Chapter 1296:


    The unexpected viciousness of her nder made Richie’s face darken as rity snapped back into focus.


    He realized Aurielle had crossed intoplete irrationality.


    How could she possibly spew such usations?


    This behavior obliterated every aspect of the respected jewelry authority and association president the public believed her to be.


    Within seconds, Aurielle swept the microphone back to her mouth. “I’m aware you’ve never actually encountered your founder face-to-face, so considering that…”


    She rotated back toward Maia, her voice plummeting to arctic temperatures. “I don’t know what you’ve dangled before Richie to earn his support, but I refuse to stand by while you swindle the entire world.”


    Aurielle amplified her voice until itmanded the room. “Every person in attendance tonight represents distinction and influence. I’m asking you all to bear witness. Let’s settle who the genuine Anti is by examining the clover jewelry design sketches as our definitive evidence. I assume no one objects to this approach.”


    She swiveled her focus back to Kiley. “Ms. Cooper, I’d value your perspective.”


    Kiley released a soft, knowingugh. She hadn’t dared hope fortune would smile this brilliantly upon her schemes. Events had materialized exactly as she’d calcted.


    In certain respects, reality had even exceeded her most optimistic projections—like sessfully engineering open warfare between Maia and Aurielle.


    Whether Maia genuinely was Anti carried zero weight in Kiley’s calctions. As long as Maia exhibited her jewelry design abilities, that alone would prove sufficient to summon Raegan’s carefully positioned operative, who would inevitably surface to seed doubt and stoke the mes of controversy.


    “Of course, Ms. Margaret. What an excellent proposal.” Kiley’s tone was smooth, her expression a mask of sincerity as she yed the part of the harmless observer. “If my Clover Series can inspire better creations, I would be thrilled to invest in outstanding designs that elevate our Radiant Jewels brand. After all, our founding purpose has always been to pursue perfection. While theunch of our new line may face dys, I will never tolerate anyone pretending to be the real Anti.”


    Her words dripped with grace and poise, yet every syble carried strategic precision.


    Magic begins at g α? ησ ν?? ??s


    Kiley used the moment masterfully, painting herself as magnanimous, unconcerned with profit or prestige. She positioned herself as a paragon of virtue—someone standing up for integrity in the industry.


    Her carefully chosen words not only lifted her reputation but also turned the entire exchange into a golden marketing moment, wlessly showcasing Radiant Jewels’ vision before millions of viewers.


    At that point, the event’s live broadcast ratings soared to record-breaking heights.


    Kiley turned toward Maia with a polite, knowing smile. “So, Ms. Watson, I trust you won’t take offense at my interruption and that you’ll ept this challenge with grace.”


    All eyes snapped to Maia once again.


    In the audience, Ethan sat rigid in his chair, tension locking his chest until he could barely breathe.


    Beside him, Pattie’s hand instinctively tightened around Rnd’s.


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