?Chapter 1206:


    Anti epted the handshake with ease. “You’ve surprised me as well—your beauty surpasses your photographs.”


    She smiled warmly. “I’d love to see you wearing my designs. Trust me, it would be breathtaking.”


    It was a social skill she’d mastered through countless events: when someone praised you, don’t bask in it—return thepliment with grace, even if you didn’t truly mean it.


    Their brief exchange hit the crowd like a silent storm. Guests traded stunned nces, mouths agape.


    Someone finally stammered, “Dear God… she’s actually Anti?”


    “Impossible! Am I dreaming? Annie Crystal stands shoulder to shoulder with Radiant Jewels as one of the world’s most exclusive jewelry brands—how can its founder be so young?”


    “Wait—if Anti is here tonight, does that mean she’s been personally invited to Radiant Jewels’ new productunch and charity g?”


    At that moment, Kiley raised her voice, clear enough for all to hear.


    “Distinguished guests, please allow me to introduce Miss Anti—the founder of Annie Crystal.”


    Then, gently taking Anti’s hand, she added—loud enough for every ear in the room to catch—“Let’s talk somewhere more private. I’m truly excited about the possibility…”


    “…of Radiant Jewels coborating with Annie Crystal. In fact, I’d be honored if you’d consider bing our chief designer.”


    Her wordsnded like a seismic wave.


    This wasn’t just news—it was market-moving intelligence. The mere prospect could send Cooper Group’s stock soaring by morning.


    In an instant, the very women who had been sneering and whispering moments ago surged forward with eager smiles, desperate to exchange even a single word with Anti.


    But it was toote. Kiley was already leading Anti away, her security detail forming an imprable barrier around them.


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    A cold gust swept through the garden.


    Rosanna finally snapped out of her daze.


    “What?” she thought. “That girl… was actually Anti—the very designer I’ve read so much about?”


    “No—no! This isn’t real. This can’t be real!” Rosanna’s chest tightened, regret flooding through her like an icy tide. That girl, moments earlier, had been the very person she had idolized for years—the figure who drifted through her dreams and ambitions.


    Rosanna had yearned for the day their paths might finally cross, and just a heartbeat ago, she had stood within reach of her.


    Yet Rosanna had brushed her aside with a smirk, treating her presence like some absurd spectacle.


    She had stood there waiting—almost giddy—for Anti to be humiliated and marched out by Kiley’s security detail. And now the bitter truth struck her: the fool in this scenario wasn’t Anti. It was her.


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