The Princess and the Paupers

Chapter 708
Back then, when the shit hit the fan, Bella bandaged up her mom’s wounds. She even rented her own place to them at a bargain,
and to keep them from feeling guilty, she lied that it was a friend’s place.
Before, Oscar was a real pain in the ass to her, blaming her for skipping work for no reason, and pointing fingers at her for
plagiarism. Bella always stepped in to clear her name.
Bella encouraged her to join the Solterra Cup Garment Design Contest, acting as her right–hand man and sticking by her
through every stage of the competition.
Without Bella, she’d probably still be scribbling designs in some corner, leading an ordinary life with no fame or anything.
“Really, thank you,” Molly said sincerely. “It’s so great to know you.”
No one knew she was thanking Queen Abby from the judging panel. They all thought she was just being grateful to a good
friend. Bella’s eyes softened. She thought, no need for thanks.
When Molly wrapped up her thank your speech, the other two also said a few words. Soon enough, the third round kicked off.
Six models strutted onto the stage in identical dresses. The six competitors advancing to the third round were tasked to modify
each dress into their own interpretation of beauty right there in front of the audience.
There was only one rule: the dress could not be taken off. It had to be modified on the model-
For Molly, this was a piece of cake. Countless designs popped up in her mind, and she quickly started to work her magic on the
dress.
Hans offered Bella some desserts provided by the organizers. Seeing her not eating, he even gave her some snacks he had
brought, all her favourite flavors. He even had someone make Bella a cup of coffee,
He said, “I brought the coffee beans. Give it a try, see if you like it.”
Bella didn’t expect Hans to actually bring his own coffee beans.
She took a sip. Rich and smooth. She nodded, “Tastes good.”

“I have more in the car. Take some back later,” Hans said, his eyes fixed on the stage.
“Sure.” Bella’s eyes never left the stage either. She noticed Molly’s movements slowing down as if she’d hit a snag.
“Something seemed off with Molly.” Hans had also noticed it. Even though Molly was facing away from the audience, focused on
modifying the dress, her hands would occasionally stop, a little too frequently.
The model standing in front of Molly noticed her discomfort and asked in a hushed voice, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Molly didn’t know what was wrong. Her stomach was hurting more and more, but she hadn’t eaten or even had a sip of
water backstage. Could breakfast have upset her stomach?
The model said, “You look pale.”
Not just her face but even her lips were starting to lose color.
“Maybe you should tell the host?” the model suggested.
“No need.” Molly had barely made it to the third round. All her hard work would go down the drain if she quit now.
She didn’t mind being laughed at, but now, she represented her country.
The other two Solterra competitors had already been eliminated. She was the last one standing for Team Solterra.
Watching her grit her teeth and hang in there, the model felt sympathy.
Bella could tell from the model’s expression that something was off. Molly might be feeling ill, but she was still hanging in there.
“Should I have a staff member go up and check?” Hans whispered to his sister.
Bella replied, “No need. She’s got this.”
This was her competition. It was up to her whether and when to stop, if she could keep going.