The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Thalassa couldn't help but return the smile, acknowledging the greeting.

Cody kept the energy high as he announced, "Our second showcase is by contestant number eight, Heidi. Following her is number three, Thalassa."

As Cody introduced the designers, their creations were presented in grand, velvet-lined display cases on the stage, each accompanied by a voting box for the audience to cast their ballots.

Cody, ever the showman, explained the voting process with a grin, "We have ten patrons here tonight, each with a single vote to cast. Our esteemed patrons will vote for the design that resonates most with their personal aesthetic. The designer with the most votes will be crowned the winner of this semifinal round!"

This method of voting was seen as both fair and transparent by everyone involved.

of paper and a pen, simply asked to write down the number of their preferred design. Staff would collect the votes for

enough, the votes were counted, and Cody held

Zoey, who was also looking her way. Their eyes met in a

usually so stoic, offered Thalassa a warm, encouraging

a small gesture of camaraderie before they both turned their attention back to

results, "I know everyone's on the edge of their seats, wondering who out of our three talented designers has taken the lead. Well, the results are in my hand, and let me tell you, our patrons have exquisite taste." S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early

preamble did little to ease

votes! Contestant number eight, Heidi, also

into silence at the