"They're pretty concerned; hence I'm here," Bernard replied. “It's just odd, don't you think? How did a fire happen right before your final showcase?"

Matching his cold gaze with one of her own, Lilah retorted, “Why shouldn't I be in the finals? I've finished my design, after all."

Bernard, surprised, said, "What?"

Quickly, he said, "Please tell me you didn't create this in the ward; it's not allowed."

The competition had been underway for only an hour when the fire erupted.

Bernard doubted Lilah could have completed her design in such a short time.

Lilah pulled out her design. “I created this in the room. After I left, I made no changes. Watch the surveillance if you must. I had just woken up in the ward."

Bernard looked upset. His intent was to ridicule Lilah, not to have her compete in the final round.

"That won't change anything. Too much time has passed. You're not eligible for the final round."

"Why?" Lilah questioned.

Bernard hesitated. "All designs were to be submitted by noon. It's after that."

Lilah countered, “I finished within the deadline. The fire prevented me from submitting it; was that my fault? Don't you bear some responsibility?"

Bernard struggled to respond. He wasn't ready to concede.

It had taken significant effort for the association to keep Lilah out of the final round. Accepting her design now would render all that effort pointless, wouldn't it?

Gerard, with a commanding presence, interjected, "The Fauwille Design Association seems rather heartless. I wonder how the global design community would view this?"

Lilah added, "You can bar me from the final, but consider the public opinion. Are you worried about me taking the top spot; is that why you're keeping me out?"

Bernard didn't know what to say.

She sure had a way with words.

“Fine, I'll grant you this favor. But don't expect to come out on top, even if you do compete in the final round." Bernard reached for the design.

But Lilah pulled back. "I don't trust you with it. I'll have the guards deliver it alongside you."

Frustration surged through Bernard.

What nerve.

Ultimately, Gerard's guards escorted both the design and Bernard to the evaluation section.

With international judges present, Lilah was confident no mischief would occur from Fauwille's end.