?Chapter 796:

    Right then, Kiley ced a gentle hand on Mariana’s shoulder, urging her to stop fueling the fire. With a graceful step forward, she drew everyone’s attention. Her eyes, steady and sharp, locked onto Maia with an air of calm superiority.

    “Miss Watson. Word travels fast. They say you stirred up quite the scene at the Cooper Group’s banquet.” Her voice was measured, yet her words cut with precision. “If you’re truly that bold, let’s raise the stakes this time. Should you lose, we expect you to hand over the Aurora Apparel Company and go public with an apology, admitting you faked being Matias.”

    She paused, her gaze tightening like a de. “But if you win, Miss Watson, you’ll have our word. Name your price, and we’ll honor it — so long as it’s within reason.”

    The moment those words hit the air, the audience buzzed with disbelief. Nobody had anticipated that Kiley’s opening statement would turn a simple art demonstration into a high-stakes battle for reputation.

    With her chin resting lightly in her palm, Maia slipped into silent reflection, her eyes glimmering.

    Truth be told, she had never nned to reveal herself as Matias so soon. But with Mariana and Kiley practically forcing a challenge, there was no reason to hold back.

    Besides, stirring up trouble for Cooper Group aligned perfectly with her strategy.

    Seeing both Kiley and Mariana together confirmed her suspicions — Cooper Group intended to branch out, using Radiant Jewels’ influence and their own resources tounch Mariana as a star in the art world.

    Allowing Cooper Group to grow stronger was out of the question. The weaker they became, the better Maia’s chances of snapping up their shares and seizing control.

    Resolute, Maia lifted her head, her cool gaze locking on Kiley and Mariana.

    “Is that the best you can do? Since you’re so eager for excitement, why not make things truly interesting?”

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    Her casual taunt sent another ripple of shock through the crowd. Her tone was light, yet her words carried a razor’s edge, leaving the onlookers reeling.

    Whispers swept through the hall as people exchanged uneasy nces.

    “Is she actually taking the bait? Isn’t she worried about losing?”

    “She must be crazy — the challenge is already risky, and she wants to add more?”

    “She’s gambling everything on this. Has shepletely lost her mind?”

    Doubt quickly gave way to curiosity, and a tense hush settled over the room.

    Unable to bite her tongue, Raegan stepped forward with a sharp scoff. “Miss Watson, you’re giving yourself far too much credit.” Her eyes narrowed with scorn. “I’ve crossed paths with plenty of arrogant people, but never someone reckless enough to challenge fate when the odds are stacked against her. Take my advice — drop the act. You want to raise the stakes? You’d better be sure you can handle defeat.”

    After making sure her words had sunk in, she let out a sharpugh, contempt curling across her lips.

    “Or maybe… you nned all along to skip out on your promise if things go south?”

    Her jeering remarks drew snickers from several bystanders, fanning the crowd’s growing excitement.

    Maia, however, remainedposed. She gave Raegan a steady, indifferent nce before turning away, dismissing her entirely.

    That silent disregard struck Raegan harder than words. Her body stiffened with frustration. “You—”

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