Chapter 164 I Wouldn't Have a Daughter Like That
Next up, Anna stepped forward to show off her design "Wheel of Time". Her piece was all about gold, inspired by clock gears, symbolizing the passage of time and the cycle of life.
She mixed metal and pearls in a super cool way to make a one-of-a-kind bracelet, with each link representing a big moment in life.
"My design is all about how precious and irreversible time is," Anna said with confidence. "Each gear is a reminder to cherish time and remember every moment. And this pearl marks where my love story began. It's a memory I'll always hold close." Her bracelet sparkled under the lights, almost like it was telling its own story.
The crowd was just as impressed with Anna's design, thinking it showed a deep understanding of time and a unique artistic touch.
But, aside from Isabella's and Anna's pieces, the other contestants' designs were kinda meh. These two pieces as the stars of the night. Their designs not only nailed the technical side but also hit hard emotionally.
"This competition is truly amazing," the host said. "No matter the final outcome, tonight we've seen the incredible talent and effort of Isabella and Anna. Now it's time for our judges to vote. We'll reveal the final results shortly!"
The judges took the two pieces backstage for a closer look, and they'd be making the final call.
Meanwhile, the audience kept buzzing with chatter. Honestly, both pieces were fantastic, almost neck and neck. Some seasoned designers even thought the two works seemed like they came from the same designer, as they had a similar vibe.
But, it was clear that the two pieces were the work of two different designers, and their backgrounds and experiences were totally different. Was it just a coincidence that their designs were so alike?
Some designers with a keen eye for copyright started wondering. Could one of these pieces be a copy?
This designer didn't want to think too much about it. Whether it was Isabella or Anna, if a scandal like that broke out, they'd be forever shamed in the jewelry design world.
As the judges were having a lively discussion, Sophia quietly entered the judging area.
"Hey judges," Sophia started, her voice soft but with a clear authority, "I've got a few thoughts on the evaluations."
The judges looked at each other, unsure of what Sophia was up to.
"Isabella's design is full of emotion, but it needs some work on the technical side," Sophia went on. "On the other hand, Anna's piece is more polished in both skill and creativity. It deserves a higher score."
The judges pondered. Sophia's words didn't change their minds, but her influence made them rethink their evaluations.
"I see your point," one judge finally said, "But we can't overlook the emotional impact of a design. Isabella's work has really moved people."
"Emotion matters, but the heart of jewelry design is in the blend of technique and creativity," Sophia shot back. "I'm sure you'll make the right call."
The room got tense.
Meanwhile, Emma sat quietly in the audience. She watched Sophia head backstage, knowing she'd try to sway the outcome. But Emma didn't care; the competition's result wasn't what mattered. What mattered was the gift she'd given Anna.
Finally, the judges decided to vote for the night's champion.
As the results came in, everyone focused on the host.
"And the champion tonight is..." the host announced slowly, the audience holding their breath.
"Anna!" the host's voice rang out, and the crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
Anna's face lit up with a bright smile, tears of joy in her eyes.
"Thank you! I'm so happy!" Anna said excitedly as she walked onto the stage, ready to give her speech. She was overjoyed, feeling like all her hard work had paid off in this glorious moment. But it was just an illusion.
Just as she was about to start, Emma stood up, cutting her off.
Emma's eyes locked onto Anna.
"I have something to say." Emma's voice was clear and strong, grabbing everyone's attention.
The audience turned, surprised to see her.
"I need to set the record straight," Emma continued, "Anna's piece 'Wheel of Time' isn't original; she hired a ghostwriter."
The crowd was stunned.
"What are you talking about?" Anna was stunned, her smile freezing on her face, looking a bit flustered. She couldn't believe Isabella would make such an accusation at this moment.
"I have proof." Emma stood firm, seeing the panic on Anna's face as soon as she spoke.
Anna's expression didn't change much, but those who knew her could see it. Like Henry, who couldn't control his thoughts and immediately believed Isabella's words.
Maybe Anna's plagiarism wasn't baseless. Over the years of working closely together, Henry had often sensed a mismatch between Anna's talent and her achievements.
He'd always had this suspicion but didn't dare to think deeply or voice his thoughts. But he never expected that his indulgence would lead Anna to become so bold, daring to cheat in such an international competition.
Before the exhibition began, his bad premonitions had been confirmed. He stood silently in the corner, contemplating how to handle this situation.
Sophia was instantly furious. She wouldn't believe Isabella's words, and as for Isabella's accusations against Anna, they were even more absurd.
As a veteran in the jewelry industry, from the development of the Miss Lady brand to Isabella's worldwide fame, every time Sophia saw her designs, she would think of Anna's work.
Their styles were so similar, but Isabella's work was more mature.
If Anna could have more life experiences, her works would surely achieve success like Isabella's, which was why Sophia never fully acknowledged Isabella.