Chapter 131

Chapter 131

Stephanie pulled out a slim shoulder white gown from the box. The neckline was adorned with Boguia diamonds, each boasting a uniform shape and size. Dark grains were delicately printed on the white fabric, barely visible unless scrutinized closely, lending a subtle sense of depth. Stephanie could pull off this style effortlessly with her flat and straight shoulders…

Julianna instantly porked up. “Stephie, what a gorgeous dress! Who’s the designer? Let’s check for any labels.”

“It should be Vincent,” Stephanie guessed.

“Your man?” Julianna asked.

Seeing Julianna’s surprised expression, Stephanie couldn’t help but chuckle. “If you get even more shocked, you won’t feel sleepy later.”

Julianna raised her chin and said, “Even though I was shocked, I’m still feeling sleepy and need to rest. Go and give it a try.”

Stephanie nodded. She didn’t avoid Julianna and changed her clothes straightaway.

Julianna tutted when she saw the mark on Stophanie’s bum. She slapped Stephanie’s butt and exclaimed, “Is Vincent a dog? Even here!”

Stephanie’s face quickly flushed. She fell asleep, tired, and didn’t expect Vincent to leave a mark there. She was both ashamed and annoyed. She hurriedly changed into her dress, but there were also marks on her shoulders.

“Vincent is like a dog, marking his territory all over your body! Stephie, you two are inseparable. When are you planning to tie the knot?” Julianna asked.

Stephanie pursed her lips and said, “Let’s wait until his legs have recovered. Now is not the right time.”

Julianna didn’t press further, but she knew that there must be a reason why Vincent hid his recovery.

Stephanic walked to the full-length mirror and looked at the dress, smiling slightly. Right then, her phone was vibrating Julianna handed the phone to Stephanie and said, “It’s Vincent the dog!”

“Vincent the dog!” Stephanie asked back.

“yes, look at the marks all over your body. It was as if you were bitten by a dog.” Yuliana said.

Stephanle answered the phone, and a deep and melodious voice came. “Have you seen it?”

Stephanie hummed and couldn’t help smiling. “Thank you for your surprise. I like it very much.”

“I’m glad you like it. After all, I feel shy in front of a master like you,” Vincent said.

“Vincent, to be honest, you have a talent for design,” Stephanie praised.

Vincent chuckled. “I must have learned it from you.”

Stephanie felt that his words were a little p e r v y, so she c o o e d, “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“I didn’t say anything. Are you thinking something nonsense?” Vincent retorted.

“No!” Stephanie’s voice rose a few decibels.

“Stephie, I guess your face must be yellow now, Vincent teased.

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“What? It’s not yellow, but red!” Stephanie said.

Vincent burst into laughter. Stephanie realized that he was teasing her again, and she was a little annoyed. “If you don’t talk nicely, I will hang up!”

“I’m sorry,” Vincent hurriedly apologized

“You’re quick to admit your mistake. Well, I forgive you because the dress you designed is beautiful,” Stephanie said.

Vincent hummed, “Stephie, I miss you.”

The man’s sweet voice danced in Stephanie’s ears as if he were nestled in her neck, whispering how much he missed her. Stephanie felt the longing too, despite them only parting for a short while. She yearned for his clean, fresh scent, his warm body against hers, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat when they embraced. Biting her lip, she whispered softly, “I miss you too.”

Hearing Stephanie’s words, Vincent couldn’t help but smile. “Will you wear this dress tonight?”

“Of course. Will you watch the live-stream tonight?” Stephanie asked.

“Yes, I’ll be there to witness the birth of th

the champion with you,” Vincent assured.

“Okay. Deal!” Stephanie said.

They chatted for a while, and before hanging up, Stephanie reminded Vincent not to drink too much alcohol.

Julianna looked at Stephanie’s happy face and tutted lightly, “Vincent should come with you to relieve your lovesickness.”

Stephanie smiled. “Graham should be here, too.”

Julianna was stunned. “Why should he be here?”

“As long as he is here, you will have no time to make fun of me,” Stephanie said.

Julianna was dumbfounded.

Stephanie changed into a formal white suit and grabbed her bag, ready to head out. Julianna lounged on the bed, striking a charming pose. “Stephie, I’ll be waiting for you to come back.”

Stephanie giggled and said, “Okay. Wait for me.”

Julianna sent her a flying kiss.

After Stephanie left, Julianna quickly closed her eyes and muttered, “I’m exhausted. Let’s get some sleep.”

Stephanie was immediately greeted by the manager as she descended the stairs. Upon learning that she was heading out, he swiftly arranged for a car.

There were a total of five judges in International Golden Finger Contest, and they all resided in Westport Golf Club. The club was nestled in the suburban outskirts and was accessible only to senior members. When the car arrived at the destination, Stephanie informed the driver that her excursion would span about half a day and instructed him to return. The driver left his contact information and asked Stephanie to call him for pickup before the day’s

end

After Stephanie entered the clubhouse, the driver dialed Vincent to inform him of her whereabouts. Vincent was a bit surprised to learn that Stephanie was meeting with the judges, While it was common for designers to attempt to sway the judges with bribes before competitions, he trusted that Stephanie wouldn’t resort to such tactics.

The scene of Stephanie entering g the clubhouse was captured by Alicia.

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Since Dream Design Studio was expelled from Caesar Hotel, they searched for numerous hotels, all fully booked due to the event. They had no option but to settle for the distant and pricey Pennia Hotel, situated 20 miles away from the exhibition center, with rates double what they had paid before. All of them blamed Alicia – if she hadn’t spoken out, Stephanie wouldn’t have kicked them out. Despite their grievances, they dared not express them openly. as the final design was made by Flora. If Flera emerged victorious in the firial, Alicia would bask in glory alongside her.

Alicia, feeling bored, stood on the terrace of her room, gazing at the scenery. When she saw Stephanie coming out of a luxury car parked at the clubhouse opposite, she felt a surge of excitement. She thought, ‘Clearly, Stephanie is here to bribe the judgest if this is exposed during the final, Stephanie’s design career will be in ruinst

“What are you looking at?” Flora, who was in the same room, asked curiously.

Alicia hurried over to show her the photos, excitement gleaming in her eyes. “Flora, I’ve got evidence against that wretched Stephanie! If this gets out during the competition, it will ruin her. She didn’t do the design on her own. She relies on Vincent! Stephanie’s design style is eerily similar to Star’s. I bet there’s something fishy going on between them. Stephanie’s here to bribe Star and the other judges. I’m going to expose her once and for all!”

When Flora saw the photo, she was stunned at first, and then her eyes were filled with excitement. She laughed and said, “Stephanie is dead this time!”

Stephanie, who was unaware she had been photographed, was having tea with Jessica and the other four judges.

Jessica Woods asked, “Star, are you going to design under the name of Stephanie from now on?”

Brody Herrera took a sip of coffee. “Star is Stephanie, and Stephanie is Star. What’s the difference?”

Jessica pouted. “Star is a role model for all designers!”

Vivian Hogart smiled and suggested, “Stephanie could also serve as a role model for all designers. I believe she should come forward publicly under her

own name.”

Dawson Lecter nodded. “She was once Star and is now Stephanie. I think that’s a positive change. But Stephanie, in which round will you show up tonight?”

Stephanie said, “Round three.”

Vivian asked, “Then, will you wear a mask?”

Stephanie nodded and said, “Yes, I don’t want anyone to think I’m biased toward Starlight Design Studio because I’m Star.”

Jessica blinked. “I’ve read your initial draft. Could you show me the final product this time?”

Stephanie nodded and displayed the photo to the four designers. “Since I was designing a gown for a film crew, I’ve incorporated some classical elements into this costume,” she explained.

The four designers all gave a thumbs-up:

Jessica remarked, “Stephanie, I believe this is your best work yet. I have high expectations for your design tonight.”

Dawson nodded in agreement. “Stephanie is truly a rare talent in the design world. I really admire her. I’m eagerly anticipating tonight’s competition.”

Stephanie was brimming with confidence. She w as Stephanie, rather than as Star.

was looking forward to the big game tonight, too. When she won, she knew people would remember her