After returning to her workstation, Mona started preparing for the Nathontown Design Competition. This time, there wasn''t a fixed theme, allowing for free creative expression. Models would showcase her designed gowns, and judges would score them. The top three


    designs wouldpete against those from other cities.


    The Nathontown Design Competition included not just designers from the Clem Group but also designers from across Nathontown.


    As soon as registration opened, Mona submitted her application form. Now she was contemting which model to choose


    for the fashion show.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Of course, the Clem Group also had


    talent agency, but she wasn''t familiar with the models there and wasn''t sure who to approach.


    Lost in thought, Mona suddenly heard her phone vibrate. It was from Artemis.


    Excited, Mona picked up the phone and thought, ''How could I forget that I have her number?


    "Mona, have you registered for the Nathontown Design Competition? Do you need a model? I''d like to volunteer, Artemis. said.


    Mona responded eagerly. "Yes, I definitely need one."


    Artemis had a great figure and had participated in many fashion shows, gaining plenty of experience. What was more, Mona had worked with her before, so they were well-acquainted.


    "Great! Once you''ve designed the outfits,e find me. I''m looking forward to your new designs, and I hope they''ll wow me like thest time, Artemis replied.


    Last time, she wore a gown designed by Mona, leaving everyone around her in awe. Even her fans praised the outfit online, resulting in an increase in her follower count.


    So as soon as Artemis learned about the Nathontown Design Competition, she reached out to Mona, worried that someone else might beat her to it


    Thankfully, she acted quickly.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll make sure you''re satisfied, Mona replied confidently.


    Having gained so much appreciation from her previous design experience gave Mona a significant boost in confidence.


    After hanging up, Mona felt she had tackled a major task.


    Turning around, she noticed ra staring at her. Mona asked, "What''s up?"


    ra ced a bracelet she had bought on Mona''s desk. She had chosen it after much deliberation and spent a good chunk of her sry on it. A bit embarrassed, she said, "This is for you. It''s not some luxury brand-thope you don''t mind."


    Mona looked at the silver bracelet on the desk. It was simple yet stylish, exactly to her taste. "I love it. Why did you suddenly think of giving me a gift?" she asked.


    There was no holiday or birthdaying up.


    Looking at Mona earnestly, ra-replied. "I''m just d you like it I took a long time to choose it. As for the designpetition, can I follow your lead? I want to learn from you. I know my design skills are limited, and if I register on my own, I probably won''t even make it past the preliminary round. Please, Mona, can I?"


    "Why didn''t you just say so? I''ll dly ept your bracelet. Thank you," Mona smiled.


    Though the bracelet wasn''t worth much in Mona''s eyes, the heartfelt sentiment behind it meant a lot to her. She immediately put it on her wrist, appreciating ra''s thoughtful gesture.


    Later. Alice approached Mona and tried to give her a massive diamond ne, delicately hinting at the same request ra had made. Mona outright refused her


    The others in the Design Department watched Alice''s rejection and quickly concealed their own intentions.


    Only Barbara, observing Alice''s embarrassment, felt a hint of derision. She was determined to win the Nathontown Design Competition and imed the championship, making everyone envious, especially Alice.


    As the weekend rolled around, Mona received a message from Barbara early in the morning. [Mona, my mom is feeling


    another unwell, and I have to take her to the hospital for a check-up today, so I can''t go shopping with you. We can arrange time]


    Mona read the message but pretended she hadn''t seen it. She had everything packed and was determined to go shopping. no chance of canceling. She drove Ava to Barbara''s apartment.


    Maxwell sat on the sofa, watching the two women leave and feeling frustrated. The kidnapping incident was long behind them, and Ava was no longer scared.


    Yet, Maxwell felt that Ava was constantly vying for Mona''s attention.


    Now they were going out shopping without him, which only added to Maxwell''s resentment.


    He wanted some form ofpensation


    Mona parked her car right in front of Barbara''s apartment and knocked on the door.


    Barbara opened it and was shocked to see Mona. Barbara thought. ''Didn''t I say I am taking my mother to the hospital today?


    "Mona, you..." Barbara began, but Mona interrupted her.


    "Aren''t you going to the hospital with your mom? Ava and I have some free time, so we''re here to keep youpany," Mona said sincerely, returning to her usual warm demeanor.


    After speaking. Mona noticed the confused expressions on their faces. "Ava and I won''t go in. We''ll wait outside. Put on your shoes!"


    Once they left, Beatrice looked at Barbara in confusion and asked about what happened. Barbara exined the situation.


    Reluctantly, Beatrice put on her shoes. Given the choice between going shopping with Mona and spending her own money, Barbara would have preferred the hospital visit.


    The four of them went to the hospital, with Mona enthusiastically suggesting all the tests Beatrice needed to run.


    After Beatrice had nearlypleted all the tests, Mona finally led the three of them out of the hospital, satisfied. Beatrice had just undergone these tests recently, so most of the money spent today felt wasted. On the way back, Barbara and Beatrice nced at Mona, both filled with dissatisfaction.


    Halfway through the drive, Barbara realized they were heading the wrong way. "Mona, are you lost? This isn''t the way to my house."


    Mona shook her head. "I''m not lost. We''re not going to your house. We''re going to the mall. Didn''t we agree to go shopping! Now that Beatrice''s check-up is done, we have time!"


    Hearing this, Ava in the passenger seat struggled to hold hark


    Barbara shot Mona a re, awkwardly smiling. If she rejected clothes.


    She couldn''t afford to sever ties with Mona just yet, so she had


    Mona drove directly to the nearestrge shopping mall, parke fashion section on the second floor.