?Chapter 408:


    “Ms. Vaughn, I really admire the dresses you designed. Could you… could you sign this for me?”


    Maia was well aware of the disparaging remarks they had made behind her back, but she showed no sign of irritation. Instead, she smiled lightly, took the notebook, and elegantly signed “Eileen” on the page.


    The socialites were both excited and touched. They finally realized that Eileen wasn’t just an amazing designer — she was down-to-earth and approachable too.


    So what if she had been to prison? That was all in the past. Maybe without those experiences, she wouldn’t be where she was today. If anyone dared to badmouth Eileen again, these women wouldn’t let them go easily!


    By the way, when would the four dresses Maia had designed tonight be avable? They just couldn’t wait! No matter the cost, these socialites needed to have thest one.


    Their views on Maia hadpletely transformed, now filled with genuine respect and admiration.


    After the gruelingpetition, Maia felt the toll of exhaustion, and hunger was quickly setting in.


    For her, the best antidote to fatigue was either a good sleep or a satisfying meal.


    Tonight, the Cooper Group’s private banquet offered avish spread, featuring an impressive array of gourmet dishes that beckoned invitingly.


    After politely declining further toasts from other guests, Maia began to explore the banquet table, searching for something delicious to eat.


    Suddenly, a tall figure appeared, blocking her view.


    Looking up, she saw Chris standing before her, offering a te with a delicate strawberry cake.


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    “This is the top cake at the Cooper Group’s banquet. Want a bite?”


    With a yful narrowing of her eyes and a slight raise of her eyebrow, Maia epted the cake, her curiosity piqued.


    “Do you frequent the Cooper Group’s banquets often?”


    Chris responded with a light chuckle, “I used to attend as a child. This strawberry cake was always my favorite. It’s surprising they still serve it. Just like good food, it remains consistently delicious.”


    Hearing this, Maia’s curiosity about the cake’s taste grew. It appeared unassuming — could it really be as exceptional as Chris had suggested?


    Maia delicately scooped a small piece and tasted it. As the silky cream dissolved on her tongue, the lush sweetness of strawberries enveloped her senses.


    Her eyes widened in sheer amazement.


    She gazed at the modest strawberry cake in astonishment — it surpassed any she had ever tried.


    “This is incredible!” Maia couldn’t help but exim, her fatigue dissipating as a lively, genuine smile brightened her face. The stern demeanor she had maintained through thepetition softened, revealing the youthful warmth usually hidden by her formidable presence.


    With her eyebrows raised in surprise, she turned to Chris, her voice bubbling with excitement. “Who made this strawberry cake?”


    Chris paused momentarily before replying, “My mom.”


    Maia’s expression briefly flickered with uncertainty.


    Chris continued, “She used to work for the Cooper Group. This cake was my grandfather’s favorite. Before she retired, she taught the kitchen staff how to make it, and they’ve kept the tradition alive ever since.”


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