Chapter: 299

Denton smiled awkwardly. “I prefer not to comment."

Kaitlin understood; he was likely to avoid any potential suspicion.

"Then I..."

“It doesn't matter." Denton appeared determined not to favor his employee.

Turning, Kaitlin knew it was her turn to comment.

She started with some friendly remarks, but soon her tone became sharp. "I don't sense the unique style and charm in this work. Overall, it leaves me a bit disappointed."

The moment Kaitlin finished speaking, the smile on Marcia's face froze.

Marcia hadn't anticipated such a blunt rejection of her big finale.

“I've admired your earlier works. Perhaps this competition was too rushed for you. I look forward to seeing more of your excellent designs in the future." Kaitlin smiled and stopped.

The highlight of the show met with critique, leaving the designer's smile frozen on stage.

"Thank you. I'll work harder." With that, Marcia smiled and exited the stage.

The first segment of the contest had just concluded. The announcements for advancement would follow, determined by the judges "scores."

Kaitlin glanced at her watch, planning to invite Alan to dinner after she left the stage.

Yet, to her surprise, she found Alan already waiting for her backstage. “Alan, have you been here long?"

"No." Alan smiled and gently placed his arms around her shoulders.

“Let's go."

"Just a moment. I need to change out of these clothes first."

Her stage attire was provided by the event organizers and wasn't suitable for going out.

Alan nodded and watched as she headed to the dressing room with a staff member.

Denton also came off stage, intending to greet Kaitlin but was intercepted by Marcia.

Tears reddened Marcia's eyes, and she appeared visibly upset. "Mr. Gilbert, I apologize. I didn't perform well in the first round."

Ernesto had arranged for Marcia's presentation to be the big finale for Gilbert Jewelry.

Though the results were still pending, securing first place seemed unlikely just from the initial rankings.

Denton's brow furrowed at the sight of her distress. "Now that you realize that you messed up, focus on preparing for the next round."