Hailey absolutely refused to believe that Serena knew anything about jewelry
design.
Meanwhile, she had so many design drafts she could pull from.
No matter the theme, she could handle it with ease.
Even if she couldn't remember every little detail of some designs, it didn't matter. As
long as she could sketch the general idea, it would be enough.
She would crush Serena!
She would make Serena suffer the same ridicule she had just endured!
Hailey shot Serena a cold smirk.
She wanted to see panic flash across Serena's face, to see her finally drop that high-and-mighty act.
But...
Serena's expression was one of lazy mockery. She simply lifted her gaze, her voice even and without much emotional fluctuation as she said, "Fine."
Fine?
Serena actually said fine?
What did she have to back that up?
She probably didn't even know how to hold a pencil.
How could she possibly agree?
"You're the one who agreed to this!" Hailey let out an exasperated laugh and looked up at Daphne. "Ms. Rainsford, you heard her. She agreed. To prove the fairness of your competition, you should set the theme right now."
She couldn't wait to use her design to humiliate Serena and prove her own talent.
Daphne's eyes darkened. She glanced at Serena and was about to speak.
"Hold on," Dr. Kerrick said, looking up at a triumphant Hailey. "Since you're questioning the integrity of the relationship between Ms. Rainsford and the young lady, letting Ms. Rainsford set the theme could easily be criticized. Therefore, I will set the theme. How does that sound?"
The implication was clear-if Hailey lost, she might latch onto that detail and cause more trouble.
Hailey didn't catch the subtext. To her, it didn't matter who set the theme; the designs she had memorized could handle anything.
She immediately replied with confidence, "Fine. Give me whatever theme you want."
Dr. Kerrick chuckled. "Really? Any theme at all?"
Hailey smiled confidently. "Of course. Anything at all!"
Dr. Kerrick applauded as if in admiration. "Excellent."
Hailey actually thought Dr. Kerrick was complimenting her, and the smile on her face grew even more self-assured.
Of course, confident people were always more convincing.
Her confidence was a testament to her skill.
That must be why Dr. Kerrick, who had been questioning her just moments ago, was now convinced.
Feeling even more smug, Hailey lifted her chin and said to him, "Go ahead and announce the theme, Dr. Kerrick Before someone decides back out."
Once she stunned everyone again with her design and proved her
abilities, she would use that
aste
stone.
design
She'd have Dr. Kerrick recommend her for admission into Elyndor's top university, Marington College!
Then, she'd have Daphne begging to be her mentor and Dr. Kerrick begging her to attend Marington College!
And she would toy with these two titans of the jewelry world until she had them eating out of the palm of her hand.
It was what they deserved for publicly humiliating and questioning her.
Dr. Kerrick gave Hailey a long, deep look.
He then took out his phone and made a call to his assistant. "Bring up what I prepared."
After hanging up, Dr. Kerrick gestured with his hand. "Ladies, please have a seat." Hailey was confused. What did he need to prepare for a simple design sketch?
But she said nothing, shooting Serena a provocative glance before turning and walking toward the competition tables.
Serena took her seat with composure.
Soon, a young assistant walked up to them, carrying two trays covered with red cloth.
After placing the trays down, Dr. Kerrick continued, "My theme is 'Trace.""
Trace?
The confident expression on Hailey's face froze for a second.
What the hell?
What kind of theme was 'Trace'?
Did this Dr. Kerrick even know how to pick a theme?
Hailey's face soured as she
desperately racked her brain, trying to recall if any of the manuscripts she'@found matched this bizarre theme.