Chapter 31
Chapter 31:
She understood that finding Vicki’s bracelet, which had been thrown away, after so long was a long shot — but even the tiniest possibility was enough to keep her trying.
Without another word, Maia unlocked her phone and typed out a message: “Help me trace where Vista Villas sent their garbage for sorting and recycling four years ago. I’m looking for something specific.” She added a photo of the bracelet before hitting send.
The response came back almost instantly. “Four years ago? That’s a big favor p>
Without missing a beat, Maia replied, “Should I just do it myself p>
An even quicker message followed. “NO, no! I’m on it right now p>
Seeing the reply, Maia slid her phone back into her bag.
Chris, noticing the exchange, asked casually, “You looking for something? Need a hand p>
“Just something random I was curious about,” Maia said with a light shrug.
If she couldn’t track it down herself, she doubted anyone else could.
No need to make it more complicated than it already was.
Chris studied her for a second but chose not to press further.
Once their meal wrapped up, Maia mentioned she needed the restroom and asked Chris to wait at the entrance.
She had just finished washing her hands and was heading for the door when a shadow fell across the light.
Looking up, Maia locked eyes with Vince — his face stiff, his expression unreadable.
Her breath caught for a second, pupils tightening in surprise. What on earth was he doing here?
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Maia flinched at first, but the hesitation didn’t last. She straightened her back, locked eyes with him, and said indifferently, “Please move aside p>
The coldness in her tone did nothing to deter Vince.
He hadn’t been able to sit still all evening and had finally used a flimsy excuse to step out — determined to catch Maia doing something she shouldn’t. Instead, he spotted her heading toward the restroom and instinctively followed. With a hard look etched across his face, Vince kept his eyes fixed on Maia’s soft features.
“Tell me who that man is,” he said, his voice sharp and unyielding.
Without flinching, Maia responded flatly, “That has nothing to do with you p>
She turned on her heel, brushing past him toward the exit.
Before she could reach the door, Vince grabbed her wrist and yanked her back. The door slammed shut behind them, and he twisted the lock without hesitation.
Alone now, the tension between them thickened.
Maia stared at him, startled and unsure, her voice quiet but firm. “Vince, what are you doing p>
He faced her head-on, and the fury in his eyes erased any trace of the polished calm he usually wore.
“Maia, is someone keeping you?” His voice came out rough, laced with a bitter chill. “A guy in his forties? Is that really what you’re chasing now? I can’t believe you’d sink this low. You’ve truly disgusted and disappointed me p>
Maia couldn’t believe how unreasonable he was being.
“I don’t even know what you’re talking about. Move,” Maia snapped, attempting to break free from Vince’s grip.
But Vince had learned his lesson earlier that day. He didn’t let go. His grip tightened, backing her up until she was pressed against the cold edge of the sink.