The subsequent two days marked the promotional rounds of the competition, with the third day earmarked for announcing the finalists.

Early that morning, Fauwille Design Association convened a meeting.

Their initial plan was to prevent Lilah's advancement, but her design had created ripples. Eliminating her now would draw unnecessary suspicion.

Bernard, seeking to navigate the situation tactfully, remarked, “I believe it's premature to dismiss Lilah now. She's strategic; if she publishes her design online and we've sidelined her, suspicions will arise."

The president concurred, “Fine, we'll let her progress one more round."

And thus, Lilah secured her spot in the finals.

The finals commenced on the fifth day.

As Lilah made her way to her station, she was met with an outpour of encouragement, primarily from her fellow Hualand nationals.

While she couldn't acknowledge every gesture, she felt each one deeply.

The competition rules had been tightened. Designers worked in isolated rooms to prevent any form of copying, and guards stood by each door to ensure the integrity of the contest.

Engrossed in her work, Lilah barely noticed the server who entered with a drink.

But the server's clumsiness led her to spill the liquid on the wooden floor. "I apologize, I'll fetch another one," she mumbled.

Lilah, intent on finishing her design, paid her no mind.

It was the distinct scent of smoke that jolted her from her concentration.

Panic gripped her as she realized that flames were rapidly consuming the room.

"Help! Fire!" she shouted, rushing to the exit.

Competition rules forbade opening the door until the round was concluded.

She pounded on it desperately, but there was no answer from the other side.

A chilling realization struck her—the spilled liquid had been oil, not water.

Was this an orchestrated attempt by the Fauwille Design Association to sabotage her?

Their ruthlessness knew no bounds.

With flames rapidly closing in and thick smoke filling the room, Lilah's gaze settled on the window as her only escape route.

Outside, the sight of billowing smoke had drawn a crowd, and sirens wailed in the distance.

When the time was up, as participants exited their rooms, they were met with the harrowing sight of fire trucks and a charred room.