?Chapter 801:

    Once Maia had departed, a long silence settled between them before Kiley finally let her gaze drift toward Raegan. Her question came softly and low. “So, what’s your take on Maia?”

    With a careless shrug, Raegan swayed her hips and looped her arm around Kiley’s, lounging as if nothing could faze her. “She thinks a few small wins make her a big shot. Honestly, I’ve met dozens just like her — quick to get defensive and too proud for her own good.”

    As Raegan swept her hair over one shoulder, she let her gaze drift to Mariana, a sly smile ying on her lips. A moment ago, she had picked up on Mariana’s obvious attempt to raise the stakes. It made her wonder if those feelings for the Cooper Group’s illegitimate son ran deeper than simple disdain.

    That might be the sort of detail her boss would want to know about.

    Kiley’s eyes narrowed, a shadow flickering across her face as she followed Raegan’s gaze to where Mariana stood. Her voice, sharp and cool, cut through the room.

    “Mariana, you should know better. As a Cooper,posure is everything. You made this move without even consulting me. I hope you’re not acting on a whim — because you’d better be absolutely certain you can win.”

    But Mariana didn’t flinch. Her gaze held firm, zing with defiance.

    “I’m not uncertain, Kiley. I will win. What Maia stole from me — I’m taking it back with my own hands.”

    Kiley’s eyebrows flickered, her stern gaze softening just a touch. She stepped deliberately to Mariana’s side, resting a slender hand lightly on her shoulder. Her voice, calm and measured, carried quiet authority.

    “Mariana, your determination is admirable, but if you want to win, determination alone won’t carry you there.”

    Mariana blinked, puzzled by the calm shift in her sister’s tone.

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    Kiley exhaled slowly, her words turning coaxing, almost instructive.

    “Tell me — what kind of painting are you strongest at? If you truly want to win, you need strategy, not just bravado. Use every strength you’ve got. Bend the field to your advantage.”

    A flicker of confidence lit Mariana’s eyes.

    After a pause, she said evenly,

    “Portraits. Especially women. I’ve won two national gold medals for it.”

    “Perfect,” Kiley murmured, satisfaction curving her lips. “Then tomorrow, that’s the battlefield we choose. And Mariana — assume Maia is at the top of her game. Treat her like a master, even if you think she’s not. Because the moment you let your guard down… that’s when you fall.”

    A faint smile tugged at Mariana’s lips. As always, her sister’s precision and calcted calm were unwavering — but this time, Mariana felt no need to worry.

    “Maia’s nothing but a fa?ade. Four years in prison, focused on fashion design. How much time could she have had for painting? I’ve been at this since I was a child.”

    She turned to meet Kiley’s gaze, chin lifted with pride.

    “Don’t you trust me?”

    “I do. But I trust the power of preparation more,” Kiley said coolly, her voice dropping to a razor-sharp edge. “I’ll take care of the venue. Everything will be arranged to give you the upper hand. Your job is simple — paint like your life depends on it. Leave Maia no opening. No mercy. Understood?”

    “Crystal clear,” Mariana said, her eyes glinting with contempt as she nced toward the exit Maia had taken. “Even if Maia can paint, there’s no way she’s caught up to my level in just a few short years.”

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