The True Heiress's Return

Chapter 18

As the crew got ready for the next segment, the stage lights dimmed a bit. Yvette leaned over to Shakira and said, "Dad and the others are here today. You know why, right?" Shakira didn't even look her way. "Yvette, you really don't have to keep showing off how the Nelsons support you. I don't care at all."

Shakira's cold vibe and smirked. 'Shakira can't be as unfazed as she pretends. She's filled with jealousy beneath that calm façade, humph.

Yvette blinked innocently. "What are you talking about, Shakira? Showing off? Are you saying Dad and brothers changed their busy schedules just to cheer me on at this competition?" Feigning surprise, she added, "You've got it all wrong. They're not here just for me. It's about Yonder Digital.

"You know how tough th?...

they're going through,

are for the company right now. Dad and brothers have tried everything, and only Yonder Digital can pull us through. So, they can't afford any mistakes today. I know you put on a tough front, but you care more than you let on. You get what After a pause, Yvette whispered, "Actually, these past few days, Dad, Mom, and brothers have been wishing they hadn't stopped you that night. I believe that once we get through this rough patch, everyone will be excited to have you back home." Yvette wasn't just boasting; she was making sure Shakira knew how critical today was for the Nelson family. If anything went wrong, it could spell disaster. Shakira needed to understand that no matter what, the company came first. If she wanted to return and earn their attention again, she had to keep it together.

When Shakira heard Yvette's last comment, she let out a soft, almost sarcastic laugh. "Oh, really? I can't wait to see that." Yvette felt a sense of satisfaction with her response. Just look at Shakira, still hoping to win back the Nelson family. How laughable!' Just then, the I en, the host announced, "Now, let's check out our contestants' works for this audition."

On the big screen, the design drafts of each participant appeared one by one, along with models showcasing the garments freshly made backstage.

The designs from the first few contestants were pretty, but to the professional judges, they lacked originality. There was nothing technically wrong with the designs, but none of them brought a truly fresh perspective. Soon, it was Shakira's turn. "The contestant, Shakira, presents, 'Ashes," the host declared.

Shakira's design lit up the screen-a floor-length dress in the deepest black imaginable. The audience buzzed as the model emerged, wearing Shakira's creation.

With shattered embroidery, a strapless waistline, and large transparent black lace connecting from the chest to the arms, the model's figure was on full display. The sharp contrast between the black dress and her tender skin was striking.

But what really drew everyone's attention was the transparent black organza veil draping over the model's head. As she moved, it swayed with a mysterious grace, revealing part of her face from the shadows, like a resurrected enchantress, ready to take on the world. The room fell silent for a moment. It wasn't until the model finished her turn and returned to Shakira that the crowd began to react.

dress is

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apter 18

fit the theme? The title is 'Hope, and she named

you don't see it? The title is metaphorical. 'Ashes' means rebirth-new hope rising from

think it's way better than the first few-totally takes my breath away!" "I'm voting for

"Me too.

more

think anyone can

designer seems to be even better in that dress than the model. She's gorgeous, and that little beauty mark by her

audience gasped in admiration, leaving the Nelson family's

was lost in his thoughts,

wins, it'll

he quickly covered it up with a

+5

even remember them. When the black dress hit the stage, Yvette almost burst into laughter-it looked completely inappropriate for the theme. But as the audience buzzed with excitement, Yvette's anxiety shot up, and an angry feeling began to well up inside her. 'Seriously? These people think Shakira's raggedy black

Yvette's design a

that faded into a deep blue at the waist, resembling starlight against a night

lines in Yvette's design looked eerily similar to Shakira's sketches. The smile slipped from Mitchell's face, replaced by

know the technical details. They were just captivated by it

dress