?Chapter 179:


    In less than two hours, Maia had whipped up ten dishes, each more impressive than thest.


    Maia slipped off her apron, herposure wless. A thin sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead, but there was no sign of weariness in her demeanor.


    The dishes before them were nothing short of divine, the aromas more irresistible than anything Chris had ever encountered, even in the finest restaurants in Wront.


    Chris took a deep breath, his gaze locked onto Maia. His admiration was unmistakable. “I had no idea you were this talented in the kitchen!”


    Maia responded with a faint smile.


    Elvira shot Chris a teasing look, her eyes narrowing. “Mr. Cooper, you haven’t even touched your food yet, and already you’re showering Maia with praise. Do you always tter women so easily?”


    Chris raised an eyebrow, a yful gleam in his eyes. “I don’t hold back onpliments, but only for those who truly deserve them. Notice how I haven’t said anything nice to you?”


    Elvira’s face darkened, and she red at Chris, daggers in her eyes.


    Chris, unfazed, ignored herpletely.


    The air between them thickened with tension.


    Maia quickly intervened, her voice cutting through the silence. “Aren’t you two hungry? Stop talking and start eating!”


    After all, it was Maia’s cooking. With a burst of eagerness, Chris grabbed his fork and skewered a piece of the fish.


    The instant the vor hit his tongue, Chris’s expression shifted—pure astonishment written across his face. It was perfectly tender, rich without being greasy, and the taste lingered on his tongue.


    In fact, it was better than anything he’d ever had at Windsor’s Banquet, the most prestigious restaurant in Wront.


    No wonder Maia had once remarked that Windsor’s Banquet was just average. She could easily outshine any top-tier chef.


    Chris’s face lit up with pride and unbridled joy. His admiration for Maia was ringly obvious, his gaze burning with affection.


    Elvira, noticing how Chris was practically staring through Maia, scowled and waved her hand in front of his face. “Hey! If you keep looking at her like that, your eyes are going to freeze over!”


    Chris tore his gaze away, shooting Elvira a cold nce.


    Elvira crossed her arms, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Mr. Cooper, with the way you’re eyeing Maia, someone might think you’re more interested in her than in the food.”


    Chris raised an eyebrow, amused. He smirked inwardly, I am interested in Maia. What’s the problem with that?


    Maia pressed her fingers to her temple, her patience running thin. Through gritted teeth, she warned, “Elvira, that’s enough.”


    Elvira pouted but remained silent. The way Chris had been gazing at Maia only fueled her suspicion that he had a thing for Maia—and perhaps he had for some time now.


    How could it be such a coincidence? Maia’s husband was out of town, Chris’s girlfriend was conveniently absent, and Chris just happened to show up with flowers.


    Everything about it felt far too calcted.


    Today, Elvira had made up her mind. No matter what, she was going to crush Chris’s little fantasy about Maia. Even if Maia tried to stop her, Elvira was still going to say what needed to be said.


    With a sugary smile, Elvira addressed Chris. “Maia is incredible, no doubt, but she’s a married woman, Mr. Cooper. I trust you understand what that means?”


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