Chapter 203: Is This What The Golden Fleece Stands For
A smug sense of satisfaction settled over Brooke as she returned to the backstage area. She had done it. She had secured Judge Thompson’s vote, ensuring her victory in the competition. Lyse’s destroyed dress was just the icing on the cake. She had effectively eliminated her biggest rival, paving the way for her own triumph.
She glanced around, taking in the nervous energy of the other contestants. They were all so focused on their own presentations, so oblivious to the machinations happening behind the scenes. Brooke felt a surge of power. She had manipulated them all, played them like pawns in her game and she was going to be crowned the queen before their envying eyes.
She noticed that Lyse was still nowhere to be seen. The director was becoming impatient, glancing at his watch. He was about to call the next contestant when Lyse finally appeared, rushing into the backstage area, her face flushed but composed.
Brooke’s smile widened. She had been so sure that Lyse would not make it, that her sabotage had worked perfectly. But Lyse was back, and she was carrying a garment bag. Brooke’s heart sank slightly. What was going on? Where had she gotten something on such quick notice? She shrugged, reminding herself that the crown was already hers for the taking. Everything that was happening was just a formality.
Lyse quickly got her model changed into the outfit she had brought, a stunning, elegant dress that had been hand dyed and painstakingly decorated with tiny beads that shimmered with subtle beauty. It was even more breathtaking than the dress that had been destroyed. As the model walked past after Lyse, Brooke’s eyes widened in disbelief. How...?
As Lyse emerged, ready to present her final piece, a hush fell over the backstage area. The other contestants, their faces a mixture of awe and admiration, stared at the dress. It was a masterpiece, a testament to Lyse’s incredible talent and her unique vision. Without it being announced, they could already tell who the winner was.
Brooke’s mind raced. How could this be happening? She had destroyed Lyse’s dress, she had bribed Kim, Bribed a judge also, she had done everything in her power to win. And yet, Lyse was still here, still competing, still an undeniable threat.
Lyse walked onto the stage, her head held high, her expression confident. She presented her final piece, explaining the inspiration behind the design as the model strutted about, showing them different angles in the elaborate dress that spoke for itself.
She spoke about the women she had worked with at the women’s shelter, their resilience, their strength, their unwavering spirit despite everything the world and the people they trusted had thrown at them. She spoke about teaching them and their help in getting the dress together. She told the judges that this dress was a tribute to them, to their courage, to their indomitable will.
All the judges listened intently, their faces filled with emotion. They were clearly moved by Lyse’s words, by the story behind the dress. Brooke watched from the wings, her heart sinking further with each passing moment. She feared that she could lose. Despite her faith in Judge Thompson, she could feel it.
After the presentations were complete, the judges retreated to deliberate for a little while that felt like years. The tension in the backstage area was almost unbearable. The contestants waited anxiously, their faces etched with anticipation.
Finally, the stage manager returned, his face grave.