From Aurora Jewelers, Phoebe secured ninth place, though their other entrant failed to qualify.

Upon reviewing the work of her competitors, Adaline had to concede their designs were genuinely exceptional. Contemplating her own precarious position, she acknowledged the looming threat of elimination in the forthcoming round.

She wouldn't let this happen; she had joined this competition with her sights set on the pinnacle.

After much deliberation, Adaline flipped open her notebook. Tucked within was a crumpled sheet, the very one she'd discovered in Lilah's room.

The design sketched on that paper was a cut above even the Leading entry in the current first round.

A scheme began to take root in Adaline's thoughts.

Following a day of rest, the competition resumed the day after next.

Though the pool of contestants had dwindled, the intensity of the competition surged.

Upon seeing her rank, Phoebe was ecstatic. She sought out Lilah backstage, exclaiming, "Miss Phillips, I'm so grateful for your earlier guidance. I never imagined I'd get this far."

"Now that you're here, set your sights on the championship. Hard work is always rewarded."

"Thank you. I'll give it my all," Phoebe responded, resolve shining in her eyes.

Lilah offered a supportive smile.

This journey had steered a once-uncertain designer toward her passion.

Maybe, Lilah thought, that was the true essence of this competition.

The morning was a flurry of creative fervor as designers refined their submissions. Come afternoon, they were to unveil their masterpieces.

During the critiques, accolades flowed from Lilah and her fellow adjudicators. “The dedication is palpable, and the outcomes are even more remarkable than those in the preliminary stage."

Phoebe's creation, a swan-inspired jewelry piece, radiated purity and sophistication.

"This design will surely captivate the high society."

"It's breathtaking."

Praise cascaded from the judges, confirming Lilah's initial prediction: Phoebe was a talent on the rise. True dedication to craft would always shine through.

Then came Adaline's moment, and the room fell into stunned silence.

Before them was a creation mirroring the infinite sprawl of a galaxy, rendering the judges speechless.

"The evolution of this contestant's skill is astounding."

“It's Leagues beyond her preliminary submission! Did she deliberately conceal her abilities until now?"