Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 224

Chapter 224: First Round Chapter 224: First Round ************** CHAPTER 225 ~Zara’s POV~ The girls gathered back in the centre of the hall as soon as I called their attention.

The excitement in their eyes was second to none.  Some clutched props-a favourite book, a painting, even a simple but meaningful object like a seashell or a family photo.

Others fidgeted nervously, their eyes darting to the table where Luna Star, Aira, Tempest, and I sat, ready to observe their first challenge.

I rose from my seat, the attention in the room instantly locking onto me.

My palms felt slightly clammy, but I pushed the feeling aside.

This wasn’t about me-it was about them.

“Alright, ladies,” I began, “the first challenge is simple: we want to know who you are.

What makes you unique, what drives you, and what brings you here today?

Remember, there’s no wrong answer-just be yourself.” A few girls nodded, visibly relaxing at my words.

Others stood straighter, determination hardening their expressions.

“To keep things fair, each of you will have exactly one minute,” I continued.

“When your name is called, step forward, share your story, and show us what you brought to represent yourself.” Luna Star gave me an approving smile as I turned to Tempest, who had the roster in hand.

The first girl, a petite brunette with glasses, stepped forward clutching a journal.

She spoke with confidence about her dream of becoming a writer, her voice trembling slightly but growing stronger as she shared how journaling had helped her overcome loneliness.

The next girl, taller and more boisterous, held up a pair of soccer cleats, declaring her ambition to show the world that women could dominate the field just as fiercely as men.

One by one, the girls came forward, each offering a glimpse into their lives.

Some were shy, others exuberant, but all of them brought their authentic selves to the table.

As the challenge progressed, I found myself drawn into their stories.

A girl who’d lost her parents but found solace in art.  Another who’d struggled with self-esteem but discovered her worth through volunteering.

Each story painted a vivid picture of resilience, passion, and hope.

“You’re doing great,” Aira whispered to me between presentations, her voice low so the girls wouldn’t hear.

I nodded, though my heart weighed heavy.

The challenge wasn’t just about celebrating their individuality-it was also about cutting the group in half.

And I knew that wasn’t going to be easy.

Finally, the last girl stepped forward, a soft-spoken redhead holding a potted plant.

She explained how gardening had taught her patience and growth, her fingers brushing over the leaves as she spoke.

When she finished, I stood, clapping along with everyone else.

“Well done, everyone,” I said, my voice carrying across the hall.

“You should all be proud of yourselves for sharing your stories and letting us see a part of who you are.” The girls smiled, some exchanging glances of relief and pride.

I hesitated, the next announcement sitting heavily on my tongue.

I glanced at Luna Star, who gave me a small nod of encouragement.

“Now,” I began, “before we move on, there’s something I need to tell you.” The room grew quiet, anticipation hanging in the air.

“This first challenge was actually broken into two segments,” I said, letting the words settle for a moment.

“The first segment was the preparation stage-how you used the twenty minutes we gave you to gather your thoughts and props.

The second segment was your actual presentation.” Murmurs broke out among the girls, their expressions shifting from curiosity to realization.

“Both segments were equally important,” I continued.

“Because leadership and confidence aren’t just about what you say in the spotlight-they’re about how you prepare, how you handle yourself under pressure, and how you rise to the occasion.” I could see understanding dawning on their faces, some nodding while others exchanged thoughtful looks.

“To make the selection process fair,” I said, “we’ve considered both segments in our evaluations.

The preparation stage gave us insight into your adaptability and creativity, while your presentations showed us your passion and authenticity.” Aira leaned closer to whisper, “That was smooth.” I resisted the urge to grin, keeping my focus on the group.  “We’ve tallied the scores from both segments, and the top 25 will advance to the next round.

Please know that this doesn’t mean anyone who isn’t selected is any less incredible.

Each of you has shown us something special, and we hope you carry that with you beyond this pageant.” The room was silent, the girls waiting with bated breath as Luna Star rose to read the names of those advancing.

As each name was called, cheers and applause filled the air, and I made sure to offer a warm smile or a nod to every girl who stepped forward.

By the time the 25th name was announced, the room had shifted into two distinct groups-those who’d advanced and those who hadn’t.

I stood again, addressing the group that hadn’t made it.

“To those of you not moving forward, thank you for sharing your stories with us.

Remember, this is just one step in your journey, not the end.

You’ve already proven how remarkable you are, and I’m honoured to have met you.” They clapped politely, some with teary eyes, but there were no signs of bitterness.

Turning to the remaining girls, I smiled.

“And to our finalists-congratulations.

The real journey begins now.” As the room erupted into cheers and chatter, I felt a wave of relief and pride wash over me.

It wasn’t perfect, and I still had so much to learn, but for now, I’d taken a step forward-and so had they.

But when I looked at the girls who hadn’t advanced, one thought popped into my mind-how about funding their dreams and skills?

Astrid poured in agreement.

“You can make it like a foundation or something.

The first of its kind in the pack.

A way to foster strength in young ladies towards achieving a better future.” “Exactly, what better way than to show it via this pageantry?” “Also, you and Snow have the right connections, Zara.”