Chapter 613
Chapter 613:
With that thought, the tension in her shoulders finally eased. “I haven’t booked my flight yet. Tomorrow morning, just head to the Primary Healthcare Center in Wront and register. I’ll see you before I leave p>
Maxwell tilted his head back, groaning internally at the thought of an early morning. The mere idea felt like cruel and unusual punishment.
Despite his internal complaints, he rallied with a confident finger snap. “Deal. Catch you bright and early p>
At that moment, a lawyer from Zenith Legal arrived, taking the car keys from Roland.
Roland’s attention drifted to Pattie, whose radiant smile seemed to light up the room. Although alcohol still clouded his thoughts, the tingling sensation on his lips kept their recent passionate encounter vividly alive in his memory.
With their designated driver secured, Elvira embraced Maia one last time before guiding the unsteady Roland toward their ride. The car disappeared into the night.
The darkness surrounded them, leaving only distant red lights dancing in the night. Pattie’s animated expression slowly faded.
She clasped her hands behind her back and turned to Maia with a smile. “Maia, don’t worry about me. I’m in the mood for a walk; some fresh air sounds perfect right now. I’ll catch a cab home afterward.” A playful wink accompanied her next words. “You and your neighbor are headed the same way anyway. Why not make the journey together p>
With that, she wandered off, waving casually over her shoulder as she disappeared into the night. Now, only Maia, Chris, and Maxwell remained.
Chris glanced down at Maxwell, who showed no signs of leaving. “Mr. Payne, shouldn’t you be getting some rest? You have that early appointment tomorrow p>
Maxwell had been fixated on his phone screen, anxiously waiting for Elvira to accept his WhatsApp friend request after saving her number. Perhaps he was being overly optimistic… The acceptance notification stubbornly refused to appear. Maybe Elvira simply hadn’t looked at her phone yet.
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Lost in thought, Maxwell was startled when Chris’ pointed comment finally registered.
Maia’s attention shifted to him as well.
Reality crashed back as Maxwell remembered his morning commitment. He raised his hand in farewell to Chris. “Right, exactly. Dr. Cullen and I have everything arranged for tomorrow morning. I should get going now. Oh, and don’t forget to thank your boss for covering tonight’s expenses p>
With that, Maxwell hurried to the curb and frantically signaled for a passing taxi.
As she watched the scene unfold, Maia’s mind drifted back to Maxwell’s peculiar behavior during Ethan’s esports competition whenever Chris appeared. The memory sparked her curiosity. “Mr. Cooper, your relationship with Mr. Payne seems to run deeper than a simple business connection through your boss, doesn’t it p>
Chris went rigid, his eyes locking onto Maia’s.
She leaned forward slightly, pressing her point. “Do you two share some kind of personal history p>
The question drew a quiet exhale from Chris, one that carried unmistakable relief.
“We understand each other well enough. Similar ages, common interests, it makes conversation easy p>
“Yet Mr. Payne seems almost intimidated by you. He doesn’t carry himself like your guest, but more like your subordinate.” Maia’s observation lingered in the air as her mind began connecting troubling dots. Her curiosity about Chris’ employer’s true business had been steadily growing.
Maxwell’s black market connections were no secret, and Chris’ last business trip had nearly cost him his life. Something told her that what was visible on the surface barely scratched the reality beneath.
No matter what, she couldn’t let Chris continue in his current line of work. It didn’t seem legitimate, and it felt like his life was constantly at risk.
“Maxwell fears my boss, not me,” Chris clarified, his tone deliberately neutral.