Chapter 172: Targeting

Ronald's face soured, and even his sharp mind couldn't formulate a retort.

Noah, usually smiling, now had a wicked glint in his eyes. He hadn't anticipated his call to Ronald backfiring so spectacularly.

Someone blurted out, "Hey, aren't we all customers? Why does Mr. Cameron think he can categorize us? Do wealthy clients pay more? Or are the Camerons just bullies who back down under pressure?"

Another chimed in, "Exactly! If Mr. Cameron doesn't show us consumers respect, this won't be easily resolved. I'm not returning my merchandise; I'll wait for him to pay what he owes. And if he tries to pass off shoddy goods as high-end, he'll pay dearly!"

Another man scoffed, "You can wait, but the Camerons have to deliver first. It seems they were dealing in smuggled goods, and now that their stash is busted, they have no choice but to pay up."

"Man, Mr. Cameron's sycophancy is cringeworthy. People always kissed up to the powerful, but even now, there are still suck-ups like him."

An older man, previously silent, added, "The Camerons' actions are unsettling. They seem to be using smuggling to control the market. Their goods are suspect. Even if they deliver, I wouldn't touch them."

Another guest agreed, "I concur with Mr. Yost. If we boycott their jewelry, it will remind everyone that the Camerons aren't all sunshine and rainbows. Maybe it will make them think twice about prioritizing quick profits over their reputation."

"In that case, this banquet is meaningless to us. We're leaving. Excuse us, the Sonnens are departing."

The Sonnens led the exodus, many other guests following with serious expressions.

As the wealthy families and officials left, reporters swarmed Ronald like sharks, thrusting microphones and cameras in his face.

"Mr. Cameron, care to explain what happened today?"

"Are the Camerons involved in smuggling? Are you facing legal trouble?"

"Do the Camerons even have their own designers? With Luster Corporation's rise, this scandal certainly impacts your future plans, doesn't it?"

"You divided consumers into groups and tried to pass off low-quality goods as high-end. Is this the Camerons' standard?"

"After today, will the Camerons concede defeat to the Adams, or will you fight to the bitter end?"

The reporters' questions grew sharper.

Chapter 172: Targeting

Ronald struggled to remain calm, responding firmly, "This is clearly a setup by someone with malicious intent. The Camerons have done nothing illegal or unethical! And those leaked conversations? They're taken out of context!

"Luster Corporation's success makes people jealous. Some can't handle it!

"I won't discuss this further. The Camerons will hold a press conference to address your questions thoroughly!"

Ronald left, resolute, accompanied by Noah and his secretary.

Maggie, however, felt exhilarated, downing her drink in one gulp. Tonight promised to be tumultuous. As the family's adopted daughter, she couldn't escape scrutiny and would undoubtedly be drawn into the fallout. Despite this, she remained in good spirits.

She whispered to Mia, "I'm leaving now. I'll call you later."

Maggie calmly glanced at Leo, ignoring the Adams, and left with the Camerons.

An hour later, at the Camerons' home, everyone wore somber expressions; Ronald was furious.

"This feels like a setup—Shawn's accident, Andy refusing to sign, and now the Adams suing us for plagiarism! Someone is manipulating us, trying to destroy Luster Corporation!"

Master Cameron looked pale and drained.

"But who could orchestrate such a complex scheme? And how was your conversation with Joseph leaked?" Master Cameron frowned, puzzled. Olivia and Madam Cameron shared his grim expression. Their rise seemed to have been cut short.

The atmosphere was tense.

Ronald remained silent, but Noah interjected, "Ronald, I've had someone search the room where you spoke with Joseph. No bugs were found. If there's a leak, it's likely between you and Joseph."

Noah, experienced in handling such matters, knew a thing or two about covert operations.

Chapter 172: Targeting

His statement nearly made Mary Cameron jump. "What? Are you suggesting someone bugged our home? Who would dare?"

Maggie observed calmly, waiting for her moment to speak.

Ronald's stern expression signaled Noah to act. Noah patted Ronald down, thoroughly searching him. The room fell silent. After finding nothing, he approached Joseph, who cooperated.

Moments later, Noah rapidly felt the inside corner of Joseph's suit, then violently turned the fabric over. A small bug was revealed.

Madam Cameron slammed her hand on the table. "This is intolerable!"

"Take it for analysis; find out who placed it," Ronald commanded.

Noah examined it. "I'm afraid not. It's a standard bug."

The family sat in silence.

Maggie looked seriously at Ronald. "Dad, besides finding who's targeting us, we need to strategize our next steps."