Chapter 572
On the judges’ panel, Daphne sat in the second seat.
Next to her were the President of the Elyndor Jewelry Association, the Editor-in- Chief of a major fashion jewelry magazine, Angela, who had just won an international jewelry competition, and a professor from Marington College’s jewelry design program, who was once an international sensation and had mentored countless talents in the industry.
Angela glanced at the designers taking their seats, raised a delicate eyebrow, and turned to Daphne. “Ms. Rainsford, is your protégé… really as talented as the legends say? I’m quite eager to see her skills in person p>
Daphne, dressed in a sharp women’s suit with her hair impeccably styled, had a stern and imposing expression.
At Angela’s words, she frowned, her voice laced with displeasure. “Nothing’s set in stone yet. It all depends on whether she has what it takes to win today p>
“Oh?” Angela was a little surprised. “I thought you were very pleased with this designer p>
Daphne’s face was impassive. “There’s no ‘pleased’ or ‘not pleased.’ I only look at the skill of the contestants. If she has enough skill, then I will naturally be pleased p>
The president of the jewelry association chuckled beside them. “Ms. Rainsford is as strict as ever p>
Angela stroked her chin. “And here I thought Ms. Rainsford had turned over a new leaf. Hmm… I guess you can’t believe everything you hear p>
Daphne narrowed her eyes, hiding the deep meaning within them, and feigned confusion. “What rumors p>
“That you’re going to break your own rule for Hailey, this future ‘Star of Eternity,’ and make an exception to take her as your final protégé,” Angela said, watching Daphne’s expression closely.
Seeing Daphne’s brow furrow in confusion, Angela blinked. “Ms. Rainsford, don’t you know p>
The other three judges looked over as well.
Daphne’s face was grim as she scowled. “Where are these rumors coming from? How many years have I been in this industry? Why would I ever make an exception or take on a final protégé? That’s all baseless nonsense p>
“In my book, skill is all that matters p>
The other judges exchanged glances. “But… that’s what everyone is saying online. Otherwise, why would you have personally invited her to participate in this competition p>
Daphne’s gaze grew cold and severe as she looked at Hailey, who was already seated on the competition stage.
She sneered. “To give every designer who loves jewelry a chance, of course p>
Angela was speechless. Ms.
Rainsford, if you could just wipe that
look off your face when you say that,
I might actually believe you Content,
Now she understood. Ms. Rainsford felt no warmth for this Hailey contestant at all.
In fact, you could even call it… disgust.
The whole ‘final protégé’ thing was completely fabricated.
However, when she had passed by the lounge earlier, she’d seen that Hailey seemed quite confident acting as if she were already Ms Rainsford’s chosen one.
Today’s competition p>
This was going to be interesting.
Angela smiled and turned her attention back to the stage.
The host had already given the opening remarks and introduced the competition.
The stage was massive, more than enough to accommodate the thirty-two
contestants with plenty of space for each one.
Each station was equipped with two live camera feeds.
One camera focused on the
contestant’s face, while the other et
was aimed at the tabletop
capturing every detail of their work.
This was to ensure complete fairness and transparency.
The two feeds for every contestant were also displayed on the large screens in the venue.