Determined to avenge his unfaithful wife, the millionaire attended a beauty contest and observed models mocking a young cleaner: «Got mops for poles, huh?» Approaching her, the wealthy man murmured: «Dry your tears, come with me…»

I’m a jury member of the Queen of Elegance contest starting tomorrow. I have influence, connections, money. And most importantly, tomorrow morning one of the participants, Karina Weber from Switzerland, has to fly home due to a family tragedy.

Her spot is freeing up. Hannah looked at him with wide eyes, unable to believe what she heard. But even if that’s true, she whispered, why would you help me? We’re complete strangers.

What do you get out of it? Paul pondered for a moment. He couldn’t tell her the whole truth about his motives, about his wife’s betrayal, about the desire for revenge, about how at first she was just a tool of retribution for him. But he could share part of the truth.

I have my reasons, he said cautiously. Let’s say I want to teach a lesson to some arrogant people. Show them that true beauty, talent, and dignity don’t depend on origin or money in the bank account.

This sounds like a fairy tale, Hannah whispered. Too good to be true. Sometimes fairy tales become reality, Paul replied.

But only for those ready to take a risk. He approached her closer. Save your tears and follow me, he said quietly but with such conviction that the girl felt this man could change her life.

In her eyes sparked a glimmer of hope—the first in long, hard months. What do I need to do? She asked in a trembling voice. Trust me.

Tomorrow morning we’ll start your transformation. We have three days to prepare for the main challenges. Just three days? Is that enough? To reveal your natural potential, more than enough.

The main thing is the desire to change your life. Do you have it? Hannah nodded, and Paul saw in her eyes the same determination that once helped him rise from the bottom and build a business empire. Then see you tomorrow morning in the hotel lobby at 7 o’clock, he said, standing up.

And Hannah. Prepare for your life to change forever. When Paul left, Hannah sat for a long time in the staff room, trying to comprehend what happened.

Was this not a dream? Was a stranger really ready to give her a chance she never dared to dream of? She stood and looked at herself in the small mirror on the wall. Simple uniform, tired face without makeup, hands roughened from work with chemicals. Did this elegant man really see potential in her for a participant in an international beauty contest? But something inside her, that part of her soul that once dreamed of the stage and applause, made her believe.

Tomorrow her life might change dramatically. Tomorrow she would get a chance to prove to everyone, including herself, that she deserves more. Monday began with the withdrawal of Karina Weber, the participant from Switzerland.

Her father was in a car accident and in intensive care. The girl had to return home immediately. «This is a disaster!» Victoria exclaimed at an emergency organizing committee meeting at 7 a.m.

«We have everything calculated for 25 participants. Costumes fitted to sizes, hotel rooms assigned, program set, press releases sent. We can find a replacement,» suggested one of the assistants.

«There are always a few candidates in reserve. Four days before the main challenges.» Victoria shook her head.

«It’s practically impossible. All serious candidates are already busy in other projects or participating in competing contests. And those who are free aren’t properly prepared.»

It was at that moment that Paul entered the meeting room. He was impeccably dressed in a dark gray suit, looking rested and full of energy. «Good morning,» he greeted.

«Sorry for interrupting, but I couldn’t help overhearing your problem. And I have a proposal that might suit everyone.» Victoria looked at him in surprise.

Paul Harrison was one of the most respected jury members: a successful businessman, known philanthropist, a man of impeccable reputation. His opinion carried weight in the contest organization. «Paul, you understand the specifics of the situation,» she said cautiously.

«Finding a suitable candidate in such a short time, and preparing her for an international-level contest. I’ve already found a suitable candidate,» Paul interrupted calmly. «Last evening, I met an amazing girl.

She works at this hotel, but she has all the qualities for participating in the contest: beauty, intelligence, charisma, education. Works at the hotel.» Victoria asked distrustfully.

«In what capacity? In the technical staff.» «But believe me, that doesn’t matter.» The main thing is her potential.

Victoria frowned. Over the years, she had seen many girls dreaming of getting into a beauty contest. Most of them overestimated their abilities.

Paul, even if she’s beautiful, participating in such a contest requires serious preparation. Ability to behave on stage, answer questions correctly, select costumes, choreography. It usually takes months.

«Give us three days,» Paul asked. «If by Thursday she’s not ready, we’ll honestly admit failure. But I’m ready to invest any money in her preparation.»

Victoria pondered. On one hand, the idea seemed adventurous. On the other, she was experienced enough to understand the value of unusual stories for attracting media attention.

From a hotel employee to a participant in an international beauty contest, she murmured. The press will definitely pick it up. Such stories are always popular.

Exactly, Paul nodded. Imagine the headlines: «Modern Cinderella,» «Miraculous Transformation,» «Beauty Knows No Bounds.» Isn’t that what will attract additional attention to the contest? The organizer slowly nodded.

She was indeed intrigued. But the girl must meet all formal requirements, she warned. Age, appearance, education, ability to speak English.

She’s 23, she has higher education, she speaks several languages fluently, Paul listed. As for appearance? See for yourself and draw conclusions. Victoria hesitated a few more seconds, but time was pressing.

There was no alternative. «Alright,» she said finally. «Bring your candidate.»

But remember, if by Thursday she’s not ready for the main challenges, we’ll have to exclude her from the contest. «She’ll be ready,» Paul declared confidently. At 7 a.m., he waited for Hannah in the hotel lobby.

The girl arrived right on time but looked confused and unsure. She wore the same uniform as yesterday, hair gathered at the back, face pale from excitement. «I didn’t sleep all night, thinking about our conversation,» she said quietly.

«Maybe this isn’t the best idea?» «After all, I don’t know how to walk the catwalk, don’t know how to behave on a modeling stage, I have no experience in beauty contests. This can be learned in 3 days,» Paul replied calmly, studying her worried face. The main thing is inner readiness for change.

«Do you have it?» Hannah nodded, though doubts and fear of the unknown still lingered in her eyes. «Then let’s go. We have a very busy day ahead.

First, they went to Victoria Larson. The organizer waited for them in her office, a spacious room with walls hung with photos of past winners. «Is this your candidate?» Victoria asked, eyeing Hannah appraisingly.

«Yes. Hannah Clarke. Look at her carefully.

Don’t you see the potential?» Victoria studied Hannah closely. Despite the simple clothes and lack of makeup, the girl possessed striking natural beauty. Regular features, graceful figure, noble posture.

And those eyes: deep, expressive, full of hidden fire. Interesting, the organizer murmured, circling Hannah. «Very interesting.

Suitable data, photogenic face, height 5’9″—ideal for the runway. Excuse me,» Hannah interrupted her. And what exactly is required of me? I still don’t quite understand what I’m getting into.»

Victoria smiled. She liked the girl’s honesty. «The Queen of Elegance contest is not just a show of beautiful dresses,» she explained.

«We seek a girl who combines external beauty, intelligence, talent, and inner strength. Participants go through several stages. Catwalks in different clothing categories, interviews with the jury, creative performances, answers to questions about modern issues.

And can I learn all this in 3 days. With proper preparation and your motivation, undoubtedly, Victoria assured. I have a team of the best specialists.

We’ve handled more difficult cases.» «Then we’re agreed,» Paul asked. «Good,» Victoria nodded.

«We’ll process all the documents right now. But remember, you have only 3 days for preparation. On Thursday, Hannah must be ready on par with the other participants who have months of training behind them.

After completing all formalities, intensive preparation began. Paul spared no money; he hired the best specialists he could find in Las Vegas in a few hours. First to work was maestro Fabrizio Marchetti, an Italian with a world name, stylist to Hollywood stars and European elite.

When Paul explained the task to him, he initially shook his head skeptically. «Three days for a full transformation?» he asked doubtfully. «Signor Paul, usually creating an image for such events takes weeks.

Need to select style, color scheme, conduct several fittings. We don’t have weeks,» Paul said firmly. «But look at her carefully.»

«Tell me honestly, is the game worth the candle?» Fabrizio circled Hannah, studying body proportions, skin tone, hair and eye color, facial features. His experienced eye noted every detail. Hm, he murmured thoughtfully.

Classic proportions, regular facial features, noble oval. Color type «soft spring»—this gives wide possibilities. If we remove this, how to say, simplicity in the image and reveal the natural potential, can you? Paul asked.

«It will be a serious challenge,» Fabrizio admitted. «But I love challenges.» And yes, she really has the data for such a transformation.

The first day was fully dedicated to working on appearance. Hannah spent 6 hours in the hands of a hair stylist and makeup artist under Fabrizio’s careful guidance. Paul waited in the adjacent room, periodically pacing the corridor and more nervous than Hannah herself…