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…»

«Don’t thank me yet,» Paul replied. «The hardest is still ahead. The rest depends only on you.»

That night, Paul couldn’t sleep for a long time. In these two days, something fundamentally changed in his perception of what was happening. At first, Hannah was just a tool for revenge, a way to show Sophia that one can achieve what she couldn’t.

But now, now he sincerely wanted Hannah to succeed for her own sake. Her story, her talent, her strength of spirit deserved recognition. And revenge? Revenge gradually receded into the background.

Moreover, he began to feel for this girl emotions he hadn’t felt in a very long time. Not just admiration or pity, but something deeper. What he once would have called tenderness.

Wednesday was dedicated to final preparation and rehearsals. Hannah already looked like a real beauty contest participant: elegant, confident, shining with inner light. In the morning, they worked out final details with Isabella.

How to behave properly during a photoshoot, how to gracefully sit and stand in a long dress, how to answer tricky questions from journalists. Remember the main rule, Isabella repeated, you’re not competing with other girls. You’re showing the best version of yourself.

Your task is not to defeat someone, but to reveal your potential. And if they’re hostile toward me? Hannah asked. Stay friendly, but don’t let them manipulate you.

Kindness is not weakness, but strength. Remember, a worthy person never humiliates others. By noon, Hannah was technically ready.

Her transformation was astonishing: from an insecure cleaner to a radiant beauty ready to conquer the runway. But it was at this moment that something unexpected happened. Paul received a call from his lawyer Michael Turner.

«Paul, I have news about the case,» Turner said excitedly. Sophia and Brandon have been found. They were hiding in Miami under fake documents, but the police detained them on our request.

Paul felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment? That’s good news,» he said, but his voice didn’t sound very convincing. When will they be extradited? Within a week. Brandon has already given testimony, apparently hoping for a reduced sentence.

Confirmed everything we knew and added a few new details. «The case is ironclad. Thanks for the info, Michael.

Paul, you don’t sound very happy. Something wrong? No, everything’s fine. Just.

I’m busy with other matters right now.» Paul hung up and pondered. His wife and former best friend were caught.

Justice would prevail. They would get the deserved punishment. But why didn’t he feel the satisfaction he expected? The answer came quickly.

In these three days, his motives had changed radically. He no longer wanted to revenge Sophia through Hannah’s success. He wanted Hannah to win not to spite his ex-wife, but because the girl deserved it.

Moreover, he realized he sympathized with her. Not as a beautiful contest participant he helped create, but as that girl who cried in the utility room and didn’t give up despite everything. «Any problems?» Hannah asked, noticing his thoughtfulness.

«No,» Paul replied. On the contrary, something clarified. In the evening, on the eve of the main contest challenges, Paul saw slight excitement in her eyes.

«Tomorrow everything starts for real,» she said. «I’m nervous, but not as much as before. That’s good.»

A little excitement gives energy and helps mobilize. Paul, Hannah looked at him seriously. «I need to tell you something.»

«What exactly?» «In these days, I realized you’re doing this not just out of kindness. You have your own reasons for helping me. And though I don’t know what they are, I’m grateful for this chance.»

Paul was surprised by her insight. He had underestimated her intelligence. «And if you learned the real reasons, would you still be grateful.

Depends on what those reasons are,» Hannah replied honestly. «But you know what? For me, it no longer matters how it started. What matters is what’s happening now.

And now, for the first time in many months, I feel alive. I feel I have a future.» Paul nodded.

She was not only beautiful but wise. «Hannah, there’s something you should know.» But he was interrupted by an approaching hotel employee.

«Excuse me, Mr. Harrison? You’re wanted on the phone.» Urgent call from Ms. Larson. Paul apologized and went to the front desk.

Victoria was calling from her office, her voice excited. «Paul, we have a problem,» she said without preamble. «Journalists from a major tabloid have arrived at the hotel.

They’re sniffing around about Hannah. Someone from the participants spread the information. What exactly interests them? They already know she worked here as a cleaner.

And apparently want to make a sensation out of it—not in a good way. Preparing materials that the contest is turning into a farce. Paul frowned.

He had underestimated how quickly rumors spread in the show business world. What specifically are they saying? Hinting at jury bribery, unfair advantage Hannah received. One of them outright said her participation is a PR stunt, not fair competition.

Understood? Thanks for the warning, Victoria. Paul, maybe we should withdraw Hannah from the contest? While it’s not too late. This scandal could damage the reputation of the entire event.

No way, Paul replied firmly. Hannah deserves the right to participate in the contest. We won’t back down because of the yellow press.

And here, I’m withdrawing my candidacy and no longer a jury member, so my vote doesn’t influence the contest results. Well, probably that’s the right thing? To do it before the contest starts, Victoria said with a sigh of regret. Paul pondered.

Tomorrow the contest began, and they were already facing the first attacks from the media. But he was determined to protect the girl who had become much more to him than just a tool for revenge. What happened? Hannah asked, noticing his concern.

Nothing serious, Paul lied. Just organizational issues before the contest start. But he knew tomorrow awaited serious trials.

And it wasn’t just about the contest tasks. Thursday morning, the Grand Las Vegas hotel turned into a real hive of activity. Participants, journalists, organizers, technical staff—all preparing for the grand opening of the event set for the evening.

Hannah woke up early, despite the excitement that kept her awake most of the night. In the mirror, she saw the same girl she had become in these three days. But today awaited a real test of strength.

Paul met her in the hotel restaurant for breakfast. He looked more worried than she did. Ready for the first day? He asked.

Ready for anything? Hannah replied, trying to hide the tremor in her voice. You know what’s most amazing? I’m no longer afraid of failing. Because I’ve already gained a lot: faith in myself.

I’m only afraid of letting you down. That’s not the main thing: letting me down. But remember, you deserve to be here no less than any other participant.

They headed to the main conference hall, where the first acquaintance of participants with the jury and press was to take place. When Hannah entered the hall, her appearance caused a real stir among the other girls. Who is that? Whispered the tall blonde with a German accent.

Monica Stein. I heard it’s some last-minute replacement, replied the participant from France, Isabelle Durand. And someone told me she worked here, added the Italian Giulia Rossi, not shy about speaking loud enough.

Hannah felt blood rush to her cheeks but remembered Paul’s words about inner strength. She lifted her head higher and walked to her place, trying not to pay attention to the whispers and curious glances. Ladies, attention please.

Announced Victoria Larson, entering the hall. Allow me to introduce all the participants of our contest. She began naming the girls by countries.

When it was Hannah’s turn, a special silence hung in the hall. Hannah Clarke, United States. She joined us as a replacement and will compete on equal terms with all other participants.

Excuse me, one of the journalists stood up. Is it true that Miss Clarke worked at this hotel? Hannah stood. Her heart pounded, but her voice sounded confident.

Yes, that’s true. I worked here for the last half year and I’m not ashamed of it. Honest work doesn’t humiliate anyone.

But is it fair to the other participants who prepared for the contest for months? The journalist insisted. I think fairness is determined not by origin or preparation length, but by results, Hannah replied calmly. Let’s wait for the contest outcomes and then draw conclusions.

Her answer made a good impression on most present, but Paul saw some participants exchanging dissatisfied glances. After the press conference, the first part of the challenges began—a photoshoot for the official contest catalog. The professional photographer worked with each participant individually, creating portraits for promo materials.

When Hannah’s turn came, photographer Marco Santini immediately noted her uniqueness. «This girl has a very interesting face,» he said to his assistant. «Very expressive and photogenic.

The camera loves her. The shoot went successfully.» Hannah felt confident in front of the lens; her theater education showed…