Serena's design was undeniably striking, which was why it managed to captivate the judges and secure first place. However, something about it felt off to Gavin. While he acknowledged the design’s appeal, there was a dissonance—its style didn’t seem to align with Serena’s personality or abilities. Trusting his instincts, he withheld his vote. Liza, on the other hand, had a much sharper critique of the piece. Her evaluation was succinct yet cutting: “The design process is flawed. True designers must refine their skills and remain committed to creating original work.” She believed in the philosophy that the finest swords are forged through repeated sharpening, and the most beautiful plum blossoms bloom only in harsh winters. Perseverance and authenticity would always lead a designer to carve out their unique path. Sadly, not everyone shared this mindset. Many preferred to take shortcuts, undermining the spirit of true craftsmanship. Serena, stunned by Liza’s revelation that she was Ruby co, stood frozen in disbelief. Her mind raced. No! This can’t be true! How could Liza be Ruby co?! Breaking the silence, Liza spoke in a calm but firm voice. “I’ve noticed some rumors about Serena being my disciple. To clarify, I’m currently serving as a temporary instructor at Li City University, and I’ve indeed mentored her to some extent. I won’t deny that she has potential in fashion design.” She lifted her chin slightly, her tone measured and unhurried. “Perhaps it’s because I value talent and was entrusted with this role. I want to see our country produce exceptional designers, so I offered her guidance. During our sessions, Serena encountered some concepts she struggled to grasp, and I explained them, often over a computer screen. “At the time, I was also working on a new design. She saw parts of it and asked me a few questions. That design… is the one she submitted for this competition. It’s titled Growth.” With that, Liza retrieved her phone and displayed an image of her original design. The cameraman quickly focused on the screen, projecting the image for the entire audience to see. The original design, inspired by the concept of the five grains, featured a wheat-ear skirt as its centerpiece. When Serena’s version of Growth was revealed earlier, the audience had been impressed. But as they now compared it to Liza’s original creation, the difference became glaringly obvious. It was clear what people meant when they said that a replica could never rival the original. Liza’s Growth was breathtaking. The dress was layered exquisitely, with golden wheat ears arranged to mimic a shimmering field swaying gently in the breeze. The waistline, embroidered with intricate wheat patterns, not only supported the upper half of the dress but also seamlessly held the cascading wheat layers below. Instead of the exaggerated deep V neckline in Serena’s version, Liza’s original featured a delicate V-neck adorned with a thin layer of tulle. This detail gave the design an ethereal quality, as if the dress itself moved gracefully in the wind.This was the real Growth—a design that told a story and embodied both innovation and artistry. Once the audience had taken in the revelation, Liza addressed them again. “Before accepting the role of judge for this competition, I learned that the winner would have the opportunity to join Stone Corporation. Coincidentally, Stone Corporation had already approached me with a proposal to collaborate on this season’s collection.” She paused, allowing her words to sink in. “This is why I chose ‘Five Grains’ as the theme for this competition. I wanted to discover designs that could complement my upcoming series, exploring both high-end and mid-range fashion. Unfortunately…” Her voice trailed off as she shook her head slightly, disappointment evident in her tone. “Unfortunately, everything was overshadowed by plagiarism.” The room was heavy with silence, but the weight of her words was unmistakable. George, standing off to the side, wasn’t as focused on the plagiarism scandal as everyone else. What had completely shocked him was the revelation that Madam Liza was none other than the elusive Master Ruby co! And even more astounding—Madam was about to collaborate with Stone Corporation! Master Ruby co, the designer who had been out of their reach for so long, had been right beside them all along. George felt like questioning his own eyesight. How had he failed to see this coming? “Impossible! You can’t be Ruby co! There’s no way!” Serena’s composure cracked completely as she yelled in desperation. “You’re lying! You’re not Ruby co! Don’t believe her lies!” Liza raised an eyebrow, her expression calm yet cutting. “Why? Are you going to drag out the same excuse again? That I’m just a girl from the countryside? Is that your justification?” Her voice was steady, but it carried a sting that echoed through the room. “Because I grew up in a small village, I’m automatically beneath you? Because I come from humble beginnings, I’m incapable of achieving anything on my own? Do you think I should grovel at your feet just to boost your ego?” Serena stumbled back, her face pale. “No… no, that’s not what I meant…” Her voice wavered as reality hit her like a freight train. She couldn’t accept it. How could the person she’d looked down on for so long suddenly hold all the power? How could the girl she had dismissed as insignificant rise to a level she could only dream of? The air in the room was thick with tension, and as the weight of the moment settled, Serena had no choice but to retreat. The humiliation was unbearable. She left the venue, defeated and exposed. With Serena disqualified, the committee revoked the first-place award and announced the second-place winner. But the crowd barely registered the change. The recipient’s acceptance speech faded into the background as all eyes remained fixed on Liza. Of all the stares, one gaze was particularly unnerving—the intense look from the man beside her. Liza shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny. She leaned slightly toward him and whispered, “Why are you staring at me like that?” Gavin’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I’m just admiring how my wife transformed into the renowned international designer, Ruby co.” Liza felt her face flush. “There’s something seriously wrong with you,” she muttered, averting her eyes. When the event finally concluded and the curtains came down, Liza wasted no time getting up from her seat. She made a beeline for the exit, her pace brisk. Gavin reached out instinctively, trying to catch her, but his hand closed on empty air. He stared at his hand for a moment, his expression darkening. George, standing nearby, couldn’t hide his panic. “President, what are you doing just standing there? Madam’s already making her escape!”“Escape?” Gavin’s voice was calm but laced with amusement. He stood up, his movements deliberate, his gaze following her retreating figure. Could she really run from him? As he walked toward the exit, the university leaders trailed behind him respectfully, escorting him out. Meanwhile, Gavin’s steps were steady, confident—because in his mind, there was no such thing as Liza slipping away.