?Chapter 278:


    A faint smile curved her lips — a smile too calm, too knowing. Her gaze slidzily toward Rosanna, and she tilted her head slightly, her voice light, almost amused. “This dress? I designed it myself. Is there a problem?”


    For a heartbeat, the entire venue froze. Thenughter exploded across the hall like a sudden crack of thunder.


    “She designed it herself?” someone cackled in disbelief.


    “Is she serious? Aposer designing haute couture? What a joke!”


    “She is obviously lying to get Vince’s attention.”


    “Delusional. Absolutely delusional.”


    “Next, she will im to be the CEO of MCN too!”


    The live-stream chat erupted into a frenzy of taunts and mocking emojis. Maia’s name trended, but not for reasons anyone would envy.


    Rosanna watched with a gleam of triumph in her eyes, her lips curling into a smirk. She sauntered a step forward, lifting her chin arrogantly. “Maia, there is really no need for such ridiculous lies,” Rosanna said, her voiceced with condescension. “Everyone knows you still carry a torch for Vince. You could have just said you wanted attention. I know you’ve never erased him from your heart, and I won’t mind it.” She let out a theatrical sigh, shaking her head in mock sympathy. “Still, lying is pitiful. You are aposer, not a designer. You have no training, no background in fashion. It is absurd to even suggest that dress came from your hand.”


    As the crowd murmured in agreement, a sharp,manding voice rang out from the rear of the hall.


    “Why could it not be her?” The words sliced through the noise, turning every head toward the entrance.


    A woman strode forward, framed by an entourage of bodyguards. She moved with the unhurried grace of someone who owned every room she entered.


    ?????????? ?????????? ?????????????? at ????????ν????????????


    As she neared, she peeled off her sunsses with deliberate ir, revealing a face immediately recognized by the fashionable elite.


    A gasp of recognition swept the hall.


    “Pattie! It’s Pattie Miller — the owner of MCN!”


    “Is she here?”


    “You don’t know? The MCN gown Rosanna is wearing today was gifted by Miss Cooper. Maybe Miss Cooper invited Ms. Miller to congratte Rosanna!”


    Excitement buzzed through the guests like static electricity. After all, Pattie rarely graced private events with her presence.


    Rosanna’s heart leapt. She craned her neck, eager to catch a better look. Could it be true?


    Had Mariana arranged not only the MCN gown but also this dazzling appearance? Her mind raced, painting pictures of tomorrow’s headlines.


    This way, her engagement party would definitely be more impressive than those of many other high-societydies. It would cement her ce atop Wront’s social hierarchy.


    On the Ward family’s side, Gavin frowned, suspicion flickering across his face. He had only seen Pattie in glossy magazines before. Something about her sudden appearance felt strange.


    Charles remained expressionless. Even though he had witnessed countless grand asions, he couldn’t quite discern Pattie’s purpose for being here. If the Cooper family had orchestrated this, surely there would have been a whisper beforehand. Yet there had been none. Something was not adding up.


    Online viewers quickly recognized Pattie, and a wave of excitement rippled through the livestream. Comments poured in, buzzing with energy as they gushed over thevish spectacle of Rosanna and Vince’s engagement party. Catching a glimpse of the legendary MCN executive only added to the thrill, leaving the audience in awe of the event’s sheer grandeur.


    Pattie stopped beside Maia, a faint smile curling her lips — calm, assured, untouchable. Her gazended on Maia. She had gone all out for this moment, hiring professional bodyguards to ensure that if chaos erupted, no one would darey a finger on Maia.


    If anyone dared cause trouble for Maia, they would regret it dearly.


    .


    .


    .