the way things are going, Anita, you're now the competition's shining star. This championship might just be yours."

The president of Fauwille Design Association grinned at Anita Bailey.

Anita's lips curled up. “It's all thanks to you, sir. That title you bestowed upon me? Genius. But won't they eventually catch on?"

"Pose that question to Bernard," the president suggested, turning toward Bernard.

Jumping in, Bernard speculated, “From what I gather, L.P's reluctance to be in public might stem from self-consciousness. Rumor has it the person is from Hualand but works in Mirello. Should L.P dare to challenge you, we have our methods to deal with them. Alternatively, we could just—"

He trailed off, but the implication was clear to everyone.

"You've got a sharp mind, Mr. Stein," Anita complimented.

Though internally, Anita held nothing but contempt for Bernard.

Turning his back on his homeland to favor Fauwille wasn't commendable.

But undeniably, he was clever.

Since the global showdown took place in Fauwille, a Fauwille designer had to clinch the title.

Anita had talent, yet being crowned champion felt just out of reach.

To tilt the odds in her favor, she sought the president's influence, hoping for a fast track to fame.

Bernard concocted a scheme for Anita—compete under the alias L.P. If she emerged victorious, the win wouldn't raise eyebrows. Their plot aimed to deliver a stinging blow to Hualand's pride.