Chapter 1280:


    Maia’s brow furrowed slightly. She had delivered a precise, by-the-book introduction. More importantly, Kiley had never asked for her personal interpretation. Why was Anti shifting the focus like this?


    A nce at Kiley’s smug expression confirmed Maia’s suspicion that this was a carefully orchestrated public ambush.


    “Pardon the interruption, Anti,” Maia’s voice cut through the murmurs, steady and clear, drawing all eyes back to her.


    No one enjoyed being the target of a setup, least of all her. She felt zero obligation to participate in the maniptive little drama Kiley and the young designer were staging.


    “My earlier remarks were a simple introduction to the collection’s origins, not an interpretive analysis,” she stated, her gaze calm and unyielding. “But since you’ve raised the subject of deeper understanding, Anti—as the world’s most celebrated jewelry designer—I’m certain you have unique insights to share. I believe everyone here is as eager as I am to hear them. So, I’ll happily yield the floor to you.”


    With that, Maia took her seat, settling back as if she were an audience member preparing to enjoy a performance.


    A ripple of understanding passed through the crowd. Some realized Kiley had never actually asked for an interpretation, making Maia’s initial response perfectly adequate. Others, however, remained under Anti’s spell.


    When people idolize someone, they often view them through a forgiving lens, where even missteps can be seen as endearing quirks.


    Online, the tide ofments shifted. The criticism directed at Maia was swiftly drowned out by Anti’s legion of fervent fans.


    “Maia has a point. Anti is the definitive voice in jewelry design today.”


    “I can’t wait to hear Anti’s perspective! This is a masterss in the making.”


    “Ugh, why is the camera on someone else? This is Anti’s moment! I only want to see her!”


    Meanwhile, seated in the audience, Ss leaned back in his chair, an appreciative glint in his eyes as he watched Maia’s confident and poised retreat.


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    “Well yed,” he thought. Maia was quick-witted, knowing precisely when to advance and when to withdraw. Arguing about design with the immensely popr Anti would have been a trap. Instead, she had deftly turned the tables, putting the pressure back on the young designer.


    A momentter, Ss caught himself and frowned.


    Why was he admiring his opponent? It wasn’t ack of resolve—she was simply thatpelling. For a fleeting instant, he even felt a renewed temptation to reconsider his allegiance to The Mask.


    Shaking his head, he crossed his legs, refocusing his thoughts.


    A soft, sharp sound beside him drew his attention. It was Rosanna, her face dark and her gaze venomous. Ss couldn’t help but think that Austen must have been blind to be taken in by a woman with such a transparently bitter spirit.


    Back on stage, Kiley’s voice broke the silence, her expression a mask of pleasant neutrality, though inwardly she seethed with regret that Maia hadn’t taken the bait more recklessly.


    “Then let’s not keep everyone waiting,” she said, her voice sweet. “Anti, the floor is yours. Please, enlighten us.”


    Anti’s fingers drummed an irritable rhythm against the polished armrest, her mind already scheming retaliation for Maia’s bold interruption.


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    Message from Noa: Have a very lovely week, dear readers. God loves you, and Noa wishes you all the best. ?(?? ? ? )??


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