Chapter 74: The Crown Belongs to the Queen

The Royal Pavilion gradually settled into silence.

After the chaos, after the police investigation, after the scandals—everyone’s attention returned to the stage. But deep down, everyone already knew the result.

There was only one company that had dominated today’s runway from beginning to end.

One collection had made the audience laugh, cry, stand, and applaud.

One woman had completely rewritten the meaning of a fashion portfolio.

The lights brightened, casting the stage in a warm, golden glow.

The five judges walked back onto the stage in a single line, their expressions composed but unmistakably pleased. Leon welcomed them with a smile before stepping aside, yielding the microphone.

Editor-in-Chief Zylo Mark adjusted the microphone, his weathered hands steady. He looked around the packed Pavilion, his gaze sweeping across designers, executives, and guests alike, before speaking.

"Ladies and gentlemen..." His voice carried the weight of decades in the industry.

"I’ve judged fashion for over thirty years. I’ve seen thousands of collections. I’ve witnessed trends rise and disappear."

He paused, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"But I must admit... this year’s Maxine Portfolio will be remembered."

A round of applause echoed through the hall, warm and genuine.

"It had everything," Zylo continued.

"Drama. Courage. Elegance. Creativity." He paused, his voice softening.

"And above all... heart."

He looked toward every participating designer, his gaze lingering on each face. "To every designer standing here today—the future of fashion is in safe hands."

The audience applauded warmly, the sound filling the vast space.

Creative Director Matthew Clark stepped forward, his smile genuine. "You all reminded us that fashion isn’t simply clothing. It is storytelling."

Photography Director Isabella Laurent added, her French accent lilting, "Every photograph captured today carried emotion. That is what true couture should achieve."

Fashion Historian Dr. Sebastian Moreau nodded proudly, his silver beard catching the light. "Years from now, I believe today’s winning collection will still be studied."

Luxury Brand Representative Victoria Beaumont smiled, her diamond earrings glinting. "I came looking for partnerships. I leave inspired."

The Pavilion erupted into applause once again, the sound building like a wave.

Finally, Zylo unfolded the winner’s card with deliberate slowness. He looked around dramatically, letting the anticipation build, then smiled.

"There can only be one winner." He paused. "And honestly... there was never much doubt."

The audience laughed softly, the tension breaking into shared understanding.

"The Featured Designer of the Year... the recipient of the fifty-million-dollar global collaboration contract... the cover of Maxine Magazine... international exhibitions... direct invitation to Paris Fashion Week..."

He looked directly toward Mindy, his eyes twinkling.

"...goes to Miss Mindy Wilson."

The Royal Pavilion exploded.

Thunderous applause shook the entire ballroom. People rose from their seats as though pulled by invisible strings.

Whistles echoed from every direction. Camera flashes erupted like fireworks. Some designers applauded with genuine admiration, their faces bright with respect.

Others simply smiled in acceptance, nodding as though they’d known all along.

Because the result felt deserved.

Mindy slowly walked toward the stage, her steps measured and graceful. The spotlight followed her, bathing her in light.

She shook hands with every judge, her smile warm and genuine, her eyes bright with emotion she didn’t try to hide.

Just as Zylo handed her the crystal trophy—heavy, gleaming, engraved with her name—she smiled. Then she stepped toward the microphone.

"This award..." Her voice was steady, clear. "...doesn’t belong only to me."

The Pavilion became quiet, the applause fading into attentive silence.

"It belongs to every person who believed in this collection." She looked toward the backstage area, her gaze soft.

"Designing isn’t a one-person job."

"People see my name."

"But behind every stitch..."

"Every fitting..."

"Every sleepless night..."

"There’s a team standing beside me."

"I’d like to invite my design team, my wonderful models, and Zeus Vision’s CEO, Mr. Matthias King, to join me."

The audience applauded once more, the sound warm and encouraging.

Ana practically skipped onto the stage, her face glowing with joy.

Layla followed with a grin, her usual composure cracking into genuine happiness.

Emma and Hannah slowly walked up together, their hands clasped, their eyes shining.

Gale and the rest of the LUXT designers looked nervous as they stepped under the spotlight, their faces flushed with pride and disbelief.

Finally, Matthias calmly joined them, his silver mask catching the light. He stood quietly behind Mindy, just as he always had—steady, unwavering, present.

Zylo presented the fifty-million-dollar global partnership contract, the document bound in leather and stamped with gold.

Then he handed Mindy the crystal trophy, its weight solid and real in her hands.

Everyone expected her to raise it high, to bask in the moment, to claim her victory.

Instead, she turned around.

Walked toward Emma Wilson.

And gently placed the trophy into her grandmother’s hands.

The audience fell silent, the shift so sudden it felt like the air itself had stilled.

Mindy smiled softly, her voice tender.

"I inherited my talent from two extraordinary women. My mother. And my grandmother."

She looked at Emma, her eyes glistening.

"The stitches I make, the stories I tell, the courage I carry—all began with them."

She gently held Emma’s hands, the trophy between them.

"So today, I’d like to dedicate this award to my grandmother, Emma Wilson."

Emma’s lips trembled. Tears instantly filled her eyes, spilling over before she could stop them. She looked at the trophy, then at Mindy, her vision blurring.

For one brief moment, she didn’t see Mindy.

She saw Maria.

Her daughter. Standing there. Smiling exactly the same way. The same stubborn eyes. The same gentle smile. The same warmth that had once filled their home before tragedy stole it away.

A single tear rolled down Emma’s cheek. She whispered, almost inaudibly, "Maria... You can rest now. Our little girl... has become extraordinary."

Layla quietly lowered her head, her own vision blurring. Maria Hawthorne. The first person who had ever given her unconditional kindness. The first person who had made an orphan feel like family.

Every warm meal, every hug, every encouraging smile returned all at once, sharp and bittersweet. She missed her terribly.

Ana quietly noticed. Without saying anything, she gently slipped her hand into Layla’s and squeezed it.

Layla looked toward her. Ana simply smiled. No words. Just comfort.

Layla smiled back through her tears.

Wade quietly turned away, clapping continuously, his jaw tight. He didn’t trust himself to speak.

Aunt Maria... Your daughter did it. She really did it.

Hannah quietly wiped away a tear, her usual composure cracking just enough to reveal the emotion beneath.

Matthias looked at Mindy. There wasn’t pride in his eyes. Only admiration—deep, quiet, and absolute.

After the ceremony ended, the Pavilion became lively once again.

Business leaders, luxury brands, international buyers, fashion editors—everyone wanted to speak with Mindy.

They swarmed like moths to a flame, business cards extended, smiles polished, voices eager.

Several investors approached Matthias, their expressions calculated but respectful.

"Mr. King, we’d love to discuss future collaborations. Zeus Vision has incredible potential."

Another executive smiled, his tone smooth. "If this is the future of Zeus, we’d like to invest immediately."

Matthias simply smiled, his voice polite but noncommittal. "We’ll arrange meetings."

Layla stood beside Mindy, helping politely decline dozens of business cards, her smile professional but firm.

Meanwhile, inside one of the VIP suites, Zac, Wade, Ana, and Dante had already escaped the crowd. Emma and Hannah had left for Mindy’s estate to rest after the exhausting day.

The LUXT design team was happily mingling with designers from other companies, their laughter echoing down the hall.

A knock came at the door.

Lucy entered alongside Kelvin, her expression warm and genuine.

"Congratulations, Miss Wilson." Lucy smiled. "This is the second time I’ve lost to you." She laughed. "But honestly, it was worth losing."

Mindy smiled politely.

"I loved your collection. Especially your masterpiece.

’Angel and Devil’ was breathtaking." She extended her hand.

"If there’s ever an opportunity, I’d love for us to collaborate."

Lucy’s eyes brightened. "I’d love that."

Kelvin maintained his usual composed expression, his smile polite but distant. "Congratulations, Miss Wilson. You were brilliant."

He turned toward Matthias. "And congratulations to you too, Brother. Zeus Vision’s popularity will soar after today."

Matthias smirked, his tone light but pointed. "Naturally. I had an exceptional designer. The victory belonged to Zeus from the beginning."

He paused. "...Even though certain people tried creating unnecessary trouble."

Kelvin’s smile stiffened almost imperceptibly. He quickly laughed, the sound forced. "You even turned my brother into a runway model. Despite the mask."

Mindy’s expression softened. "I didn’t turn him into anything." She looked toward Matthias, her gaze warm. "He was already remarkable. Someone simply had to see him."

For the first time, Matthias looked genuinely embarrassed, his ears faintly pink beneath the mask’s edge.

Mindy then tilted her head, her tone innocent. "By the way, Mr. King..." She looked toward Kelvin.

"Do you happen to know Miss Hawthorne? I somehow feel there’s a connection."

Kelvin’s smile instantly disappeared. "No. I don’t know her. Not at all."

Mindy nodded naturally. "My mistake then."

Matthias quietly hid his smile. Layla immediately covered her own with a fake cough. "Ahem..."

Lucy hadn’t noticed any of it, too busy thanking the LUXT team again.

Eventually, Kelvin gently led her away, his hand on her elbow, his expression carefully neutral.

As soon as they disappeared, Matthias finally let out a quiet chuckle.

Mindy caught him. "What?"

"Nothing." He smiled. "You’ll witness something interesting tomorrow."

Layla groaned dramatically. "You two are impossible. Can either of you ever explain anything immediately?"

Mindy laughed. "Where’s the fun in that?"

Matthias simply smiled.