Chapter 129

Stephanie narrowed her eyes at the smug Alicia, who acted like she was definitely going to win.

Julianna sneered, “Look at her triumphant expression, I didn’t expect her to join Dream Design Studio. Seriously, why would they hire her? After all, she is friends with Florence. I don’t believe that she didn’t know about the plagiarism incident.”

“Perhaps she knew but didn’t expect Florence to copy everything. But she’s not innocent. She gave me a hard time while I was at Fantasy Boutique. I guess her role in Dream Design Studio will not be that of a designer. Maybe an assistant at best. After all, that place has a high threshold for its designers. Famous design studios care about their reputation. Designers with criminal records will not be hired again,” Stephanie replied.

Julianna crossed her arms and nodded. “That’s true. I wonder what Dream Design Studio created this time. I heard that the third round of rough sketches was drawn by a woman named Flora, but she is an A-class designer. Those two S-level designers were only responsible for the first two rounds of the competition, which was quite surprising. It seems that this lady will rank up from A to 5-class after this.”

Stephanie said meaningfully, “Don’t underestimate Flora, as she’s a nobody who defeated two S-class designers.”

The Dream Design Studio team, led by its vice president, Lisa, approached Stephanie and Julianna to shake hands. “It’s a great pleasure to participate in International Golden Finger Contest with Starlight Design Studio. It’s our first time competing in an international-level competition.”

Julianna smiled. “Your company performed well during the previous product launch. I think you’ll achieve great results at this event, too.”

Lisa nodded and pulled Flora over. “She’s this year’s dark horse designer. Her ideas are great, and all her drawings are eye-catching. She’s going to

showcase her talent in the third round.”!

Flora extended her hand politely. “Nice to meet you.”

Stephanie and Julianna shook hands with her.

Stephanie smiled. “Dream Design Studio thinks highly of you by letting you join the finale. I look forward to your performance.”

Flora nodded. “I’ll work hard.”

Julianna looked at Lisa, raising her chin. “Isn’t that Alicia?”

Lisa nodded. “Yes, she is Flora’s assistant. Alicia couldn’t be a designer because of the previous incident. However, we showed her mercy because she’s

Flora’s relative.”

Julianna smiled meaningfully. “Plagiarism is like stealing. It’s addictive unless you cut off your hand. Lisa, please ensure she won’t ruin your company’s

reputation.”

Alicia’s face paled. She retorted angrily, “Everyone makes mistakes. You can’t make presumptive guesses about others.”

Julianna disliked Alicia greatly because she made things difficult for Stephanie. Later, she even plagiarized Stephanie’s rough sketch. Although she wasn’t the mastermind, she was still involved. “Wrongdoing has its limits! Some people have low standards, flattering the powerful and stepping on the

weak. Plagiarism is nothing to them. Flora, be cautious who you work with. Don’t let your softness lead to future criticism.”

Flora forced a smile, suppressing her guilt. “You’re right, Ms. Saunders, but I believe Alicia will change her ways.”

Julianna shrugged, thinking, ‘Let’s not waste my time talking to them. She said, “Stephie, it’s boarding time.”

Stephanie didn’t bother to look at Alicia. She turned around, took her suitcase, and boarded the plane with her team.

Meanwhile, Alicia gritted her teeth angrily. She whispered to Flora, “We must ruin that b**h’s reputation this time! As long as she is destroyed this time, Starlight Design Studio will fall. Then, Dream Design Studio will rise, and your dream will come true.”

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Chapter 129

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Flora actually felt uneasy white facing Stephanie. After all, she only slightly modified those rough sketches. It was basically Stephanie’s work. Hence, there would definitely be conflict during the competition. But she had made a foolproof preparation. The woman would deal with Stephanie the same way that Stephanie dealt with Florence. She needed to succeed this time. With Stephanie gone, Flora would become the best designer in the country.

Alicia held her hand and said, “You can do it!”

Flora nodded.

Stephanie and Julianna didn’t separate from the team but sat in business class with them.

Meanwhile, Lisa and several prominent Dream Design Studio designers sat in the first-class cabin while the rest sat in business class.

The Dream Design Studio designers chattered, “When did Starlight Design Studio become so stingy? Why are the bosses sitting in the business class with

their staff?”

“Yeah, are they trying to save money?” another replied.

“Our company will definitely beat Starlight Design Studio this time, Flora’s designs are amazing” someone exclaimed.

“I’m a little envious that Flora is going to be upgraded to S-class this time!” another stated.

“Are you really envious? Not jealous? After all, she suddenly rose to the top. How did she become so talented suddenly?” another person asked.

“She worked hard. After all, she can’t possibly plagiarize others for an international competition, right?” one employee rebutted.

“It’s hard to say, Alicia, the one who bowed to Stephanie at the product launch event, has a criminal record,” the other person replied.

“Well, now that you mentioned it, I’m worried about Flora,” the employee voiced.

“Worried? Are you serious? You can’t wait to get rid of her!” the other

er person retorted.

“By the way, apparently, Star will be the judge this time,” the employee stated.

“Will Starlight Design Studio be favored?” the other person asked.

“Of course not. The whole world is watching! Who dares to take sides? I admire Star very much. Unfortunately, Star didn’t show up anymore after Stephanie returned to Starlight Design Studio,” the designer voiced. “I’ll ask Star for an autograph, I can brag about it for a lifetime!”

Julianna touched Stephanie’s elbow and asked, “Did you hear what they said?”

Stephanie was messaging Vincent, so she didn’t eavesdrop on the gossip.

Julianna tutted, “Dream Design Studio’s designers said that Flora suddenly became talented, so she must have someone backing her.”

“Maybe she has been hiding her capabilities, and now she wants to show them,” Stephanie said, unbothered. “If she wins the competition, she will be another rising star in the fashion world.”

Julianna curled her lips. “You’re so relaxed!”

Stephanie smiled. “Text Graham now, okay? We’ll be on a 12-hour flight later, and you won’t be able to contact him.”

Julianna slowly took out her phone and started typing in the chat box, only to delete the message repeatedly.

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Chapter 129

Graham texted her: [What do you want to say?]

Julianna was shocked by his message.

She replied: [Water my flowers!]

Graham texted: I’ll water myself too. I’ll get wet and wait for you to come back.

Julianna smiled and murmured, “What a flamboyant man!”

Noticing the happiness on her face, Stephanie joked, “It seems that you get along well with your roommate.”

Julianna denied, “He’s annoying.”

Stephanie smiled and replied to Vincent: [I’ll inform you when I arrive.]

Vincent said: [Okay, I’ve got a little surprise for you. Let me know if you like it or not when you receive it.]

This strongly aroused Stephanie’s curiosity. She texted: [What is it?)

Vincent responded: [My sincerity.]

Stephanie stated: [You’re cringey! I’m going to turn off my phone. I’ll miss you.]

Vincent sent: [Me too.]

Stephanie turned off her phone, put on an eye mask, and slept all the way. After all, she was sleep-deprived.

When they arrived in Chueles, it was daytime, and it was evening back home.

Stephanie turned on the phone and called Vincent. They chatted for a while before hanging up.

The hotel they booked was beside the exhibition center where the competition was held. At that time, the room price had reached 40,000 dollars a night, and it was hard to find a room.

A designer asked, “Ms. Hayes, our room rate is high, right?”

Stephanie shook her head. “I really don’t know. Vincent booked it.”

Everyone was envious. But what was more enviable was yet to come.

The hotel manager was waiting at the door when Stephanie and the others arrived. He bowed respectfully. “Mr. Quinlan sent me to welcome you and your team on behalf of the hotel,”

“Mr. Quinlan?” Stephanie was surprised.

The manager smiled. “Yes, Mr. Vincent Fletcher is the founder of this chain hotel, owning 439 such hotels globally.”

Stephanie mused, “Is this the surprise? Can I stay for free?”

The manager continued, “But Mr. Fletcher said that he had transferred all his personal assets to you, so now the hotel is yours.”

Everyone was taken aback by what he said.