chapter343

The design team was gearing up for their next competition. If they did well, they'd get the chance to compete internationally, and everyone felt the pressure building.

Jenny had barely slept the last few nights, pouring everything she had into her new designs. She kept going over Lydia's last training session in her mind, replaying every tip and technique. There were so many things Jenny wanted to ask, but Lydia had been so busy lately, hardly ever in the office. Jenny didn't want to be a bother. Right as everyone was settling in for the day, Josef walked in with some big news. In a few minutes, Lydia herself was coming to train them.

The room instantly lit up with excitement. People actually cheered. It was a total turnaround from their first reaction to Lydia's training, back when they didn't know what to expect.

With the contest coming up so soon, they all needed help from someone who really knew what they were doing. Lydia was definitely that person.

Marissa had been secretly hoping Lydia would give them one more push before the competition. She couldn't believe Lydia was actually making time for them today.

Everyone grabbed their notebooks, hearts pounding. Lydia walked in a moment later.

She was tall and slender, her skin almost luminous, like she was glowing from the inside out. There was something striking about her, a kind of cool elegance that made her seem untouchable. It was hard to believe anyone could look that perfect. "Is everyone ready?" Her voice was smooth and clear, almost musical. It had a way of making you want to sit up straighter and really listen.

"We're ready, Ms. Norwood," they answered, almost in sync.

"Good. Let's go to the conference room."

Everyone followed her, scribbling notes, hanging on her every word, jumping in with questions whenever they could. It really felt like she was opening a door to a whole new world, showing them things they'd never even thought about before.

Two hours went by in a flash. Nobody wanted it to end.

Lydia closed her laptop, looking around at all of them. Her tone was steady and serious. "Don't be scared to try new things. Don't hold back from breaking the rules. Use your own perspective, be bold, and experiment. Find what makes your designs truly yours. However things turn out, every bit of effort you put in will become something valuable in your career. That's all for today."

el:

As Lydia started packing up, Jenny hurried over, a little nervous. "Ms Norwood, if we make it to the international competition, would you come watch us

Lydia paused, thinking it over. "Maybe. Do your best."

Jenny stood there, watching Lydia's cool, confident walk as she left, her heart racing.

Did that mean Ms. Norwood might really come watch them compete if they made it? That would be incredible.

Later, around three, Lydia's phone buzzed with a voice call from Chris. She'd promised she'd help coach his team tonight if she had time, but Chris knew how busy she was and didn't want her to forget.

She glanced at the phone and answered.

"Hey, are you busy?" Chris asked, sounding way too hopeful.

"Yeah," Lydia replied.

Chris's heart sank for a second.

Then Lydia added, "But I'll be done after work. Seven. Pick a spot."

Chris brightened immediately. Awesome! Same track as last time? It's usually pretty empty."

"Sounds good," Lydia said.

A little before five, Connor called. "Wanna grab dinner tonight? I can pick you up when you're done."

Lydia hesitated for a second, then

answered honestly, "I'm meetingnet

Chris and his teammates to go racing tonight."