“Absolutely, Katie shines as a beacon of talent. Her designs are top-notch," another chimed in.

A third mused, “Her rise from the ashes is the stuff of legends. It's motivating. I've got to take a leaf out of her book; success is waiting."

And another fan, half in awe and half in jest, commented, "A design by the future head of the Design Academy fetched 1.8 million! It's not that it's overpriced; my wallet just can't stretch that far."

Lilah pieced together the story of the previous night. Katie had been at the dinner, yet Lilah doubted her credentials for such an invitation. It was clear to her that Katie had gatecrashed, seizing yet another opportunity to fan the flames of her fame. While she outwardly scorned the ambitious, Katie herself was a wolf in designer clothing.

Yet, Lilah's mind was occupied with more pressing matters than Katie's machinations. Her day was a blur of paperwork and scholarly discussions, punctuated only by the soft interruption of Phoebe at her office door.

“What's up, Phoebe?"

"Sorry, Miss Phillips, I did knock. I wasn't sure you were here."

Phoebe's voice trembled slightly, her eyes searching Lilah's face for a sign of distress. "Are you okay?"

“Why wouldn't I be?" Lilah probed, her eyebrow arched in curiosity.

Phoebe's fists were balled up in solidarity. “Online, people are saying you're not in Katie's league. I told them they're wrong, but, well, you know how viral those things go."

Despite Phoebe's valiant attempts to stand up for Lilah online, the tide of public opinion was not so easily turned.

Lilah suppressed a giggle. "Do I strike you as someone who crumbles under public scrutiny?"

"Not at all." Phoebe's eyes sparkled with an almost tangible admiration. “You're like a superhero, Miss Phillips.”

Phoebe's innocence brought a wave of affection through Lilah. She reassured Phoebe, “Don't fret over me. Anyway, are you interested in attending the lecture given by the Design Academy?"

Phoebe's face fell a little. "I'd love to, but it's a lottery system.

Thousands apply, and they only pick a handful."

Lilah had a quota of a few seats. “Worry not. I've got some spots reserved. Tell our design team-they're all in for tomorrow."

For a moment, Phoebe was a picture of stunned silence before finding her voice. "You're not pulling my leg, are you, Miss Phillips?"

Everyone knew getting into these lectures was like catching lightning in a bottle. People shortlisted for the class considered themselves lucky.

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Lilah's smile was warm and genuine.

"Just make sure you soak it all in."

Phoebe was practically vibrating with joy, her words tripping over each other. "I'll record every word, play it back until it sticks."

She twirled out, nearly colliding with the doorframe in her glee, leaving Lilah to chuckle to herself, head shaking in amusement.

Word of Lilah's gesture spread like wildfire, igniting a fervor of excitement amongst the design team-they felt as though they had struck gold.