"Wishful thinking? Me?" Liza hadn't expected to hear such a remark the moment she stepped backstage. Folding her arms casually, she fixed her gaze on the girl who had just spoken, a faint but pointed smile gracing her lips. The girl's confidence faltered instantly. Memories of their earlier backstage encounter seemed to resurface in her mind. Without saying another word, she stepped back into the crowd, hoping to disappear from Liza's sharp eyes. At that moment, Serena emerged from the crowd, concern plastered all over her face. She hurried to Liza and clasped her hand tightly, her tone soft yet laden with unease. "Sister, where have you been? Someone said you quit the competition… Sister, tell them it’s not true! You love designing so much. How could you give up?" Liza pulled her hand away, her expression calm yet firm. "I’m not competing in the competition."Serena's face froze, her carefully crafted worry shifting to confusion. "Sister, you…" she stammered, her voice trembling as though she was struggling to understand. "Why? Why would you—" Liza’s gaze sharpened, her brows slightly raised. Why? Of course, it was because she wasn’t there to compete—she was there to judge. "Don’t worry," Liza replied, her voice calm but loaded with hidden meaning. "You’ll understand soon enough." Her piercing stare sent an uneasy chill down Serena’s spine. At that moment, the sound of the host’s voice filled the room, amplified by the microphone. "Everyone, may I have your attention, please? It’s time to announce the winner of Li City University’s Fashion Design Competition!" The room buzzed with excitement. "This year’s competition is truly historic," the host continued enthusiastically. "Not only do we have the honor of welcoming Mr. Gavin, CEO of the Stone Corporation, but also the highly elusive and renowned Master Ruby co!" Gasps rippled through the audience as the spotlight shifted to the judges' seats. Gavin’s sharp, handsome face appeared on the large screen, drawing audible gasps and murmurs. "Wow, he’s even more handsome than I imagined!" "I can’t believe the CEO of the Stone Corporation is this young. If I’d known, I would’ve joined the competition just to get a glimpse of him!" "Stop lying! You’re in the business department—you wouldn’t even qualify to compete!" "But what about Master Ruby co?" someone asked eagerly. "The host said she’s here too!" All eyes turned expectantly to the seat reserved for the legendary designer, but it was empty.The chancellor’s nervous glances toward Mason didn’t go unnoticed. He furrowed his brows, urgently signaling for an update. Mason, equally flustered, kept glancing at his phone, dialing repeatedly with no success. Liza, standing in the corner of the hall, ignored the buzzing call on her phone. With a small smirk, she tucked the device away and casually began walking toward the front of the room. The host, unfazed by the awkward moment, seamlessly moved on. "Now, without further delay, let’s announce the winner of the competition!" The audience buzzed with anticipation, though the mystery surrounding Master Ruby co lingered heavily in the air. The backstage participants felt a twinge of disappointment when Master Ruby co didn’t appear. However, the excitement of the competition's climax quickly rekindled their spirits as they eagerly awaited the announcement of the winner. "Quick, where’s Serena? Get her ready to accept the award!" someone urged enthusiastically. The crowd’s enthusiasm propelled Serena forward to the front of the group. She offered a few modest words, but her expression betrayed her elation. The pride in her eyes was unmistakable. With a confident flourish, she adjusted her pristine white dress, ensuring every detail was perfect before stepping into the spotlight. The host's voice rang out, cutting through the chatter. "Ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted to announce the winner of this year’s competition. The first place goes to …" Before the name was even fully spoken, a wave of cheers erupted backstage. Serena’s radiant smile grew broader. She basked in the envy and admiration of those around her, relishing the spotlight. Brandon, holding a bouquet of vibrant red roses, approached her with a warm smile. "Congratulations," he said, offering her the bouquet. "Thank you," Serena replied sweetly, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. Brandon placed a supportive hand on her shoulder, waiting for the official announcement to confirm what everyone already expected. "And now, let’s congratulate our first-place winner… Serena!" Applause thundered through the hall as Serena gracefully stepped onto the stage, her white dress flowing like a fairy's gown. Meanwhile, Liza had quietly taken her seat among the judges. Gavin, seated next to her, noticed the subtle movement and turned his head slightly. His eyes met hers just as she raised a finger to her lips, signaling him to stay quiet. For a moment, Gavin paused, his expression unreadable. George, noticing the sudden shift beside him, turned as well. His reaction was far less composed—his eyes widened in shock. "Madam?! What are you doing here?!" Thankfully, the audience's attention remained fixed on the stage. George quickly leaned down, his voice hushed and frantic. "Madam, please come with me. This seat is reserved for someone else!" Unbothered, Liza calmly shook her head. "No need. I’ll sit here." George’s internal panic was palpable. This isn’t a suggestion! That seat isn’t yours! On stage, Serena had begun her acceptance speech, her voice poised and self-assured. Amid the applause and cheers, Liza casually raised her hand. Her voice cut through the room like a knife, commanding everyone’s attention. "Excuse me," she said, her tone calm but firm. "I have an objection to the first-place winner of this competition." The room fell into stunned silence. All eyes turned toward her as whispers rippled through the crowd. Serena froze mid-sentence, her confident demeanor wavering as she tried to process what had just happened.