National Design Competition?

Lilah wasn't the type to chase after such events. Just as she was about to hit pass, in breezed Phoebe.

"Miss Phillips, fancy taking a gander at my latest sketches?" she ventured hesitantly.

"You've come a long way and got a heap of promise." Lilah gave her two cents straight up.

"So, reckon I stand a chance in the National Design Competition?"

Phoebe's eyes danced at the mere thought.

Lilah gave her a once-over and mused a bit. “Yeah, with the chops you've got, you might just knock their socks off."

Phoebe's face lit up. “Thanks a million. I'm gonna roll up my sleeves and do Aurora Jewelers proud!"

Lilah couldn't help but be moved by the young designer's fire.

Seeing her team so fired up, Lilah figured maybe she could pitch in too. Level the playing field at the contest.

When word got out that L.P was on board, the competition's vice director was on cloud nine.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!"

"Hey, what's got your tail on fire?" The competition's chief coordinator quirked an eyebrow. This one always seemed to be a pot about to boil over.

“LLP said yes to be a judge!" the vice director exclaimed.

"Say what now?" The chief coordinator's voice skyrocketed, a notch shriller than the earlier outburst. He darted over to check out the email. Buzzing Like a bee, he paced the room. "Holy smokes! This is the first competition L.P's judging, right? We've got to knock this one out of the park! Get the word out! If folks hear L.P's on board, they'll be breaking down our door to get in!"

Who wouldn't crave a piece of advice from L.P?

“Hold your horses. L.P wrote back saying she doesn't want her name splashed around." The vice director sounded bummed.

A twinge of disappointment flickered across the chief coordinator's face, but his spirit bounced back quickly. "Eh, L.P's coming. That's the golden ticket. We can't get too greedy."

Online, they drummed up the competition like it was a blockbuster premiere. The pot sweetened with fatter cash prizes and more perks.

This lured in a truckload of eager beavers. Designer enrollment was through the roof.

Fast forward a week, and the shortlist for round one was out.

From the sea of wannabes, a cool hundred snagged a spot.

From the Aurora Jewelers’ camp, it was Phoebe and another old-timer.

Over at Phillips Jewelry, Adaline and another hand were gearing up.