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

were counted, and Cody held

anticipation washed over Thalassa; she couldn't help but glance over at Zoey, who was also looking her

stoic, offered

camaraderie before

holding onto the suspense before finally diving into the 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,

did little to ease Thalassa's

announced, "Contestant number five, Zoey, with three votes! Contestant number eight, Heidi, also threevotes! And contestant number three,

stunned into silence