Chapter 191

After the event ended, Lily packed up her tools with trembling hands. Her heart was still racing, the sound of applause echoing in her ears. She was halfway toward the backstage exit when she heard a familiar voice. “Lily!” She turned around and saw Linda hurrying toward her, her face full of guilt. “I’m so sorry,” Linda blurted out, almost out of breath. “Because of my carelessness, you lost your gems.” Lily shook her head softly. “It’s okay, Linda. It’s not just your fault,” she said quietly. “I should have been more careful too.” Linda sighed in relief, though her eyes still looked heavy with guilt. “You deserved it,” she said sincerely. “You worked so hard.” “Thank you,” Lily smiled faintly. “Oh, by the way, thank you for the gems. I didn’t know you had extra.” Linda blinked, confused. “Gems? What gems?” “The ones you sent me earlier,” Lily said. “A staff member brought them to me during the round. I thought you sent them because they matched my design perfectly.” Linda frowned and