Chapter 1284:


    Richie’s brows furrowed as silence settled between them, the weight of uncertainty pressing heavily on his thoughts.


    Aurielle was the first to rise and apud the moment Anti wrapped up her review on stage. Her gaze never wavered from Anti, admiration shimmering in her eyes like a clear spring about to overflow.


    “Ipletely agree with Anti’s perspective,” Aurielle dered. “It’s already the most perfect review—I couldn’t have said it better myself.”


    Kiley responded with a gentle nod, her lips curling into a wless smile. “Thank you both, Anti and Ms. Margaret, for such insightful reviews. To be honest, I never imagined receiving such glowing praise from you.”


    Her eyes then drifted toward Maia, and the curve of her smile deepened slightly. “Of course, everyone interprets design in their own way. After all, we’re gathered here not topete but to exchange ideas.”


    Kiley paused deliberately, her gaze shifting toward therge screen.


    In an instant, the screen flickered and froze on a close-up of Maia’s earlier frown and detached expression.


    “I couldn’t help but notice Miss Watson’s reaction,” Kiley said smoothly, her tone gentle yetced with precision. “Perhaps she has her own insights—whether praise or criticism. Please, Miss Watson, feel free to share your thoughts.”


    Silence fell like a curtain. Every eye in the hall turned toward Maia, bright as spotlights.


    Maia lifted her head slightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Do you really want to hear the criticism?” she asked softly, then sighed.


    Maia’s conscience was still troubling her. Watching the young woman before her tread the wrong path—polished words hiding falsehoods—made her heart sink. She believed this so-called Anti was merely a pawn in someone else’s game.


    And if she didn’t expose the truth today, Annie Crystal’s hard-won reputation might be dragged through the mud.


    Besides, the ws in this design were as in as day to Maia.


    Annie Crystal had to keep its name untarnished—for once its reputation cracked, countless skilled designers would lose both work and security.


    Resolving her thoughts, Maia shook her head slightly. Her eyes sharpened, and her voice cut through the quiet like a drawn de. “To be frank, Radiant Jewels’ design this time still has plenty of room for improvement.”


    Almost instantly, the chat feed erupted like a storm.


    “This woman doesn’t know what she’s talking about! Does she even understand jewelry design?”


    “Exactly! She’s just a fashion designer. What’s she showing off for? How dare she criticize Radiant Jewels? Who does she think she is?”


    “Is Maia Watson just stirring trouble for attention? What a stunt!”


    Maia remainedposed, her eyes steady as she turned toward Anti. “I believe your exnation just now was off the mark—itcked harmony and bnce in the overall design.” She paused, her gaze reflecting the flicker of panic in Anti’s eyes. “And besides, you’re still young. If you truly love jewelry design, I hope you spend your time learning—not deceiving others.”


    The hall erupted into chaos.


    But Maia did not flinch. Her voice was calm, each wordnding like a stone in still water. “You are not Anti, are you?”


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