Chapter 1283:


    That sharp contrast quickly fueled another wave of chatter online.


    “Even Aurielle, who’s famously hard to impress, was moved by Anti’s words. But Maia wasn’t?”


    “Is she there to disrupt the event? She’s been stone-faced from the start, like she’s not even paying attention.”


    “Maybe Maia finds Anti’s thoughts too basic. Could it be she thinks her own ideas are deeper?”


    “She hasn’t cracked a smile once. What’s she doing there? Trying to stir something up?”


    Then, after a brief moment of silence, Anti rose from the judges’ table and made her way toward the five new designs from Radiant Jewels. Confidence radiated from her as she reveled in the attention surrounding her triumph.


    “Thetest collection from Radiant Jewels speaks volumes of precision and artistry. Every gemstone has been shaped with remarkable care, and each facet seems to whisper its own story. The four-leaf clover, beyond being a symbol of luck, reflects the rhythm of nature—the shift of seasons and the gentle march of time. To me, these pieces go beyond ornaments. They feel like promises, small emblems of hope that echo life’s persistence. Look at this one. The emerald cut doesn’t just reveal the gem’s brilliance. It creates a dance of light, alive and moving.” With a faint smile, she gave it a gentle shake. “That glimmer reminds me of moments in life—fleeting, yet unforgettable.”


    A gentle wave of whispers rippled through the audience. Many nodded, visibly drawn in by her words and the meaning she breathed into each piece.


    With each passing moment, Anti’s energy heightened. She began evaluating the entire set with animated enthusiasm. Stars in Summer Night shimmered like a warm evening sky. Autumn Melody burned with the richness of red leaves. Winter’s Whisper held the stillness of frost, while Eternity mirrored the endless loop of time itself. Her descriptions flowed like verses, filled with elegance and quiet grace.


    Every word seemed drenched in admiration, leaving no hint of criticism—as though she were praising her own creations rather than another brand’s.


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    From the back row, a young designer turned to the man beside her, her brows furrowed in disbelief. “Mr. Ford, is she really part of ourpany? The way she’s talking, you’d think she works for Radiant Jewels.”


    Beside her sat Richie Ford, the current president of Annie Crystal. Narrowing his eyes, he leaned closer and muttered, “I can’t say for sure. I’ve never actually met Anti in person.”


    The woman’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You haven’t? Not even you?”


    Despite being one of Annie Crystal’s founders, Anti remained an enigma to most within thepany.


    The young designer had always assumed the CEO would know her personally, but his answer left her momentarily speechless.


    “It’s strange, isn’t it?” Richie admitted with a faint, humorless smile. “But that’s how it’s always been. Our conversations happen only through email.” His gaze drifted toward the stage. “Even so, she doesn’t seem like how I pictured her. She looks far too young.”


    “She’splimenting Radiant Jewels!” the woman said, twisting her fingers nervously. “Why would she do that? Did we offend her somehow? Or is she trying to ruin Annie Crystal’s image?”


    Richie said nothing in response. He had hurried to attend the banquet precisely because he feared something like this might unfold.


    But here it was—Anti, standing before everyone, praising their rival with undeniable confidence. Her words flowed so seamlessly, so convincingly, that Richie couldn’t bring himself to object.


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