Chapter 799
Chapter 799:
“I’ve got to hand it to her — she’s got guts. Or maybe she’s just all show and no substance. Inside, she might be shaking like a leaf p>
“Or perhaps it’s all a performance — a calculated move to unnerve her opponent and throw them off balance p>
Yet Chris felt a warm surge in his chest as he heard Maia’s words. She was standing up for him — shielding him, even now.
Mariana, hearing the murmurs, allowed a smug smile to curl her lips. She was ready to settle the matter on the spot. But then Kiley stepped in.
“In that case,” she said coolly, “let’s hold the competition tomorrow at ten in the morning. Take the day to prepare properly. That way, no one can claim Mariana took advantage of you p>
Her eyes calmly swept across Maia before landing on Grover. “We’d be honored if you would serve as the witness and judge for tomorrow’s match p>
Grover blinked, surprised by the sudden request, but nodded quickly. This situation was well beyond his control now. With the Cooper Group involved, he had no choice but to ride the tide.
Kiley continued, her tone firm and measured. “And to ensure absolute fairness, the drawing theme will be chosen at random — from ideas submitted by the audience. Anyone who wishes to suggest a theme can hand it to the staff. Tomorrow, Mr. Perez will draw one personally p>
After she finished speaking, Kiley turned her gaze back to Maia, her eyes flickering with a quiet chill. “Ms. Watson, do you find these terms acceptable p>
Mariana glanced sideways at Kiley, faintly puzzled. She knew Kiley well enough to recognize that nothing she proposed was ever as innocent as it appeared. This seemingly fair arrangement must already be rigged. Kiley had likely made plans to sway the outcome — stacking the deck in favor of a theme she excelled at, tipping the scales subtly in her favor.
With that realization, Mariana’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “It all sounds perfectly fair to me. Maia, surely you don’t object p>
𝐋𝚊𝓉𝐞𝑠𝓉 сһα𝓹𝖙𝑒𝗋𝓈
At that moment, the Cooper sisters — each for her own reasons — reached an unspoken agreement. Victory was the common goal.
But before Maia could respond, the onlookers began chiming in.
“This is an excellent plan! It’s completely fair. Ms. Cooper’s leadership at Radiant Jewels is truly impressive p>
“And letting us participate by suggesting themes? That’s brilliant — it makes it all the more exciting p>
“If Maia refuses now, it just means she’s afraid. Any real artist should be able to handle any topic thrown their way p>
All eyes turned to Maia — some filled with hope, others tinged with doubt. She stood quietly, listening to the noise around her, a subtle, enigmatic smile on her lips.
“I have no objections p>
Her calm words reignited the crowd’s excitement like a spark to dry tinder.
Without lingering on the matter, Maia turned her attention to Kiley and asked, almost casually, “Oh, by the way… earlier, you said that if I win, I can ask anything of you, as long as it’s within your power. Is that still your promise p>
Kiley gave a poised nod, her expression serene yet self-assured. “That’s right. I stand by my words p>
She paused, her voice smooth as a ribbon. “So, Ms. Watson… have you already decided what you’ll ask for p>