Chapter 406
Chapter 406:
Tremors coursed through Mariana’s body as her eyes burned with tears she refused to release.
Forever the adored prodigy, bathed in universal admiration and envy, Mariana found herself utterly unprepared for this spectacular downfall. Her once impenetrable pride and confidence now lay in ruins around her.
What truly struck terror into Mariana’s heart, however, was the crushing realization that Aurora Apparel Company — the crown jewel among the Cooper Group’s prestigious brands — was slipping through her fingers.
“Father…” The word escaped Mariana’s quivering lips as a fragile whisper, barely audible in the tense silence.
Kolton’s posture transformed instantly, his body going rigid as his expression darkened to a stormy intensity that sent Mariana’s heart racing with primal fear.
Only the presence of countless witnesses prevented her tears from flowing freely in torrential surrender.
After what seemed an eternity of suffocating silence, Kolton’s fingers twitched almost imperceptibly as he slowly lifted his gaze to meet Maia’s.
Kolton’s fists were clenched tight, a visible vein pulsing on his forehead as he battled his frustration. He remained silent, the struggle evident as he searched for words. “Miss Watson has prevailed. I will fulfill our agreement p>
The preparations Maia had made prior to the competition had cornered Kolton into a situation he couldn’t escape. He had vowed publicly, with the elite families of Wront as witnesses, and retracting his word would devastate both his and his company’s reputation.
In the realm of business, trust was paramount. Kolton couldn’t jeopardize the Cooper Group’s integrity for the sake of Aurora Apparel Company. Reluctantly, he acknowledged his defeat.
“Dad!” Mariana, nearly overwhelmed, raced to Kolton. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she pleaded hoarsely, “This was all a scheme by Maia! We can’t just let her win and take Aurora Apparel Company like this p>
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Her emotional outcry didn’t go unnoticed; the guests around them began murmuring.
“What scheme? Wasn’t it she who challenged Ms. Watson to this competition p>
“Exactly. Ms. Watson was upfront about the terms before the competition, and Mariana accepted them p>
“If you’re outplayed, you just have to accept it p>
“I get why Miss Cooper is upset, but if she took the bet, she should have been ready to face the consequences. If the Cooper Group starts reneging on their word, who would trust them in the future p>
The whispers and comments from the crowd only exacerbated Kolton’s irritation. He spun around to face Mariana and snapped, “That’s enough! Keep it down p>
Mariana recoiled at his sharp command, her body shaking. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clutched her brother Claudius’ sleeve, weeping, “Claudius, please, talk to Dad on my behalf! I didn’t mean for this to happen. I didn’t want any of this p>
Claudius regarded his sister with a mixture of frustration and pity, exhaling a weary sigh. “You’ve really stirred up trouble. It’s best if you stay quiet for now p>
When she realized that neither her father nor her brother would advocate for her, despair settled in Mariana’s heart. Was she really about to lose Aurora Apparel Company to Maia?
Mariana had yet to take the helm at Aurora Apparel, to leave her imprint on the fashion industry, or to rise as the nation’s premier designer.
Her legs buckled beneath her, and she almost fell to the floor.
Quickly, Claudius caught her and shouted for assistance, his tone authoritative. “Take Mariana to her room to rest immediately p>