As Liza sat contemplating the email from Li City University, two new messages popped into her inbox. The first one was from the university itself, following up on their earlier invitation. They asked her to confirm whether she would attend as a judge. At the end of the email, a line caught her attention: "Serena, a former student of yours, will also be participating in this competition. Wouldn’t you like to see her?" Her expression turned unreadable as she pondered the mention of Serena. Then she moved to the second email. This one was from the design department at Stone Corporation. They formally invited her to attend the competition and expressed their keen interest in working with her. The email ended with a polite request for a meeting to discuss a potential collaboration during the event. As her eyes lingered on the words Stone Corporation, Liza exhaled a deep sigh. Fate seemed intent on pulling her into this competition. The next morning, Liza left the house early. Gavin was still in bed when she grabbed a slice of bread, greeted the new housekeeper casually, and stepped out. When Gavin finally came downstairs, the servant greeted him. "Good morning, Young Master." He took the newspaper from her and asked nonchalantly, "Where’s Madam? Is she still asleep?" The servant hesitated before replying softly, "Madam left early this morning." Gavin lowered the paper, his gaze hardening. A cold sneer formed on his lips as he tossed the paper onto the table. Moments later, George entered the dining room. He immediately noticed Gavin’s stormy expression and swallowed nervously. “President, should we head out now?” Gavin’s icy stare met his. “What do you think?”George glanced upstairs and asked cautiously, “Shouldn’t we wait for Madam?” Gavin let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Are you waiting for her, or is she waiting for you?” The implication was clear: Liza had left without them. George blinked in surprise. “So… Madam left us behind?” Gavin didn’t respond, but his cold demeanor said everything. Meanwhile, the backstage of Li City University’s Fashion Design Competition was buzzing with activity. Participants scurried about, adjusting their designs, double-checking their presentations, and engaging in hushed conversations. Among them was Serena, who stood surrounded by a few admirers. A rather plain-looking girl clung to her arm, her tone filled with awe. “Wow, there are so many participants this year! It’s way more competitive than before.” Serena, ever gracious, greeted familiar faces while replying with a faint smile, “This competition attracts a lot of students because it’s an opportunity to join Stone Corporation’s design team. Everyone wants to showcase their best work. And this year, I heard Gavin, the CEO of Stone Corporation, will personally attend. That’s why so many people are eager to participate.” The girl, widened her eyes and gasped. “Gavin? As in, Brandon’s uncle?” Her voice turned playful as she nudged Serena with a grin. “Everyone here is dreaming about meeting someone who’s clearly out of their league. But you? Serena, you’re practically family with the Stone Corporation, right? You get to see him all the time!” Serena flushed slightly, her delicate features tinged with embarrassment. “Judith, stop joking around,” she murmured, her voice soft and demure. But Judith wasn’t done teasing. “Serena, you’re too adorable. With that shy look of yours, anyone would want to protect you. Be careful—I might just commit a crime!” Serena’s bashful smile and gentle demeanor only added to her charm. She had earned a reputation as the campus belle, someone whose mere presence could make hearts flutter. She knew exactly how to wield that image, but the competitive atmosphere backstage hinted that she wasn’t the only one vying for attention that day. “Judith!” Serena stomped her foot lightly, her face turning a deeper shade of pink. Seeing her genuine embarrassment, Judith chuckled softly and decided to change the subject. “Even if Gavin is attending, do these students really need to go this overboard?” The sheer number of participants this year was astonishing—almost double that of previous years. “There’s another reason for all the excitement,” Serena said, lowering her voice as though she was sharing a secret. Her eyes sparkled with barely concealed excitement as she leaned closer to Judith and whispered, “It’s rumored that Master Ruby co will be here as one of the judges…” “What?!”Judith’s reaction was immediate, her eyes widening in disbelief. “Are you talking about the Ruby co? The legendary designer?” Their hushed conversation wasn’t as quiet as they thought. Heads turned as a few people backstage began to glance curiously in their direction. Serena quickly grabbed Judith’s arm and whispered urgently, “Keep your voice down! We don’t know if the rumor is true yet, so don’t let anyone else overhear.” “What’s there to doubt?” Judith shot her a knowing look. “Serena, aren’t you in touch with Master Ruby co? Don’t think I haven’t noticed how she gives you special attention. She even personally critiques your designs! I wouldn’t be surprised if she wants to take you in as her apprentice.” Serena shook her head gently, her expression modest yet tinged with pride. “I’m not sure about that. I only heard from one of my professors that Master Ruby co appreciates my design style. But there are so many talented students here—I’m not sure if I’ll catch her eye.” Ruby co was a revered name among fashion design students, practically a legend in the industry. Her bold and breathtaking designs had captured the attention of the world, and the idea of meeting her in person was a dream for many. Judith gave an exaggerated sigh and said dramatically, “Serena, stop being so humble! Let’s be honest—who in this university could impress Master Ruby co besides you? You’re practically the star of the fashion department. Maybe Master Ruby co came here just for you!” Serena’s lips curled into a pleased smile at Judith’s flattery, though she tried to maintain an air of modesty. Just then, a commotion erupted near the entrance, drawing everyone’s attention. Conversations hushed as students turned their heads to see what was causing the stir. Gasps filled the room as a woman entered. Her presence was commanding, her beauty striking in an effortless, understated way. She exuded confidence, with sharp yet elegant features, standing tall like she owned the room. The whispers began almost immediately.“Who is that? She’s stunning!” “She looks so powerful and cool! Is she from our fashion design department?” “Why have I never seen her before? Could she be a last-minute participant? Honestly, just her face alone deserves a vote!” The students were buzzing with curiosity, unable to look away from the enigmatic woman who had just walked in. Serena, too, stared at the newcomer, her smile faltering slightly as an unfamiliar unease settled in.