Isabella was heading for complete humiliation. Judging alongside a legend like Serena? She wasn't remotely qualified.

"Understood," Vanessa murmured before ending the call.

She retrieved her compact mirror from the desk. Carefully, she reapplied her lipstick. The bold crimson shade accentuated her striking features. It amplified her allure. A self-assured smile touched her lips. She couldn't wait to watch Isabella's downfall.

The Design Visionaries venue was a spectacle of brilliance. Towering digital billboards flashed in rapid succession. The red carpet buzzed with an eager crowd. Excited cheers filled the air. The energy was electric. Vanessa wore a deep scarlet gown. It contrasted perfectly with her porcelain skin. She looked absolutely breathtaking.

She entered alongside the head of the design department. "You handled everything perfectly today, Vanessa. Make a strong impression on Serena," the director advised. He gave her hand a reassuring pat.

"Naturally."

Vanessa's gaze swept the room. She noted her colleagues trailing behind. They were impeccably dressed. Their eyes shone with anticipation.

Everyone knew the real highlight of the evening. Isabella.

"Where is Isabella?" someone whispered. "Did she chicken out?"

Vanessa's lips curled in contempt. She was about to respond. Then her eyes caught a discreet sign in the distance. Serena's Studio. Her pulse quickened. Without a word, she abandoned the conversation. She strode purposefully toward it.

Her heart hammered with exhilaration. Securing a mentorship under Serena would skyrocket her career. Her prestige would soar. She would become untouchable.

Silently, she swore to seize this chance. Vanessa moved toward Serena's preparation room. The door stood slightly ajar. Through the narrow gap, she saw a slender silhouette behind a curtain. Holding her breath, she gently pushed the door open.

"Ms. Serena!" she called, stepping inside. "I'm Vanessa Croft. A designer from Blackwood Enterprises. Your work is my greatest inspiration. I've admired you for years! This is an incredible honor!" She kept her voice steady. Excitement coursed through her.

With practiced poise, she clasped her hands. She embodied grace and humility. She awaited a response. She hoped this marked the start of an extraordinary journey. A rise under Serena's legendary guidance.

The figure behind the curtain stirred. Vanessa held her breath as they stepped forward.

But the moment her eyes focused, her expression shattered.

Standing before her was Isabella. Draped in a sleek black suit. Her long hair cascaded effortlessly over her shoulders. Isabella met Vanessa's gaze with quiet amusement. The soft glow outlined her silhouette. It emphasized her effortless elegance.

Vanessa's thoughts screeched to a halt.

Impossible.

The revelation hit like a tidal wave. It knocked the air from her lungs. Her entire body tensed. Rage took over.

With a sudden lunge, she swung her arm. She aimed to strike. "How dare you impersonate Serena?!"

But Isabella anticipated the move. She sidestepped smoothly. She gave Vanessa a slight shove. It sent her stumbling backward.

Vanessa barely regained her balance. Her face burned with fury. She jabbed an accusatory finger. Her voice was sharp with outrage. "You—You…"

Isabella simply regarded her with a bemused smirk. "Oh? Weren't you just full of admiration? Ready to pledge yourself as my apprentice? Is this the attitude of someone seeking guidance?"