Let’s start all over again,shall we?

Chapter 171 Caught Red-Handed ☐ 85% "Sof the rare gems we've ordered might not have alternatives. Without those, we can't provide the noble families with exactly what we promised," Joseph mentioned, concern etched on his face.

"Make do with what are have. Find replacements if necessary. Our top priority is to avoid displeasing the high- ranking noble families," Ronald advised, his voice carrying a sense of authority.

Joseph's concern deepened, "But even with adjustments, the sheer volof our orders means many will inevitably go unfulfilled." Ronald, undeterred, laid out a hierarchical strategy, "Society is stratified into different levels. Start from the highest and work your way down. If compensation becomes necessary, we have ways to stall and negotiate. As for those without significant influence and have saved extensively to purchase our jewelry, they are not our primary concern.

"If we're short on the original stones, use lower-quality ones. The average customer lacks the expertise to spot, the difference. A minor downgrade in quality won't be noticeable to most." This revealing dialogue echoed across the banquet hall, drawing silent attention and shocked expressions from the crowd.

The entire room fell silent, with every attendee pausing to listen to the conversation. Expressions of concern and disbelief painted the faces of the gathered crowd.

Master Cameron and Noah were visibly shaken. Then, Master Cameron turned to Noah with urgency in his eyes and commanded, "Get in touch with your brother and make them stop speaking immediately!" Meanwhile, Madam Cameron felt a sense of doom, the situation seemingly confirming her worst fears. Olivia's once warm smile solidified on her face, her expression becoming so rigid that it bordered on the edge of tears.

Vanessa, feeling a potential backlash, discreetly made her way to a less conspicuous part of the crowd as though wishing to distance herself from any fallout.

"If Andy's out of reach and we're losing the talent battle to the Adams, then we should consider enticing their team with a better offer," Ronald proposed, his tone icy, reflecting his frustration with the day's developments.

Joseph looked concerned as he responded, "However, the Adams' designers are known for their strong loyalty, often committed through contracts lasting thirty to fifty years. They depend on the Adams for their retirement security, given that in the design world, one's creative spark can fade.” The fear of becoming irrelevant with age, unable to match the pace of evolving trends, is a common concern among creatives.

Despite the seemingly unbreakable nature of the Adams' long-term contracts, many designers willingly commit to them.

Indeed, it was impossible for anyone to promise they would always stay in sync with the changing trends. As Ronald's phone displayed Noah's call, he waited to pick up.

Chapter 171 Caught Red-Handed has vulnerabilities-family and friends. We'll make them an offer they can't refuse. And if they don't show the proper respect, they shouldn't fault us for taking a harder stance." Hearing Ronald's calculated approach, a smirk appeared on Maggie's face.

Indeed, it appears the Camerons, and specifically Luster Corporation, are facing a significant crisis.

Ronald, skilled in maintaining a facade, could not hide his true nature forever, as accurately observed.

The series of unsettling developments have evidently rattled him, prompting a deviation from his usual cautious approach to hastily plotting the next steps amid the ongoing banquet-a move uncharacteristic of fhim under normal circumstances.

This reaction is precisely what she had anticipated.

Upon receiving Noah's urgent call. Ronald immediately responded, "What's the matter? I'll be right down." Noah's somber warning. "Ronald, stop talking, cdown quickly. Something bad has happened!" The Camerons had navigated through so many years without facing such a dire setback.

Ronald, picking up on the serious undertone of Noah's message, quickly ended the call and made his way downstairs.

However, instead of the lively scene he might have expected, he was met with a room full of stillness and cold stares.

This abrupt shift from celebration to tension was palpable, leaving Ronald to quickly surmise that the atmosphere had drastically changed in his absence.

"Everyone..." However, before he could continue, Noah hastened to his side and whispered urgently, "Ronald, everyone heard your conversation with Joseph." At Noah's revelation, Ronald, who typically maintained his composure, felt a wave of shock wash over him, his face draining of color-an unmistakable sign of his dismay at the unforeseen leak.

How? How could this have happened? Their discussion had been in a secluded guest room, far from prying ears.

"We can no longer associate with the Camerons' jewelry. Whether it's the inferior quality or copied designs, the very idea that you place people into categories is appalling. It seems the Frasiers don't meet the standards." A representative from one of the families that had always sought a cordial relationship with the Camerons declared. Despite not being in the ssocial stratum as the Camerons, this family had earnestly sought closeness.

Now, to be so summarily dismissed in times of trouble, after all their efforts to align with the Camerons, felt like a betrayal and a slap in the face-adding insult to injury.

15:27 Tue, 21 May GBB Chapter 171 Caught Red-Handed "Indeed, I had no idea the Camerons could be so two-faced. Have we just been sacrificial lambs in showing our support for the Camerons all this while?" "Luster Corporation's true nature is showing early on. What else might they do down the line?" "The Camerons should stick to what they know. If they can't compete, they shouldn't pretend to." "I turned down an offer from the Adams to support the Camerons, thinking we were in good standing. Who knows that, according to Mr. Cameron, we've just been demeaning ourselves." Ronald, usually adept at navigating such situations, found himself at a loss.

"Please, everyone, there's been a misunderstanding. Why would I ever say such things? It's possible this was manipulated by someone looking to harm us. Let us investigate; I assure you, you'll have your explanation Ronald was visibly distressed, his attempts at damage control seemingly futile.

Leo, entering amid the unfolding scene, added a layer of doubt, "You claim the recording is manipulated, but what about the call that confirmed its authenticity? When you were supposedly called, didn't your phone ring. Mr. Cameron?"

The Chestfields weighed in. "The Camerons deny using Shawn's dubious supplies, yet evidence m suggests otherwise. We're not here to dictate their choices, but they must honour our contract. Failure to deliver as promised will lead to claims for compensation." The criticism was not limited to lesser-known families; influential clans and power players also voiced their disdain.

After all, Ronald's maneuvering had crossed a line, provoking a backlash not just against Luster Corporation but potentially ostracizing the Camerons across various sectors beyond just the jewelry market.