The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Thalassa couldn't help but return the smile, acknowledging the greeting.

Cody kept the energy high as he announced, "Our second showcase is by contestant number eight, Heidi. Following her is number three, Thalassa."

As Cody introduced the designers, their creations were presented in grand, velvet-lined display cases on the stage, each accompanied by a voting box for the audience to cast their ballots.

Cody, ever the showman, explained the voting process with a grin, "We have ten patrons here tonight, each with a single vote to cast. Our esteemed patrons will vote for the design that resonates most with their personal aesthetic. The designer with the most votes will be crowned the winner of this semifinal round!"

This method of voting was seen as both fair and transparent by everyone involved.

to write down the number

votes were counted, and Cody held the results

anticipation washed over Thalassa; she couldn't help but glance over at Zoey, who was also looking her way. Their eyes met in a moment

so stoic, offered Thalassa a warm, encouraging

small gesture of camaraderie before they both turned their attention back

results, "I know everyone's on the edge of their seats, wondering who out of our

preamble did little to ease Thalassa's

he announced, "Contestant number five, Zoey, with three votes! Contestant number eight, Heidi, also threevotes! And contestant number three, Thalassa, three