Chapter 157

Chapter 157:

Excitement filled the air on the day of the competition, the venue alive with chatter and anticipation.

Ten finalists stepped forward one by one, each tasked with unveiling their design concepts, original sketches, and completed 3D models.

A panel of ten professionals, joined by voices from the public, weighed in with their scores after every presentation.

Because Sophie had taken the lead in the earlier online voting, she was placed in the spotlight as the last to perform. At the edge of the stage, she waited in silence for the contestant before her to wrap up their showcase.

а𝖼𝘁𝗂𝘷e cо𝗆𝗆unі𝘁𝘆 𝘰𝘯.с𝗈m

Meanwhile, the massive LED screen cycled through every participant’s work—some dazzled with bold ideas, others impressed with flawless detail, while a few became tangled in unnecessary complexity.

Finally, the host called her name with enthusiasm. “Please welcome our final contestant, Sophie Knight from Pinnacle Jewelry, here to reveal her creation—Evermore p>

A beam of light caught Sophie as she steadied her breath and strode onto the stage with quiet resolve.

Across the towering LED screen, her creation emerged gradually—a jewelry set defined by its elegance and subtlety. At its center rested a circular pendant, crafted to echo the layered forms of ancient sundials. A yellow diamond, glowing with the warmth of dawn, anchored the piece, while surrounding gems shifted in color from golden hues to shades of deep blue.

As the digital rendering turned, the reflections danced gently, moving from the brilliance of morning into the calm embrace of evening.

When Sophie finally spoke, her tone carried both softness and certainty. “This design honors Mr. Frederick Powell and his wife, whose sixty years together stand as a journey walked hand in hand p>

With a smile, she continued. “Their love has never relied on grand gestures, yet they have never failed to remain by each other’s side. Everyday life, whether bathed in sunlight or cloaked in evening quiet, has always carried their devotion. For me, that is the purest expression of this competition’s theme—love p>

Confidence laced her voice. “The idea behind Evermore is to turn companionship into something visible—a way to thread ordinary moments into a lasting piece of jewelry. I believe that even the simplest love story, so long as two people continue walking together, is worthy of remembrance. What I hope to achieve is to give form to that truth p>

The hall grew still for a few breaths after her final words, then applause surged like a wave breaking across the venue. Judges exchanged knowing glances and nodded, their expressions softened by admiration.

Because Sophie was the last to present, her exit signaled a short intermission before the anxious tallying of votes began. Anticipation tightened in the room as every heartbeat seemed to echo the coming results.

When the announcement finally came, Sophie felt her pulse leap without her permission.

In the end, her score settled at 9.3, earning her third place.

A pang of disappointment touched her briefly for not taking first, yet pride quickly reminded her how far she had come and how much it meant to be standing there at all.

The ceremony moved forward without delay. One by one, the top three were called to the stage, and Sophie accepted her trophy and bouquet with a radiant smile while applause echoed warmly around her.

Before the host could officially close the event, a sharp voice suddenly cut through the hall. “Hold on! I must object to these final scores p>

All at once, the crowd hushed, every head turning toward the interruption.

From the judges’ table, a tall blond man with striking features rose to his feet.

One of the organizers’ representatives hurried toward the judges’ table, his expression tense. “Mr. Bradley? Is there a problem p>

Sophie’s eyes followed the direction of the interruption. Carlos Bradley? The name alone carried weight in the jewelry industry.

Within the fashion world, Carlos stood as both a celebrated model and an international icon, famed for his keen, uncompromising judgment. Any piece he chose to wear or endorse often skyrocketed in value and reshaped market trends. Designers everywhere considered his personal taste a standard to aspire to, and gaining his approval was seen as a badge of honor.

Ignoring the sudden hush that had fallen over the venue, Carlos lifted his voice with certainty. “There’s something wrong with these scores. One particular contestant’s work should never have been placed in this position p>

Whispers rippled through the hall.

With a grave expression, the organizers’ representative addressed him. “Mr. Bradley, that’s an extremely serious charge. Which contestant do you mean p>

Without hesitation, Carlos fixed his eyes on Sophie and replied with unwavering certainty. “Sophie Knight, the one who placed third p>

Shock rooted Sophie to the spot, her mind reeling at the thought that the uproar had turned directly toward her.