Chapter 225

Isabella Jackson knew this was nothing but an elaborate illusion.

Ethan Sullivan treated her with tenderness in public, yet privately refused to even meet her.

Her nails dug into her palms as a shadow flickered in her eyes.

It was all that bitch Evelyn Sullivan's fault!

Now she stood on the stage of the design competition while Evelyn could only work as a temp. This was the unbridgeable gap between them.

A smirk curled Isabella's crimson lips, her eyes gleaming with determination.

Winning the championship would prove to Ethan who truly deserved him.

Evelyn placed the water bottle down and left the lounge.

At the end of the hallway, Ethan was murmuring into his phone. She walked past him without a glance, heading straight for the judging room.

The moment the call ended, Ethan turned abruptly.

The sight of her slender back made his eyes darken.

"Mr. Sullivan!" A staff member hurried over. "Mr. Ferguson is waiting for you."

He withdrew his gaze, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Lead the way."

Inside the judging room, Evelyn settled into her private booth.

To prevent cheating, each judge was isolated in a sealed space, with phones temporarily confiscated.

When the screen lit up, Entry No. 48 appeared.

Her fingers danced across the keyboard, delivering a succinct critique.

"No. 48 features an innovative structure, but the gradient color scheme feels forced. Recommend transitioning within the same color family."

The live chat exploded.

"Elia's feedback is spot-on!"

"Only a top designer could pinpoint the flaw so effortlessly!"

As submissions poured in, the judges barely had time for lunch.

Evelyn worked with remarkable efficiency, finishing all evaluations by 3 p.m.

Rubbing her stiff neck, she stepped out of the venue—only to be stopped by Colin Keller.

"Ms. Sullivan," he whispered. "Mr. Sullivan is waiting for you."