?Chapter 1233:


    Each remark was carefully targeted, steering public opinion exactly where Kiley wanted it to go.


    Before long, the topic “Will Maia donate?” climbed to third ce on the trending list.


    It felt as though the full weight of public scrutiny hovered over Maia’s head, sharp and merciless.


    At 11:30 a.m., inside the CEO’s office at MCN headquarters, Pattie stared at her phone screen, fury burning in her chest. Thements made her fingers tremble. For a split second, she nearly hurled the phone across the room.


    “That shameless Kiley Cooper,” she hissed. “She’s manipting social media to turn everyone against Maia.”


    Her temper red as she dialed Maia’s number.


    Before she could speak, Maia’s voice came through, calm and steady.


    “I was just about to call you, Pattie. It’s about time. Let’s head to the venue early.”


    Pattie froze, startled by Maia’s unusual decisiveness.


    “What? Did I hear that right?” she blurted. “You finally realize how bad this looks? I was about to tell you the same thing. If we show up early and the reporters catch us, those angryments will disappear.”


    She paced in frustration. “Listen, Maia, Kiley’s using public pressure to squeeze money out of us and MCN. I was ready to donate earlier, but now? Not a single coin to that so-called charity foundation. It’s a setup.”


    There was silence on the line. Then Maia replied, “I’ll go after lunch with Chris. You should eat too.”


    The call ended.


    Pattie lowered the phone, her brow deeply furrowed. She exhaled sharply, trying to steady her nerves.


    Fine. Lunch first, then battleter.


    She grabbed her jacket and stepped into the hallway.


    Stay updated with galnσν??????.c?m


    As the elevator doors slid open, she stopped short.


    Standing there was a tall figure—Rnd.


    Her pulse quickened. She strode toward him. “Rnd? What brings you here?”


    Rnd reached into his coat and took out a sleek ck-and-gold invitation. The words “Cooper Group Charity G” shimmered under the light, bold and deliberate.


    He cleared his throat, his tone slightly uneven as he spoke. “I’m going to the g as well, so I figured—”


    “I know what you mean,” Pattie said with an amused grin, finishing his thought. “You’re hoping to go with me, aren’t you?”


    The irritation stirred by the onlinements began to fade the moment she saw him. Whatever flimsy excuse he had for showing up no longer mattered. To her, his presence alone was reason enough.


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