Chapter 171: Caught Red-Handed

"Some of the rare gems we ordered may not have alternatives. Without them, we can't fulfill our promises to the noble families," Joseph said, concern etched on his face. "Make do with what we have. Find replacements if necessary. Our top priority is avoiding displeasure among the high-ranking noble families," Ronald advised authoritatively. Joseph's concern deepened. "But even with adjustments, the sheer volume of our orders means many will inevitably be unfulfilled."

Ronald, undeterred, outlined a hierarchical strategy: "Society is stratified. Start with the highest levels and work down. If compensation is necessary, we can stall and negotiate. Those with less influence who saved to buy our jewelry are not our primary concern."

"If we're short on the original stones, use lower-quality ones. The average customer won't notice the difference."

This revealing dialogue, overheard in the banquet hall, drew shocked silence from the crowd. Every attendee paused, expressions of disbelief and concern on their faces.

Master and Madam Cameron were visibly shaken. Master Cameron urgently told Noah, "Contact your brother; make them stop talking immediately!" Madam Cameron felt a sense of doom, her worst fears seemingly confirmed.

Olivia's smile froze, her expression bordering on tears. Vanessa, anticipating backlash, discreetly withdrew from the crowd.

"If Andy is unreachable and we're losing the talent battle to the Adams, we should offer their team a better deal," Ronald proposed icily, his frustration evident.

Joseph looked concerned. "However, the Adams' designers are known for their strong loyalty, often bound by thirty-to-fifty-year contracts. Their retirement security depends on the Adams, given that creative sparks can fade in the design world." The fear of irrelevance with age, and the inability to keep pace with evolving trends, is a common concern among creatives. Many designers willingly commit to these long-term contracts despite their seemingly unbreakable nature. It's impossible to guarantee consistent alignment with changing trends.

Ronald's phone displayed a call from Noah. He answered.

(The chapter title is repeated unnecessarily; it should be removed from this point on.)

"They have vulnerabilities—family and friends. We'll make them an offer they can't refuse. And if they don't show respect, they shouldn't fault us for taking a harder stance."

A smirk appeared on Maggie's face at Ronald's calculated approach. The Camerons, and Luster Corporation, clearly faced a significant crisis. Ronald, skilled at maintaining a facade, could not hide his true nature forever. The unsettling events had clearly rattled him, prompting a hasty deviation from his usual cautious approach—a move uncharacteristic of him. This was precisely what Maggie had anticipated.

Responding to Noah's urgent call, Ronald said, "What's wrong? I'm coming down."

Noah's somber warning followed: "Ronald, stop talking, come down quickly. Something bad has happened!" The Camerons had never faced such a dire setback.

Ronald, sensing the gravity of Noah's message, ended the call and went downstairs. Instead of a lively scene, he found a room filled with stillness and cold stares. The shift from celebration to tension was palpable. He quickly realized the atmosphere had drastically changed in his absence.

"Everyone"

Before he could continue, Noah whispered urgently, "Ronald, everyone heard your conversation with Joseph."

Ronald, usually composed, felt a wave of shock. His face drained of color, revealing his dismay at the unforeseen leak. How? he wondered. How could this have happened? Their discussion had been in a secluded guest room.

"We can no longer associate with the Camerons' jewelry. Whether it's the inferior quality or copied designs, the very idea of categorizing people is appalling. The Frasiers don't meet your standards." A representative from a family that had always sought a cordial relationship with the Camerons declared. Despite their different social strata, this family had earnestly sought closeness. To be summarily dismissed after their efforts felt like a betrayal.

"Indeed, I had no idea the Camerons could be so two-faced. Have we been sacrificial lambs?"

"Luster Corporation's true nature is showing. What else might they do?"

"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. Apparently, we were demeaning ourselves." Ronald, usually adept at handling such situations, was at a loss.

"Please, everyone, there's been a misunderstanding. Why would I say such things? This was likely manipulated by someone trying to harm us. Let us investigate; you'll have your explanation."

Ronald's distress was evident, his damage control seemingly futile.

Leo, entering the scene, added doubt: "You claim the recording is manipulated, but what about the confirming call? Didn't your phone ring, Mr. Cameron?"

The Chestfields weighed in: "The Camerons deny using Shawn's dubious supplies, yet evidence suggests otherwise. We're not dictating your choices, but you must honor our contract. Failure to deliver will lead to compensation claims."

The criticism wasn't limited to lesser-known families; influential clans and power players also voiced their disdain. Ronald's maneuvering had crossed a line, provoking a backlash against Luster Corporation and potentially ostracizing the Camerons across various sectors.