Chapter 1263:


    “Who exactly is Maia Watson? How did she manage to earn such remarkable titles?”


    “You really don’t know? Maia’s quite the legend. When Kiley invited her, she didn’t even ept at first. Everyone was waiting for her answer. If the public hadn’t pressured her, she probably wouldn’t have shown up at all.”


    “Kiley clearly mentioned Maia for a reason. Everyone knows Maia’s earned quite a fortune through her different identities. Maybe this is Kiley’s way of reminding her it’s time to give something back.”


    A few guests exchanged knowing looks, the glint of gossip bright in their eyes as they followed Kiley’s gaze toward Maia.


    “Is that really Maia Watson? She’s pretty, I’ll give her that, but something about her attitude feels off.”


    “If she didn’t want to attend, she shouldn’t have. No one forced her, right? Acting like she’s above everyone else—it’s so pretentious.”


    “Honestly, what’s so special about Maia? She’s just some popr online figure. I heard she grew up in a poor neighborhood, and her parents were barely getting by. Doesn’t exactly scream ss to me.”


    At the sound of that cruel remark, Ethan’s temper snapped. His head jerked toward the voices, his expression darkening. “What garbage are they spewing?” His jaw tightened, and his shoulders quivered while his eyes fixed on Maia.


    Yet Maia remainedposed, her posture elegant and her smile unbroken. Just as she’d said earlier, no one’s words could touch her now.


    Ethan, however, couldn’t bear it. He was about to rise and defend her when a firm hand pressed against his shoulder.


    Chris leaned closer, his tone dripping with disdain. “Let it go. Those people have no sense of decency. All they know is to unt family names and old wealth. Without their ancestors’ shadows, they’d have nothing to boast about.”


    The pointed sarcasm in his voice drew attention, and soon low chuckles rippled through the crowd.


    hosts great stories


    “Not judging by background or lineage? Then what else is there to judge? Every elite circle values family standing. That’s how the world works.”


    “He’s just a bastard, yet talks like he’s some kind of genius. How utterlyughable!”


    “And honestly, if Chris weren’t a Cooper, he wouldn’t even qualify to set foot in this ce.”


    At that instant, Kiley’s voice rang out across the hall once again.


    Kiley’s voice rang out with confidence and poise as she moved on to acknowledge her second special guest. “I want to recognize Aurielle Margaret,” she said. “She holds the position of president at the International Jewelry Design Association and has made a name for herself as a master of contemporary jewelry design.”


    A subtle smile yed across Kiley’s face. Her eyes moved away from Maia and found someone else on the stage. “Everyone’s aware of Ms. Margaret’s reputation,” she continued. “Only the cream of the crop in jewelry brands manage to catch her attention. Radiant Jewels is proud to have earned her approval. We’re a local brand under Cooper Group’s umbre.”


    The cameras swiveled toward Aurielle right away. Her hair had gone silver with age, and everything about her movements screamed sophistication. She gave a slight nod and got to her feet, smiling. Her hand lifted in a wave for the photographers. She came across like somebody’s sweet grandmother.


    People found it tough to believe this was the same woman once famous for ruthlessly critiquing jewelry. She used to have a reputation for spotting ws nobody else could see and speaking her mind without sugarcoating anything.


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