Chapter 1289:


    “Certainly, they would recognize their own founder without hesitation, wouldn’t they?”


    The cutting remarks sliced through the charged atmosphere like sharpened des.


    At that precise moment, a spark of realization illuminated Kiley’s features as memory struck—she had extended an invitation to Annie Crystal as well.


    Her gaze swept across the crowd, lips curving into a calcted smile as she interjected, “Please, distinguished guests, let’s maintain ourposure. We extended a formal invitation to Annie Crystal for tonight’s productunch as well.”


    Her tone remained soft yet carried perfectly through the hall as she pressed on. “Certainly, they would never fail to identify their own founder.”


    Seizing the moment, the host gripped the microphone with renewed purpose and announced, “Would the representatives from Annie Crystal please make themselves known? Perhaps you could assist us in verifying yourpany founder’s true identity?”


    Without missing a beat, Raegan signaled her team to pull surveince footage from the registration area. The moment Annie Crystal’s delegation revealed themselves, swift identification would follow.


    Within seconds, the massive screen flickered to life with footage capturing Annie Crystal’s arrival at the registration desk. Even from behind, their presence at the venue was undeniable. Multiple figures had arrived together.


    From his position in the back row, Richie’sposure finally cracked.


    His assistant’s persistent whispers grew more urgent. “Mr. Ford, they’re challenging our founder’s credibility. We cannot remain silent any longer, can we? Our continued silence will only fuel more spection.”


    The tension escted when a nearby attendee’s recognition cut through the murmuring crowd. “Wait! Isn’t that Mr. Richie Ford, the CEO from Annie Crystal?”


    A hundred heads swiveled toward Richie in unison.


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    A voice rang out with certainty. “That’s definitely him! I encountered him at the banquet.”


    Mocking whispers rippled through the audience. “Who would’ve thought? Annie Crystal’s CEO graces us with his presence. Let’s witness how Maia maintains her charade now!”


    Nearly every gaze in the hall swiveled toward Annie Crystal’s CEO as the spotlight tracked his movement with surgical precision.


    Richie rose from his seat with deliberateposure. The impably tailored gray suit entuated hismanding presence as he stood, his expression carved from stone—a general preparing for the decisive battle ahead.


    The development sparked surprise throughout the audience, yet somehow aligned perfectly with the evening’s unfolding drama.


    Kiley’s sideways nce caught Maia’s expression of genuine shock mirroring the crowd’s astonishment.


    A calcted smile graced Kiley’s features as she proimed, “How extraordinary that Mr. Richie Ford, Annie Crystal’s esteemed CEO himself, honors us with his presence. Clearly, Radiant Jewels’test collectionmands significant industry attention.”


    Through that single masterful statement, Kiley exploited Annie Crystal’s sterling reputation to elevate Radiant Jewels’ brand positioning.


    Richie’s gaze lifted to meet the poised womanmanding the stage. Her formidable reputation in business circles preceded her, and he knew Kiley operated as a strategic force to be reckoned with. That knowledge had propelled his immediate flight here, determined to evaluate firsthand the threat Radiant Jewels’ new line posed to Annie Crystal’s market dominance.


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