?Chapter 397:


    Mariana suddenly understood that Maia’s actual n was to push her into dropping out of thepetition entirely.


    This tactic would allow Maia to avoid showcasing her true skills to the audience.


    Mariana let out a sharp, sarcasticugh. Maia wanted to outmaneuver her? Not a chance.


    She lifted her gaze to fix it on Maia, raised her chin with defiance, and dered clearly, “Alright, I’ll take the bet!”


    Her statement made the crowd gasp in unison.


    Rosanna couldn’t help but smirk. “Looks like Maia misjudged the situation.”


    Jarrod felt overwhelmed. He decided to keep quiet and just listen.


    If Maia lost, it would be ideal. MCN would fall into others’ hands, her reputation would take a hit, and maybe, in her desperation, she’d feelpelled to go back to the Morgan family.


    Jarrod found himself wishing for Maia’s downfall at that moment.


    Up front, just after Mariana spoke, a low voice called out from behind her. “Mariana!”


    She turned to see Kolton stepping closer, his voice serious and his expression grave.


    “This isn’t something to take lightly. Don’t be rash!”


    Mariana responded with determination, “Dad, just trust me. I won’t fail. Once we take over MCN, Aurora Apparel Company will rise to be the top luxury fashion brand in the nation!”


    Kolton’s brow furrowed deeply, creating a pronounced crease. He nced at Maia, who stood nearby with a calm and detached demeanor.


    Kolton felt uneasy about the whole situation. After all, who would risk the futures of twopanies on just a designpetition? Was Maia not worried about losing? Or did she really believe that she was going to win? But how could that be? In the world of elite designers, victory was never a sure thing.


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    Though Mariana’s skills weren’t the very best, they were certainly high caliber. He certainly wouldn’t have put Aurora Apparel Company in her hands otherwise.


    Even if Maia was Eileen, the renowned designer in MCN, who had once amazed everyone, the oue had to be uncertain when pitted against Mariana now.


    Kolton couldn’t grasp what Maia was plotting.


    Noticing Kolton’s anxious expression, Mariana felt a wave of nervousness.


    “Dad, if I back down from her challenge, it’s like throwing in the towel. What will people think of me then? How can I earn respect as head of Aurora Apparel Company? You’ve always worried that the senior executives might go after me since I became the general manager right after graduation. This challenge is the perfect chance to prove myself!”


    Kolton studied Mariana’s face for a heartbeat, then spoke with grave intensity. “If you’re truly determined, then know this: in thispetition, there exists only one eptable oue. Victory is your sole option!”


    A confident smile bloomed across Mariana’s lips. “I will triumph! I’ll orchestrate Maia’s defeat so thoroughly, so humiliatingly, she’ll pay dearly for every ounce of her arrogance. If not…” her voice dropped to a fierce whisper, “I swear I’ll vanish from the design world forever!”


    Witnessing Mariana’s unwavering resolve, Kolton exhaled deeply, as though releasing the weight of mountains from his shoulders.


    He retreated a step in silence.


    Despite the conviction zing in Mariana’s deration, Kolton refused to leave even the slimmest margin for failure in this high-stakespetition.


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