Chapter 762:
Raymond asked, calm and direct, “What inspired this design?”
Paola spoke with practiced ease, delivering the story she had polished for the Buckleys. “It began with a spring trip to the countryside. I was struck by the scenery — rolling greenery, blossoms in full color. The fabric was dyed using a unique technique, a signature of Elegance.”
Raymond gave a slight nod. “And the fine threads shaped like petals — what about those? I find them a little overdone, though they don’t ruin the design.”
As she wasn’t the real designer, Paola had no idea why those details were included, but a tailor had mentioned them to her earlier. She lifted her chin and answered gracefully, “They were meant as highlights, catching light the way sun glints on flower petals.”
Raymond showed no sign of agreement. Instead, he remarked, “Spring makes a striking theme. Have you thought of expanding it into a seasonal line?”
With a measured smile, Paola replied, “Yes. I entered this competition on short notice, and the warm response to this outfit surprised me. I want to spend more time working on other seasonal collections.”
Raymond pressed on. “Do you already have concepts for those?”
Paola nodded. “Yes, I have some ideas.”
He paused, then asked, “And these are your own?”
The question caught her off guard. For a moment she froze before answering, “Of course. Every detail comes from me.” Her chest tightened as she added, almost defensively, “Why do you ask so suddenly?”
Raymond’s voice carried weight. “Can you guarantee this piece isn’t copied? That it truly came from your own vision and skill?”
He left her with one final chance to be honest. But Paola stood firm. “Your question seems a little unfair, but I promise this design is completely my own work.”
The crowd voiced its admiration from the darkened seats. “What a remarkable time for talent. With a daughter like her, Elegance’s owner will surely carry both fashion and legacy forward.”
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Raymond let out a quiet laugh, his eyes sharp with mockery. “I’ve asked enough. Let’s move on to the next design.”
Paola sat down again, but her pulse refused to settle. Why had the judge pressed her so hard? Was it because her work looked identical to Sweetberry’s?
But Rylie hadn’t managed to get fabric from Malvren Dyeing. Paola was convinced that in these judges’ eyes, it should be Rylie copying her work, not the other way around.
“It’s only a test,” Laurel whispered, laying her hand gently on her daughter’s. “Stay calm. Wait until Sweetberry takes the stage.”
Paola nodded, her tension loosening. Since Ainsley had already shared her design, Sweetberry’s release would come late, giving her an edge.
Ainsley returned backstage glowing with pride, convinced that Meridian Future would restore her to stardom.
Yet the moment she spotted Fiona in a trench coat identical to her own, her confidence cracked. She faltered in her heels, and if not for her assistant’s quick catch, she would have fallen.
Both women froze, panic rippling between them. “What’s going on with your clothes?” Ainsley hissed.
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