Chapter 15
Chapter 15:
Laurie, unable to contain her glee, shot a sly glance at Janice, anticipating signs of jealousy or bitterness. Yet, Janice appeared undisturbed, her composure intact.
A subtle scoff escaped Laurie, her thoughts filled with the belief that Janice’s bravado was purely an act.
In her eyes, Janice was a shadow, completely overshadowed by Delilah’s brilliance.
The host’s voice boomed once again, capturing everyone’s attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the verdict is in. Your champion is none other than Delilah Edwards. Let’s put our hands together for her!”
The hall erupted into enthusiastic applause, each clap echoing louder than the last, as if in fear of not sufficiently impressing Laurie. Amidst this cacophony, only two figures, Janice and Aiden, remained unmoved.
Aiden’s gaze lingered on Janice, his eyes sparkling with a trace of mirth.
Janice remained eerily still, her intentions shrouded in mystery. Given her previously cutting remarks, he suspected she had schemes brewing that would not allow Delilah’s celebration to remain undisturbed.
Was she perhaps plotting the perfect moment to strike, to topple Delilah right at the peak of her triumph?
A sly smile crept across Aiden’s usually impassive face, hinting at his anticipation.
“And now, we invite Mr. Layne Morris to present the prestigious award,” the host declared, steering the attention to the stage once more.
Layne stepped up, his demeanor solemn yet commanding as he grasped the gleaming trophy.
“This trophy is not just a symbol but the pinnacle of achievement in the world of fashion design, reserved for the brightest stars of our next generation. May our distinguished awardee continue to pave new paths and set new paradigms in the fashion industry. Let us now welcome Delilah Edwards to the stage, to award her this token of prestige.”
Delilah rose to her feet, her chin subtly elevated, gracefully lifting the edge of her gown as she glided onto the stage with dignified presence.
Lɒtєѕτ chɑρτєrs ιn g𝓪l𝑛ovє𝓁𝓈.𝑐𝓞𝓂
Laurie observed Delilah with a face full of pride. This was her daughter, not by blood, but surpassing her own in grace and compliance.
As Delilah approached the trophy and extended her hand towards it, a sudden eruption of applause sliced through the silence.
All eyes turned toward the commotion, only to find Janice, her face etched with a cold smirk, clapping. “Miss Edwards, I must thank you—you’ve really set a new standard for shamelessness.”
“Janice, what on earth are you talking about?” Laurie sprang to her feet, her eyes blazing with fury as she faced Janice. “I might understand if jealousy has clouded your judgment, but this is Delilah’s time to shine. Restrain yourself!”
Janice stood, her eyes dripping with scorn as they locked onto Delilah.
The intensity of that disdainful stare shook Delilah to her core. Was the confrontation about to escalate?
Was Janice about to boldly claim the design as her own in front of everyone?
If that was her plan, Delilah wouldn’t stop her.
She was more than ready to prove that Janice’s efforts were in vain.
“Mrs. Edwards, didn’t I just say?” Janice’s voice was calm, but it carried an edge. “I’m curious to see just how much of a genius your daughter is. Indeed, a genius—but a genius in theft!” The word “theft” echoed sharply, igniting an uproar across the room.
.
.
.