Chapter 1265:


    Raegan’s gaze held steady. “There’s more. After prison, she wrested apany from Mariana, Ms. Cooper’s sister.” She paused, letting the weight settle, then added, “Aurora Apparel Company, once a titan in fashion design.”


    Anti’s shock deepened, her voice sharp. “Wrested it? How did she pull that off? Deceit? Threats?”


    A master con herself, Anti couldn’t fathom someone outmatching her. Maia’s feat seemed too grand for mere trickery.


    Curiosity sparked within her. Perhaps she’d visit Maia to unravel her story.


    Raegan shrugged, her tone cautious. “It’s all spection. I’m not certain.” She then continued, “But everyone in Wront calls Maia a local legend, so it’s not hard to understand why Ms. Cooper put her first on the list of people to thank, likely considering her influence.”


    The host’s voice cut through the murmurs. “Please settle down. Ms. Cooper has special guests to thank.”


    Silence fell over the hall.


    Pattie frowned, leaning toward Maia. “What’s with Kiley’s dramatic pauses? Trying to steal the show? And making you first on her thank-you list feels like a setup.”


    Maia’s faint smile held quiet confidence. “I know,” she murmured, patting Pattie’s hand gently.


    The spotlight swung to Kiley, who seized the microphone.


    “I want to thank a guest, a giant in jewelry design yet fiercely private. The founder of Annie Crystal, the visionary designer, Anti.”


    Gasps echoed through the room, shock rippling at the unexpected reveal.


    Maia’s eyes widened, surprise etching her face.


    Even Aurielle, ever poised as president of the International Jewelry Design Association, couldn’t mask her astonishment, her gaze sweeping the room for Anti.


    Aurielle had oftenuded Anti’s bold designs, letting slip her admiration more than once.


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    Aurielle stayedposed on the outside, but inside she felt a twinge of annoyance. Kiley hadn’t acknowledged her first, and that stung. The irritation grew worse when she realized there was yet another guest getting a special shout-out after her.


    Being President of the International Jewelry Association, Aurielle thought she deserved the spotlight. She wasn’t the first to get praised, but in her mind, she should’ve been the big finish. How could someone else get recognized after her?


    All that frustration melted away, though, when Kiley finally said the name Anti. Aurielle immediately felt that it was well-earned. Anti truly deserved that kind of recognition.


    Meanwhile, the inte went wild. Mentions of Anti skyrocketed to the top of trending lists almost instantly. Within three minutes, thement sections werepletely jam-packed.


    It was like everyone online had sugar in their veins, typing nonstop like maniacs.


    “Wow, this is huge! Cooper Group actually brought in Aurielle and Anti.”


    “Kiley really knows how to make an impression.”


    “I can’t believe Radiant Jewels managed to get Anti. If she touches the new designs, will there even be anything left for us to buy? Everything’s gonna sell out instantly.”


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