Chapter 863
Chapter 863:
After a pause, he added a warning, “Don’t blow through all our savings. We’re nearly tapped out p>
“No problem, Dad,” Jarrod answered, confidence radiating. “Just watch. I’ll bring Maia home, you’ll see p>
Meanwhile, Pattie had already caught wind of Maia’s return and wasted no time calling. “Maia, you’re back at last! I’ve missed you more than you know p>
The instant Maia picked up, Pattie’s excited voice burst through the speaker, forcing Maia to hold the phone a few inches away.
“You vanished overseas without a single warning, then made headlines everywhere. Your name alone sent MCN’s sales in Otruitho through the roof! Just last week, we moved a million units. Can you even grasp how huge that is p>
Words tumbled out of Pattie in a breathless rush, each one brimming with excitement barely held in check.
Ecstatic would be an understatement. The damage Lark Fashion had done with their smear campaign had left MCN struggling for months. But now, every loss had been erased — and they were actually turning a massive profit.
Bringing the phone back to her ear, Maia allowed herself a small, amused smile. “That sounds wonderful p>
Pattie’s enthusiasm only grew. “Sounds wonderful? That’s all you’ve got for me?” She practically squealed, unable to hide her glee. “Honestly, Maia, you’re too calm. You’re an international sensation now! Who would have guessed the famous Matias from the Otruitho art circles is really Maia Watson — who’s also Eileen Vaughn, MCN’s creative genius p>
Rising to a fever pitch, Pattie added, “Everyone’s buzzing about you. This isn’t just good luck — it’s a massive win for all of us p>
A soft laugh escaped Maia. “Stealing the spotlight was never part of the plan p>
Pattie let out a chuckle. “Tell that to Alice — she’s been singing your praises everywhere, calling you her one true mentor and hailing you as a living legend, the portrait star of a new age. If you keep hiding, I bet your fans will hunt you down just for a signature p>
𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖈𝖐 𝖚𝖕𝖉𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖘 𝖔𝖓 𝖌𝖆𝖑𝖓𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⫶𝖈𝗈𝗆
“Alice… she just gets a little carried away sometimes.” Maia pressed her fingers to her temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Whenever she remembered Alice flooding social media with glowing posts about her and MCN, a sense of resignation set in. Nothing Maia said could convince her friend to slow down.
“I say let her keep it up. All that publicity has been great for business,” Pattie chimed in, her laughter brimming with approval. “Anyway, enough about work. Tell me where you are — I want to take you out, throw you a proper welcome party p>
Even through the phone, Maia could pick up the pure delight in Pattie’s voice.
After a moment, Maia answered, “Do you still remember the restaurant at the top of Harmony Plaza?” She shot a look at Chris behind the wheel. “That’s where we’re headed now p>
A teasing note colored Pattie’s reply. “Look at you, out to dinner with your handsome bodyguard! Am I about to crash your romantic evening p>
Suppressing a laugh, Maia answered playfully, “If you think it’s not appropriate, then just skip it p>
For a second, Pattie was caught off guard, but she quickly laughed along. “Oh please! As it happens, I’ve been craving spicy food there. I guess I’ll just ‘run into you’ there p>
Maia let the words hang for a beat. A chance encounter?