Had it not been for the live stream, Ashlyn would have rolled her eyes. But actually, she was satisfied enough.
Katelyn couldn’t help but chuckle at Ashlyn’s response. Once, Ashlyn had been the picture of grace and composure in Katelyn’s eyes. But now, she seemed far more spirited—almost unrecognizable from before.
Meanwhile, the four judges on stage had quietly reached a unanimous decision and exchanged their final thoughts. They leaned in to whisper the outcome to the hostess.
With a subtle smile, the hostess gave a brief nod and made her way to the front of the stage, addressing the crowd. “The results are in. Would you like to know who the winner is?”
The live stream’s comment section erupted in anticipation.
“Iris, Iris!”
“Iris, Iris!!”
Everyone’s chatter centered around Katelyn. Her renown preceded her, making her the focal point of anticipation.
Without hesitation, the hostess stepped forward and made the announcement.
“Ashlyn!”
As the final winner was announced, the room froze in stunned silence. No one had anticipated this result.
Ashlyn herself was also in disbelief. She turned to Katelyn, unsure.
“Wait… Did the hostess just say my name?”
Even Fiona, standing nearby, looked confused and surprised. Katelyn, however, remained calm and unsurprised. She nodded at Ashlyn, her voice steady. “Yes, it’s your name. Congratulations.”
Ashlyn gasped, covering her mouth with her hands as tears of joy filled her eyes. She struggled to contain her emotions, overwhelmed by the moment.
The hostess’s voice boomed through the hall. “Let’s congratulate tonight’s final winner—Ashlyn Marshall!”
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Applause erupted, with many in the audience turning their attention to Ashlyn, celebrating her unexpected victory.
Fiona clenched her teeth, her dissatisfaction barely concealed. Still, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she forced a polite smile to maintain appearances.
Katelyn stepped closer, gently resting her arm around Ashlyn’s shoulder. She whispered softly, “Go on. It’s your moment.”
Ashlyn glanced at Katelyn, her face glowing with gratitude and excitement. She nodded, her emotions barely in check, and began walking toward the stage, still in disbelief. With everyone’s eyes on her, Ashlyn had no choice but to suppress her urge to speak to Katelyn. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and walked toward the stage.
Ryanna and the other judges approached Ashlyn with warm smiles. “Congratulations, Ashlyn, on becoming the royal jewelry designer,” Ryanna said, her tone filled with sincerity.
Ryanna handed Ashlyn a bouquet and an official ruby-carved seal, symbolizing her new position, which could only be revoked by direct royal intervention, solidifying Ashlyn’s achievement.
Ashlyn held the seal in her hands, her heart pounding with pride and disbelief.
Meanwhile, the live stream chat buzzed with reactions.
“Wow, I didn’t see this coming. I was sure Iris would win; it turns out Ashlyn did!”
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