After taking the photograph, Maeve quickly changed out of the wedding dress and returned to the area behind the runway curtain. As per tradition, after the show, VIPs voted for the most eye-catching fashion series. Usually, Alex's wedding dress series would win; the chances of her designers winning were very low. However, tonight's result was unexpected.

"Let us congratulate the designers of the Morningstar series, Mr. Smith and Ms. Reese," the emcee announced. His voice resonated throughout the banquet hall. Maeve's face registered disbelief; she hadn't held out any hope. After all, Alex's wedding dress collection was outstanding. Unexpectedly, Morningstar was the chosen collection.

Leah walked up to Maeve with a rare smile. "Congratulations! Your votes exceeded Mr. Brown's by eleven. You deserve this. Don't just stand there—go on stage and express your thoughts." Only then did Maeve's victory sink in. She smiled and said, "Thank you, Ms. Mason."

She took a deep breath and joined Jack onstage. It felt different from walking the runway earlier. Standing there, she felt the hard work of the past few days had been worthwhile. Selected designers received a diamond badge, a cash prize, and the right to design for the seasonal collection. The other designers were intensely envious.

After the awards ceremony, the celebratory feast began downstairs. Eternal Hope had even arranged a separate design exhibition. Maeve was about to go downstairs but hesitated, remembering her gowns had gone missing after Karen approached her before the exhibition. She didn't believe it was a coincidence. "'Karen called me over, and right after that, my gowns went missing,'" she thought. "'Even if they were found—what if they hadn't been? I would have been fired and disgraced. But even if I suspect Karen, I have no proof…'" Instead of going downstairs, Maeve headed toward Box 01.

VIPs seated in the second-floor boxes had first choice of clothing and wouldn't leave early. Alexis was still there.

"Alexis, Ms. Reese is here," Karen said softly, a trace of jealousy in her eyes. "Ms. Reese, you've kept Alexis waiting." Hearing the sarcasm, Maeve laughed. "This is all thanks to you, Ms. Booth. You had someone dispose of my gowns, adding to my burden."

"What nonsense?" Karen retorted. "When did I do such a thing? Stop making baseless accusations!"

"The person you hired isn't as tight-lipped," Maeve said calmly. "Once he's at the police station, he'll reveal the mastermind." Karen's eyes widened in panic. "'I haven't been able to reach him,' she thought. 'Could Maeve have caught him? Or is she bluffing?'" Karen regained her composure. "Do you think I'm afraid of your mudslinging?"

Little did she know that Alexis had seen Karen's fleeting look of guilt. Alexis began to suspect. "'Karen is so sensible,' she thought. 'Why is she feeling guilty?'" Maeve also noticed Karen's guilt. Her earlier statement was to confirm Karen's involvement. "'I didn't expect her to be so easily tricked,'" she thought.

Maeve sat down. "May I know why you're looking for me?" she asked Alexis.

Alexis interrupted. "My son should marry a compatible woman, not a mediocre girl like you. Neither my husband nor I approve. I don't want his future ruined." Her every word felt like a barbed needle.

"Mrs. McDaniel, do you really understand your son?" Maeve asked, her eyes indifferent. "You seem to impose things on him—bribing me to monitor him, buying supplements he won't use. You think I'll ruin his future? To what extent do you underestimate him, or do you even see him as a son?" Alexis's expression turned cold.

"Mrs. McDaniel, forgive my bluntness," Maeve continued. "Do you know he has knee pain every night from a car accident? A stomach condition aggravated by missed breakfasts? He'd prefer your concern to those expensive supplements."

Alexis's grip on the catalog tightened. "'All this... I didn't know. I thought his recovery was complete. His stomach condition…'" Even as Byron's mother, she hadn't known these things, but Maeve did.

Maeve understood Alexis's surprise and didn't say more. She stood and said, "I'm not accusing you. But since you know nothing, you have no right to criticize me on behalf of your son. He's the one marrying me, not his mother."

Maeve left. Alexis pressed her temples, looking troubled and pale. Karen almost laughed. "'Is Maeve out of her mind?' she thought. 'Offending Alexis and still wanting to be part of the McDaniel family? Dream on!'"

"Alexis, Ms. Reese is straightforward," Karen said pointedly. "Please don't take offense." "'It's not straightforwardness; it's a lack of upbringing,'" she thought. "'Only someone as foolish as Maeve would dare be so arrogant.'"