?Chapter 148:


    As silence stretched between them, Chris’s gaze dropped to her wrist, lingering on the bracelet. Tilting his head, he murmured, “So that’s the one. The bracelet from your grandmother. It’s… different.”


    At once, Maia stiffened. Without thinking, she pulled her hand back. She muttered to herself, “Could Chris actually be after this bracelet worth billions?”


    Maia’s reaction didn’t escape Chris’s sharp observation. A blend of resigned amusement stirred within him, one he couldn’t shake off.


    He had once nned to buy the bracelet back for 150 million dors. Thankfully, Maia was clever enough to team up with Vincenzo and pull off a clever sleight of hand, retrieving the bracelet and saving him a fortune. Now, her reaction hinted at her suspicion that he harbored hidden intentions towards the bracelet.


    Such doubts weren’tpletely unfounded, given his notorious reputation forvishness and carelessness, making Maia’s cautious stance towards him quite rational.


    In Maia’s view, Chris was the epitome of a carefree and indulgent heir, living without caution or restraint. Though his demeanor appeared wless, she had learned never to trust mere appearances.


    Having been hurt and betrayed by the Morgan family, Maia had built an emotional wall around her heart, remaining constantly guarded with those she couldn’t fully trust or understand. Chris remained a mystery to her.


    This time, she had returned to help him reim his position in the Cooper Group and secure his inheritance rights under Zoe’s instruction. But when it came to Chris himself, Maia had little faith in him.


    “Don’t worry, I have no interest in taking your bracelet,” Chris casually remarked, reclining in his seat. His eyes softened with a gentle sincerity as he regarded Maia. “That bracelet, a gift from your adoptive grandmother, symbolizes her love for you. And love, after all, is beyond price.”


    As he spoke, a hint of sadness crossed his face, evoking memories of his own past.


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    His straightforward words made Maia blush with a mix of embarrassment and surprise.


    “I apologize, Mr. Cooper. I just…” She rubbed her cheek, her lips pressing into a tight, awkward line. The words seemed to get stuck in her throat, and a subtle wave of embarrassment and unease shed across her face.


    Her usualposure seemed to disappear, rendering her oddly endearing to Chris.


    Chris leaned in, propping his chin on his hand, his curiosity heightened as he continued to observe her closely. He found each of her subtle movements fascinating.


    Trying to escape his intense scrutiny, Maia ducked her head. Just when she felt overwhelmed, a familiar voice cut through the tension, offering her a much-needed respite.


    “Miss Watson, what a surprise to see you here this evening!”


    The voice belonged to Vincenzo, who had just entered and immediately noticed Maia. He walked over with a warm smile.


    Maia felt a wave of relief and quickly stood up. She nced around the room before smiling at Vincenzo. “Mr. Casadei, are you dining alone?”


    “Just me tonight — solitude seems to be my constantpanion,” Vincenzo replied, his gaze drifting to the man opposite Maia.


    Chris’s striking appearance andmanding presence made him impossible to overlook. Even Vincenzo was taken aback — this man was more irresistibly handsome than Maxwell.


    Turning back to Maia, Vincenzo gave a yful smirk and asked, “And who might this distinguished gentleman be? A friend of yours?”


    Before Maia could reply, Chris rose to his feet, nonchntly cing an arm around her shoulders and offering a smug grin. “I’m her spouse.”


    Vincenzo, caught off guard, stammered, “You’re married, Miss Watson? And so young?”


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