The entire studio fell into a breathless silence.
It was as if any sound would shatter the breathtaking vision before them.
No creation could have better captured the grace of the woman on stage.
Even without her striking beauty and captivating presence, the blue diamond gown alone commanded awe.
Did the dress enhance her radiance, or did she elevate the gown's elegance?
The distinction blurred into irrelevance.
They were one—a perfect, inseparable fusion of artistry and allure.
The live chat exploded with fervent admiration.
[I'm literally holding my breath!]
[Elise is divine! Why isn't she in movies? I need to see her on screen every day!]
[Someone please make that gown a permanent part of her!]
In William's WhatsApp group, Nathan was spamming excited emojis.
[If I see this again, I might get dangerous ideas. @williamlevine]
[Will, you should really keep that temptress hidden. @williamlevine]
[Just remembered Samuel again. What a fool! Ethan, next time you see your brother-in-law, ask him how he could be so blind! @ethanparker]
Nathan's scorn was palpable even through the screen.
Back in the studio, the audience gradually emerged from their stunned silence.
Thunderous applause erupted, celebrating both Elise and the masterpiece she wore.
Beside her, Sophia's smile twisted bitterly.
Not only had she failed to ruin Elise, but she had handed her another triumphant moment.
She could already envision Elise's rising fame and her own impending humiliation.
Since childhood, Sophia had never accepted Elise's superiority.
Whenever Elise outshone her, Sophia would orchestrate her downfall.
At eighteen, Elise earned a place at a prestigious university while Sophia settled for a mediocre college.
So Sophia drugged Elise and left her in a stranger's bed to create a scandal.
But the plan backfired—the stranger never touched Elise, and Sophia never got the incriminating video.
Fate, however, seemed to smirk at Sophia when Elise turned up pregnant.
Sophia leaked news of Elise's hospital visit for an abortion, shredding her reputation.
The scandal forced the university to expel Elise, her baby was stillborn, and her family exiled her abroad.
The satisfaction had been exquisite—which made Elise's glorious return all the more unbearable.
Now, undeniable and devastating, Elise's design was universally acclaimed.
The clear winner, triumphantly crushing Sophia into the dust.
As Elise accepted the winner's trophy once more, the crowd eagerly awaited her words.
She remained composed, as always.
Whether receiving praise, facing false accusations, or basking in adoration, she wore the same unshakable calm.
"First," she began, "I want to thank everyone for your support. My gratitude to the judges and the production team for clearing my name, allowing me to claim this trophy with integrity. This honor is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you."
She bowed gracefully, her sincerity evident, her humility genuine.
The studio roared with applause.
"And finally," Elise added, her voice clear and sharp, "to certain individuals—remember, no wicked deed ever goes unpunished."
Beside her, Sophia and Amanda felt the sting of her words, forced to swallow their rising fury.
The livestream chat mirrored her triumph.
[Elise is flawless! I love her zero-tolerance for bullies! Two-faced snakes deserve everything they get!]
[I totally misjudged her before. I thought she was timid, but she's an absolute queen!]
[I worship Elise!]