She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 459

Before Josie and Arthur were in danger, Maria was attending the annual Zolin Jewelry Awards in Delona.

This was the annual jewelry exhibition in Zolin. Almost all the famous jewelry designers from Zolin had come. There were also some famous foreign designers, fashion editors, internet celebrities, and so on. The participants would admire this year's iconic jewelry designs, discuss future design trends, and give out awards.

During the night's cocktail party and award ceremony, Maria won the "Best Jewelry Sales Award in Zolin," which was awarded to the designer whose work sold best.

Her latest designs, the "Fog" and "Connections" series, had sold out again. Socialites, celebrities, internet celebrities, ordinary women, and even schoolgirls, all loved her designs.

Moreover, her works were elegant and reasonably priced. Rich people could buy limited editions, custom-made designs, or one-of-a-kind styles. Those who were less well-off could buy mass-market designs. In short, everyone could afford them, so it was no wonder the jewelry flew off the shelves.

Maria stood on the podium and faced numerous peers, media reporters, fashion icons, celebrities, and guests below the stage. She was not arrogant nor humble, remaining calm and confident as she gave her speech. She was no longer the country bumpkin who would cover her face with her hands when surrounded by people or questioned by reporters, nor hide in a corner, trembling.

Her speech was simple. It could be summed up in one sentence: "Every girl wants her own jewelry. My dream is to make beautiful jewelry every girl can afford and not let jewelry become a luxury that only the rich can buy." Although everyone present was rich, they did not feel offended. Instead, they gave her a warm applause.

After bowing and thanking the audience, Maria walked down the stage.

congratulate her with glasses of red wine, and she thanked them all

of relief. She walked to the dining table and prepared to take some food

eat.

walked over and stopped beside Maria. She raised her wine glass to her and said with a smile, "Maria, long time no see. You've really made a name for yourself. Congrats." The voice was a little familiar. Maria did not think too much about it. Out of habit, she

face, her words were suddenly stuck in her throat. Her eyes widened, and she paled quickly. The wine glass in her hand fell to the carpet, and her body trembled in fear. The woman smiled and said with a laugh, "Look at you. You're already

glass and said, "You're not who you used to be. You must always remain calm. Don't-"

panic, she covered her face with one hand and lifted her

Chapter 459

darted through the well-dressed

didn't dare to look at anyone, let alone stop. She was afraid she would lose the chance to escape if she paused

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Catherine, her biological mother. Maria never dreamed Catherine would appear before her like a nightmare when she could finally stand on the stage of her dreams with her head held high. She now knew how Josie felt when Paityn captured her. She thought, 'I must escape immediately and run as far away as possible. I must go somewhere Catherine would never be able to

back door of the hall, Maria took off her high heels and threw them into the bushes. Then, she stopped a security guard and asked him to arrange for a car

critical condition and how Maria had to

attend to and had to rush home overnight. She asked her assistant not to tell anyone about her whereabouts. Fortunately, there was a high-speed train to Kitmore City in an hour and there were