Chapter 190

Christina's POV As the contestant before me stepped off the stage to thunderous applause, my heart pounded against my chest. I walked to the center of the platform, keeping my steps steady and confident. "You've got this," Akira whispered in my mind. The screen behind me lit up, displaying my designs. A camera flash caught my eye, but I stayed focused. I'd made sure my hands were dry; I hadn't come all this way, running on four hours of sleep for weeks, just to fall apart now. I gripped the microphone in one hand and the laser pointer in the other, taking a deep breath. "Good afternoon, judges and guests. I'm Christina Vance." I paused, letting them look up. Several judges shifted in their seats, their expressions ranging from bored to curious. "Theme: Evening Elegance. Gemstones. Sophistication. I've designed a four-piece set specifically for high-profile, high-exposure events. Think Met Gala, red carpet must-haves. Every clasp, hinge, and curve has been carefully engineered for comfo