The president, no stranger to playing puppeteer, hardly hesitated.

There were other standout designers in Fauwille, but none as pliable as Anita.

An obedient pawn was the president's preference.

Anita, feeling the weight of her compromises, believed the championship title would be her ticket to boundless riches. So, she played along.

As for Bernard, his ego was larger than life. In his eyes, Fauwille was his stage to dazzle and dominate.

Post-lunch, as Anita and her company exited, they bumped into Hualand's designers.

“Look who it is, Hualand's design team. Leaving after your goodbye lunch, are you?" Anita taunted, a sardonic grin playing on her Lips.

Lilah met Anita's gaze squarely. "It's interesting how well you seem to know that your land lacks depth and allure, failing to captivate true artists."

Anita retorted, her voice dripping with disdain, "Always with a comeback, aren't you? Is everyone from Hualand this feisty?"

"We simply mirror your energy," Lilah countered.

Anita's eyes flashed. Lilah's beauty paired with eloquence irked her, especially since her designs rivaled Lilah's.

“I won't waste breath on this. None of you will make it to the final, anyway. Your Hualand group is dwindling. Five of you are out, while only one of ours is gone," Anita said, her tone dripping with superiority.

The group bristled with anger; yet, Anita's words held a painful truth.

"Really? Our fate is in your hands?" Lilah challenged.

Anita hesitated, caught off guard. Openly admitting the unsaid truths of the contest would break unspoken bounds. Her disdain for Lilah's audacity was palpable.

Folding her arms defiantly, Anita challenged, “You seem so sure of yourself. How about a wager? If you lose, proclaim to the world that Hualand's designs are trash, doomed to lag behind."

Phoebe, along with the others, wore expressions of sheer disbelief.

Anita's nerve knew no bounds.

“Miss Phillips, she's not worth it," Phoebe whispered, tugging gently at Lilah's sleeve.

Anita, catching the gesture, smirked. "Having second thoughts?

Typical Hualand. Always the ones to back down. In contests like these, you'll forever be tail-enders."

The male designer's voice rose, fueled by indignation. “What are you even going on about?"

Anita sighed dramatically. "It's clear. Your reluctance to bet shows you lack faith in your own victory. But fine, I won't waste more breath on this." She began to walk away, radiating disdain.

"Hold on, we'll take your bet," he shot back. "But if you're the one on the losing side, you owe the world a public apology, admitting your overconfidence and lack of skill."