Chapter 1351:


    “Maia must be orchestrating this for Kiley’s benefit, acting from pure generosity.”


    Standing beneath the stage lights, Maia found herself momentarily speechless. She desperately wished this mysterious man wouldn’t be the unwitting benefactor propping up the Cooper Group’s scheme, yet he seemed determined to step into the trap.


    She began suspecting this vaguely familiar figure had been nted by Kiley to artificially inte the charity g’s donation total through exaggerated bidding.


    This pattern couldn’t continue. Maia decided intervention was essential. Her fingers tightened.


    Beside her, Kiley’sposure was threadbare, barely restraining theughter threatening to escape.


    Though she couldn’t decipher Maia’s true intentions, the current trajectory was clear: the Cooper Group emerged as the undisputed victor.


    Her father, Kolton, would be thrilled with tonight’s oue.


    Seizing a moment when Kiley’s attention wavered, Maia smoothly took the microphone.


    “Sir, have we met before?” She glided toward him, her voice honeyed with concern. “The jewelry you’re bidding on hasn’t even been crafted yet. You needn’t invest such a staggering amount in something hypothetical. Please reconsider carefully and avoid acting on impulse.”


    Maia had no intention of exposing Kiley’s machinations prematurely—she needed to buy precious time for Chris’s coordinated actions behind the scenes.


    Beyond that, she aimed to set additional traps for Kiley, nurturing her confidence that tonight would yield even more illicit funds.


    The man’s expression hardened when Maia’s words reached him. He lifted his gaze, meeting Maia’s scrutinizing stare, and rm shed across his features like lightning.


    Impossible! Could she have actually recognized him after all this time?


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    The man swallowed hard, sensing the situation bing precarious.


    He had deliberately changed his hairstyle earlier that day, yet the disguise had aplished nothing.


    Resigned, he abandoned his charade and prepared to reveal his true purpose.


    This scene, however, sent panic through Kiley, who stood behind Maia. If this wealthy bidder abandoned the auction now, the financial repercussions would be severe.


    Kiley stepped forward smoothly and took the microphone from the host. “Ladies and gentlemen, I recognize everyone’s eagerness to acquire Maia’s auction items, butposure is essential. As Ms. Watson has wisely advised, rash impulses lead to regret. Once a bid is made, it cannot be retracted.”


    She maintained her bright smile, deftly twisting Maia’s cautionary words into benevolent guidance while reinforcing the auction’s binding rules to secure bids. Her performance was wless.


    Now, if the man dared withdraw, public skepticism would descend on him.


    “I’m remarkably calm, and I appreciate your concern. Second thoughts won’t be necessary,” the man dered, bowing slightly in a gesture of unexpected reverence. Humility colored his tone as he addressed Maia directly. “We have indeed met, though only briefly. I never imagined you’d remember, Ms. Watson. The honor is entirely mine.”


    Silence fell over the hall.


    The hush stemmed not only from his refusal to withdraw, but also from witnessing such a bold figure—someone who carried himself with confidence—showing profound respect toward Maia.


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