?Chapter 229:

    No media outlet had ever managed to capture a clear photograph of Vincent and Katelyn together, despite the constant swirl of rumors surrounding them.

    The only identifiable image was taken at a restaurant, while another—showing Vincent escorting Katelyn home—was so dimly lit that their faces were barely visible.

    People had doubted the legitimacy of that image, but neither Vincent nor Katelyn had ever addressed the spection. For now, they were seen together in public, standing side by side for all to witness.

    Whispers moved through the audience below the stage.

    “Look at them. Their presence and appearance together just seem perfect.”

    “A good-looking man with a beautiful woman. They’re incredibly striking. In my honest opinion, it feels like these two belong together.”

    The murmurs, though spoken nearby, didn’t reach Katelyn and Vincent on stage.

    As they settled into their seats, therge screen behind them illuminated, presenting nned graphics and text: “Adams Group’s New Jewelry Series Launch.”

    Vincent sat at the head of the table and looked around the room with a focused, steady gaze. His presence seemed to carry an unseen force, causing the loud crowd to fall silent as if a mute button had been pressed.

    “The Adams Group’s new productunch is starting now. You are wee to ask any questions.”

    His clear, firm voice resonated through the speakers.

    At the same time, the Wheeler Group’sunch event had also just begun. The twopanies had chosen locations only ten minutes apart for their events.

    Neil stepped onto the stage, dressed in a gray suit, with Lise walking beside him in a gown that matched his attire. They no longer hid their connection and walked together, hand in hand, in front of all the spectators.

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    Their actions made Neil’s position clear.

    Lise greeted the media with a warm smile, appearing gentle and poised.

    Because of Wheeler Group’s earlier announcement, many people now believed that Iris was working with them. As soon as Neil and Lise took their seats, the reporters began firing questions.

    “Mr. Wheeler, can you tell us if you’ll reveal who Iris is today?”

    The public is eager to know.”

    Neil wore a sly smile and answered, “Yes, I will.”

    He turned his gaze toward Lise, as if waiting for her consent. Lise responded with a shy nod, though she felt an overwhelming sense of pride within herself.

    She knew that with the design she had “created” for this event, she could im to be Iris without anyone doubting her. Neil’s skills and reputation would be more than enough to silence any critics.

    The idea of being recognized as a top-tier designer filled her with a sense of triumph that she could hardly contain.

    She felt certain that, with this deration, Neil would never think of that other woman again.

    Neil cleared his throat and signaled for the crowd to quiet down.

    “I would like to introduce Miss Lise Bailey,” he announced. “She is the rightful heir of the Wheeler Group, my fiancée, and the true designer known as Iris.”

    Lise rose from her chair and gave a polite nod to the reporters in front of her.

    “I am grateful that so many of you have continued to value my work, and that, even after years of remaining out of the spotlight, my name is still recognized. From this point forward, I will be working closely with Wheeler Group, and I hope you will all keep an eye on the projects we release together.”

    The crowd responded with audible gasps. Herposed and confident words left asting impression. Until now, Wheeler Group had been hinting at their partnership with Iris, repeatedly suggesting a coboration without ever mentioning her name. Now that the designer had directly addressed it, the reaction was far more powerful.

    “So, Miss Lise Bailey, are you truly the real Iris? Can you exin what happened with the Adams Group’s im that they were working with Iris? Does this mean you’re partnering with bothpanies at once?”

    A reporter asked this question, which was exactly what Neil had wanted. He aimed to seize this moment to publicly shame Vincent.

    “That idea ispletely ridiculous,” Neil replied. “Miss Bailey is my fiancée. Why would she be working for any otherpany? As for those other statements, I believe they are nothing but cheap marketing tactics.”

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