Reborn From Oblivion

Nellie's designs were met with rapturous applause from the crowd. Wave after wave, the applause was relentless. Greta was on edge. "Cameron, Nel's work is so popular, so she's definitely the biggest threat to my victory." Cameron kept a calm demeanor. "With me by your side, no one can stop you from winning."

Cameron's gaze turned steely as he looked at Nellie, dressed in a modest suit. A smirk played on his lips. "Jasmine is the mastermind behind a luxury brand that caters to European nobility. Sure, Nellie's designs are good, but her humble background and lack of wealth won't escape Jasmine's notice. Jasmine's all about opulence and grandeur. She'd never take on a designer from such a lowly background. Just wait, Jasmine won't score her highly, much less take her as an apprentice."

Greta brightened up. "Cameron, you always have such a keen eye."

She felt relieved. "Thank goodness Nel can't afford a fancy outfit."

Cameron chuckled smugly. "She was too proud to accept my help at first. She'll learn her lesson soon enough and come back to me."

To everyone's surprise, Jasmine suddenly stood up, like she'd just discovered an oasis after wandering a desert. Her face lit up with excitement and wonder.

"Ms. Nathalie, the fabric on your model is the very same as that used by the Queen. The woolen coat and those crown jewels are stunningly precious. Even though this outfit is nearly worth eight figures, it doesn't scream aristocratic extravagance. Your design has truly touched my heart." Greta was at a loss for words. "No way. How could Nellie afford such pricey materials?"

Cameron's handsome face darkened like a storm cloud. He hadn't anticipated Nellie, whom he thought he had under his thumb, could succeed so brilliantly without him. It tore at his need for control, leaving him feeling raw.

The judges in the audience rose to their feet, clapping and cheering.

"This is fantastic!"

Greta fell apart, collapsing into Cameron's arms. "Cameron, Jasmine is really into Nellie's work. All my hard work has gone down the drain. I can't be Jasmine's apprentice now. My career is shot."

Cameron snapped back to the moment. Watching Greta's tear-streaked face, he promised without hesitation, "Greta, don't worry. I'll figure out a way to make Nellie give up the apprenticeship opportunity to you. If she declines Jasmine's offer, Jasmine will have to settle for you."

"But what if Nel says no? Cameron, Nellie has put so much into this competition, too." Greta, savvy as she was, recognized that Nellie's dedication matched her own.

Cameron gave her a reassuring nod. "Relax, I'll compensate her with some cash. She's going back to being my wife someday; she doesn't need to start her own business." When the competition wrapped up, Nellie edged out Greta by a tiny margin to clinch first place in the newcomer contest. Jasmine personally handed her the prize. However, since the event ran late, the segment in which mentors chose apprentices on the spot was skipped.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

The host stepped up to announce, "This competition has officially concluded. If any judge has a student they fancy, they can privately offer to mentor them."