She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 527

Raoul crossed his arms. "Once the garments hit the runway, the disparity in quality will be glaringly obvious. If Élégance is arrogant enough to let their spoiled heiress run wild, let them suffer the consequences on stage."

When he spoke, no one dared object.

Raoul Dubois wasn't just a top-tier alumnus of the Royal Art Academy; he was the primary founder of the Nexus Design competition. As a reigning titan in the fashion industry, his word carried immense weight.

The veteran female judge nodded. "Then it's settled."

With the matter tabled, the judges relaxed and began making small talk. One turned to Raoul. "I've noticed your complexion looks incredible lately. Did you change your skincare routine?"

In the high-stress world of fashion design, all-nighters, anxiety, and creative burnout were standard. Raoul usually suffered the worst of it, battling highly sensitive, breakout-prone skin.

He touched his own face. The stress-induced breakouts were completely gone, and his skin felt incredibly smooth. He couldn't help but smile. "I owe it entirely to the new Lonsdale heiress. She is a miracle worker. Her holistic medicine is more effective than hundred-thousand-dollar spa treatments, and the ingredients cost practically nothing. I've only been taking her herbal supplements for a few days, and I feel completely revitalized."

It was incredibly rare to see Raoul smile so genuinely. His endorsement instantly had the other judges eager to seek out this mysterious Eastern remedy for themselves.

...

One week later.

Based on the internal blueprint evaluations, Nexus Design announced that Élégance had been selected to open the runway show.

Alicia was ecstatic when she heard the news.

In past years, her brand had barely secured participation slots. Now, they were the opening act! This meant her domestic brand was finally breaking into the international market.

Sybil was thrilled but deeply anxious. She knew she had stolen Bloomberry's designs. If both garments appeared on the same runway...

Alicia pulled up a photo her spy had taken inside Bloomberry. "Learn a thing or two from your mother."

The photo showed the Bloomberry workshop. Two tailors were assembling a *Spring* gown. Even through the screen, Sybil could tell the fabric was completely wrong for the concept. The color was dull—a cheap substitute for the Yavon material.

"They're using second-rate fabric. Do you honestly think they can compete with us? Who copied who? As long as the judges aren't blind, they'll side with us." Alicia spoke with utter confidence, convinced her plan was bulletproof.

Sybil nodded. "Who should we hire to model it? We need someone young with a lot of media traction."

Alicia thought for a moment. "I'll handle the model. Your only job, Sybil, is to walk across that Nexus Design stage and claim your award."

Sybil imagined the spotlight hitting her, her heart racing with uncontrollable anticipation.