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…»

Paul enjoying himself at a prestigious contest while she hides like a criminal. When Sophia saw news reports about the beauty contest with a mysterious American girl rapidly winning public sympathy, a revenge plan matured in her head. She thoroughly changed her appearance: dyed her hair black, cut it into a bob, put on colored contact lenses, changed clothing style and makeup.

Now she was almost unrecognizable, but the main features of beauty remained. All day, Sophia observed Hannah, studied her manners, listened to her interviews. And had to admit, this girl was indeed a strong rival.

Not only beautiful but smart, talented, charismatic. «So that’s your new passion now, Paul,» Sophia thought bitterly. «A simple girl reminding you of youth and sincerity.

All that you lost in me,» by evening, her final plan of action matured. Bold, risky, but capable of inflicting maximum pain on Paul and his protegee right at the moment of their triumph. She waited until the semifinal results were announced and saw how Paul and Hannah rejoiced.

This picture caused her physical pain. Once, he rejoiced in her successes just like that, supported her ambitions. Late in the evening, Sophia found a way to sneak into the hotel’s service area.

Her plan was simple: talk to Hannah alone before the final and try to shatter her confidence. And if that didn’t work, she had a backup option. Saturday, the final day, began with a special atmosphere in the hotel.

The five finalists prepared for the last decisive challenges that were to determine the new Queen of Elegance. Hannah woke up with a sense of inner readiness and calm. In these days, she had turned from an insecure girl into a strong woman ready to fight for her dream to the end.

Paul met her for breakfast in the hotel restaurant. He looked more excited than she herself. «How did you sleep?» — he asked.

«Perfectly,» Hannah replied with a smile. «You know what’s most amazing? I’m no longer afraid of losing. Because I’ve already won, found myself anew.

And all thanks to you. That’s a wonderful philosophy. But know, you deserve the grand prize; if it works out—great.

If not, I’ll still be grateful to fate for this incredible experience.» The final consisted of three decisive parts. Catwalk in national costumes, evening catwalk in luxurious dresses, and each participant’s concluding speech on what it means to be a modern woman.

But before the main challenges began, something no one expected happened. While Hannah was preparing in her dressing room, a woman in the hotel technical staff uniform approached her. «Hannah Clarke?» — the stranger asked with a slight accent.

«Yes, and who are you?» «My name is.» «Anna.» «I also work at the hotel.

Can I talk to you alone?» «It’s very important.» Hannah was surprised but agreed. They went out into a quiet corridor.

«What did you want to talk about?» The woman looked around, made sure they were alone, and removed her dark glasses. Hannah saw a beautiful but cold face with piercing eyes. «I’m Sophia Harrison.»

«Paul’s wife.» «I think we have something to discuss.» Hannah felt everything inside go cold.

«What do we have to talk about?» — Hannah asked, trying to maintain outward calm, though her heart pounded wildly. «About the fact that you’re just a tool for his revenge,» Sophia said with a cold smile. «Do you think he’s helping you out of noble motives?» «Naive girl.»

«He’s using you to hurt me.» «I don’t understand what you’re talking about,» Hannah replied calmly. «Don’t understand?» Sophia was surprised but quickly composed herself.

«Then you should understand that once his revenge is complete, you won’t be needed anymore. He’ll discard you like a used toy,» — possibly, Hannah nodded. «But that’s my choice and my responsibility.»

«Your choice?» — Sophia laughed. «You don’t even understand what you’ve gotten into.» Paul is a cruel, calculating person.

«He’s capable of destroying anyone who stands in his way. Allow me to decide myself what to do and how to think,» Hannah said. Sophia was taken aback for a second but regained self-control.

«I was defending my interests and fighting for a better life.» «And you’re just letting yourself be used like a puppet.» «But you know what? I’ll give you one last chance to preserve your dignity.»

«What chance? Lose today.» «On purpose?» «Say something wrong, stumble, show your true essence—a simple cleaner from the provinces.» And then Paul will understand his revenge failed, and you can return to your old life with face saved.

«And if I refuse?» Sophia leaned closer, and steel notes of threat appeared in her voice. «Then I’ll tell everyone here the truth. That you’re a planted participant, that your whole contest participation is a spectacle for a rich man’s revenge on his unfaithful wife.

Want to become a laughingstock for the whole world?» «Imagine tomorrow’s newspaper headlines. Fake princess, scam of the century, how a millionaire bought a crown for Cinderella. Hannah was silent, pondering what she heard.»

In Sophia’s words was a grain of truth; she really started as part of Paul’s plan. But in these days, everything had changed radically. You know what, Sophia? She finally said calmly.

«You’re right about one thing; I really was part of someone else’s revenge plan. But you’re wrong about the main thing. About what? I’m no longer playing someone else’s game.

Now it’s my game, my rules, my life. And if you want to stop me, try. But remember, truth always defeats lies.»

Sophia didn’t expect such an answer. Confusion flashed in her eyes, but she quickly dealt with it. «Fine,» she said coldly.

You asked for it. «We’ll see how long you last under criticism.» She turned and walked away, leaving Hannah alone in the corridor.

Hannah stood for a few minutes, calming her breathing and organizing her thoughts. The meeting with Sophia shook her but didn’t break her. On the contrary, she felt even greater determination to prove her worth and right to be here.

The final part of the contest began with the catwalk in national costumes. Each participant had to present a traditional outfit from her country and tell about its cultural significance. Hannah chose a stylized American costume, an elegant dress in red-white-blue tones with intricate embroidery.

It was not a museum exhibit but a modern interpretation of traditional attire, created by a talented designer. When her turn came, she stepped onto the runway with royal posture and began her story. This costume symbolizes the richness of American culture and the strength of American women.

Each embroidery element has its meaning. The stars mean hope and freedom, eagles—strength and aspiration to heights, stripes—unity and perseverance. But the main thing it symbolizes is that true beauty knows no boundaries and doesn’t depend on origin.

Her performance was sincere and touching. The audience listened with interest, and the jury nodded approvingly. The second part—evening gown catwalk—went triumphantly for all finalists.

Hannah chose an elegant black dress from a famous American designer, simple in cut but impeccably emphasizing her natural beauty. But the most important was the concluding speech. Each finalist had to give a five-minute speech on what it means to be a modern woman.

Monica spoke about the importance of education and career. Isabelle about balance between family and professional ambitions. Carla about the fight for equality.

Amelia about women’s role in the environmental movement. All speeches were competent and correct but sounded somewhat templated. And now the floor is given to Hannah Clarke from the United States.

The host announced. Hannah stepped onto the stage under bright spotlights. The hall fell silent in anticipation.

In these days, she had become a real star of the contest, and everyone wanted to hear what she would say. In the front rows sat journalists with cameras and notebooks. Paul watched from backstage with excitement and pride.

And somewhere in the back rows, carefully hiding from cameras, sat Sophia, waiting for what would happen next. Hannah approached the microphone and pondered for a few seconds. Then smiled and spoke.

A week ago, I was a completely different person. I was cleaning the corridors of this hotel and thought my place in life was set once and for all. I thought beauty is a privilege of the chosen, success—a matter of the rich, and dreams—a luxury simple people can’t afford.

Silence stood in the hall. But then a miracle happened. No, not the miracle described in fairy tales, where a kind fairy waves a wand and turns Cinderella into a princess.

The real miracle was that someone believed in me more than I did myself. Gave me a chance to show what I’m capable of. Paul felt his throat tighten with emotion.

I thought long about what it means to be a modern woman. And realized it doesn’t mean meeting someone’s expectations or standards. A modern woman is one who isn’t afraid to be herself.

Who can fall and rise. Who can turn pain into strength, and obstacles into steps to success. Hannah paused, scanning the hall…