I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 203: Is This What The Golden Fleece Stands For

Chapter 203: Is This What The Golden Fleece Stands For

A smug sense of satisfaction settled over Brooke as she returned to the backstage area. She had done it. She had secured Judge Thompson’s vote, ensuring her victory in the competition. Lyse’s destroyed dress was just the icing on the cake. She had effectively eliminated her biggest rival, paving the way for her own triumph.

She glanced around, taking in the nervous energy of the other contestants. They were all so focused on their own presentations, so oblivious to the machinations happening behind the scenes. Brooke felt a surge of power. She had manipulated them all, played them like pawns in her game and she was going to be crowned the queen before their envying eyes.

She noticed that Lyse was still nowhere to be seen. The director was becoming impatient, glancing at his watch. He was about to call the next contestant when Lyse finally appeared, rushing into the backstage area, her face flushed but composed.

Brooke’s smile widened. She had been so sure that Lyse would not make it, that her sabotage had worked perfectly. But Lyse was back, and she was carrying a garment bag. Brooke’s heart sank slightly. What was going on? Where had she gotten something on such quick notice? She shrugged, reminding herself that the crown was already hers for the taking. Everything that was happening was just a formality.

Lyse quickly got her model changed into the outfit she had brought, a stunning, elegant dress that had been hand dyed and painstakingly decorated with tiny beads that shimmered with subtle beauty. It was even more breathtaking than the dress that had been destroyed. As the model walked past after Lyse, Brooke’s eyes widened in disbelief. How...?

As Lyse emerged, ready to present her final piece, a hush fell over the backstage area. The other contestants, their faces a mixture of awe and admiration, stared at the dress. It was a masterpiece, a testament to Lyse’s incredible talent and her unique vision. Without it being announced, they could already tell who the winner was.

Brooke’s mind raced. How could this be happening? She had destroyed Lyse’s dress, she had bribed Kim, Bribed a judge also, she had done everything in her power to win. And yet, Lyse was still here, still competing, still an undeniable threat.

Lyse walked onto the stage, her head held high, her expression confident. She presented her final piece, explaining the inspiration behind the design as the model strutted about, showing them different angles in the elaborate dress that spoke for itself.

She spoke about the women she had worked with at the women’s shelter, their resilience, their strength, their unwavering spirit despite everything the world and the people they trusted had thrown at them. She spoke about teaching them and their help in getting the dress together. She told the judges that this dress was a tribute to them, to their courage, to their indomitable will.

All the judges listened intently, their faces filled with emotion. They were clearly moved by Lyse’s words, by the story behind the dress. Brooke watched from the wings, her heart sinking further with each passing moment. She feared that she could lose. Despite her faith in Judge Thompson, she could feel it.

After the presentations were complete, the judges retreated to deliberate for a little while that felt like years. The tension in the backstage area was almost unbearable. The contestants waited anxiously, their faces etched with anticipation.

Finally, the stage manager returned, his face grave.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his voice ringing through the room, "the judges have made their decision at last, you may all proceed inside for the announcement."

The contestants scurried in to the podium, standing in front of the judges and when the head judge rose to her feet, the room fell silent. All eyes were on her, impatiently waiting for her to announce the winner.

"And the winner of the Golden Fleece competition is..." she paused, building the suspense then she smiled. "...Lyse Spade!"

A collective gasp filled the room then slowly a rousing round of applause. Lyse’s face lit up with joy, her eyes sparkling with tears. She had won. She had actually won. Mary rushed off the backstage and threw herself at Lyse, tears of joy running down her cheeks.

Brooke stared at Lyse, then her eyes went to the judge she had bribed. She noticed how he had lowered his eyes and refused to look up at her, his guilt very apparent for her to see. Her mind was reeling, she could not believe it. She had done everything, everything to stop her, and yet, she had still lost.

The stage manager then announced the first and second runners-up. Brooke’s name was called as the first runner-up. She forced a smile, accepting the award, but inside, she was seething with anger. She had been so close, so confident. And yet, she had been beaten. By Lyse.

She swore to herself that she would squeeze every drop of money out of Judge Thompson, and make him pay for the humiliation he had made her face. If he thinks he can steal from me and get away with it, then he has another thing coming.

Just as Brooke musing on all the ways that she would make Jusge Thompson pay, a voice rang out, cutting through the celebratory atmosphere.

"Stop!"

Everyone turned to see Mark, one of the contestants standing near the entrance to the backstage area, his face flushed with anger. He was pointing at Judge Thompson, who stood near the judges’ table, his face pale and drawn.

"There was malpractice in the judgment and I will not accept it!" Clara exclaimed, her voice ringing through the room.

A collective gasp filled the room. All eyes turned to Mark, who just stood there unwavering, his face a picture of disgust and anger.

"It is ridiculous that people worked so hard and they are rewarded by a talentless fraud winning!" Mark continued. "Is this what the Golden Fleece Competition stands for?