Chapter 510
Chapter 510:
Maia cast a glance back at the pot still bubbling softly on the stove. “If this is about Ethan, then I believe I have made myself clear. There is no need to p>
“It is not about that,” Claudius cut in, his tone smooth but insistent. “I would like to discuss a collaboration p>
She raised an eyebrow, now slightly intrigued. “A collaboration? Between the two of us p>
“Exactly. And I believe some matters are best discussed in person,” he replied, lips curling into a faint smile that she could almost hear through the phone.
Maia’s brow furrowed. “What kind of collaboration? I am not sure what business your company and I could possibly have in common p>
“I would like to commission a song,” Claudius said, straightforward and clear.
So that was it. Maia’s interest dimmed instantly. “I am afraid I do not have time at the moment p>
But Claudius was not ready to accept no for an answer. “This song holds personal significance for me. If you agree, you may name your own terms p>
That caught her attention. Her mind flicked to a magazine feature she had skimmed recently — a piece about a rare gemstone shaped like a goose egg, called Angel’s Tear. The jewel had been mined by none other than Claudius’ company.
Money did not move Maia, but a one-of-a-kind sapphire she had never seen before? That was a different story.
“Send me the time and location,” she said finally.
It took Claudius less than a minute to text her the details.
By 3 PM that afternoon, Maia arrived at one of Wront’s most prestigious dining restaurants, tucked away in a private room reserved for the city’s elite.
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Claudius was already waiting. “Punctual as ever,” he remarked with a smile. “Shall we eat first, or get straight to business p>
“Let us skip the pleasantries,” Maia replied, her tone cool and composed.
“As expected — efficient and direct.” Claudius gave a short nod. “Very well. I will get to the point. A close friend of mine has a birthday coming up, and I want you to compose a song. Something that captures what I feel for her.” His fingers laced together on the table, his expression suddenly serious.
Today, Maia was dressed in a flowing, pale blue gown. The gentle sway of her silhouette and the composed focus in her eyes lent her an air of quiet grace and untouchable charm.
She tilted her head slightly. “And what exactly are these feelings you would like to convey?” Her tone was professional, but there was a sharpness to her question. She never composed blindly — every emotion had to be specific, precise.
Claudius hesitated, then smiled faintly. “Admiration p>
Her gaze narrowed slightly. “Is this friend of yours aware of how you p>
His lips twitched at the corners. “Unfortunately, no. It is an unrequited affection p>
Maia nodded slowly, absorbing the weight behind the words. She pulled out her phone, thumbed in a quick note, and looked up. “When do you need the song p>
Claudius blinked, briefly thrown. Sitting across from her in such close quarters, he found himself distracted by everything — the soft floral fragrance that clung to her, the way her fingers moved with intent, the calm confidence in her presence. This was the first time he had been alone with her, and it felt… disarming.
“Mr. Cooper?” Maia prompted, her voice slicing through his thoughts. “The deadline p>
He cleared his throat, adjusting his cuffs as if it might steady him.
“Tomorrow, if possible p>