?Chapter 308:


    Seeing that Chris made no attempt to conceal hispanion, Maia responded with a slight, sardonic smile. She raised her chin defiantly and locked eyes with him, a silent challenge passing between them.


    Noticing Maia’s distracted gaze, Rnd turned to see what had caught her attention.


    Rnd was taken aback by the sight of the man in the corner—a yboy, exuding an aura of reckless charm. It seemed odd to him. Maia didn’t strike him as someone who would mingle with such a character.


    Leaning closer, Rnd whispered into her ear, “What are you looking at? Is that someone you know?”


    Maia averted her eyes and murmured quietly, “No.”


    They sat so close that their shoulders brushed against each other.


    At that moment, across the room, Chris’ frustration became palpable as he mmed his wine ss down on the table. The sharp sound echoed through the space, drawing attention.


    Just then, Pattie reappeared, breaking the heavy tension. With her usual cheerfulness, she asked Maia and Rnd if they were ready to head downstairs and dance.


    Rnd, still processing the scene, nced at Maia, unsure whether she would ept such a spontaneous invitation.


    To his surprise, Maia gave him a bright smile. “Sure, let’s celebrate today’s victory!” she eximed.


    Before Rnd could react, Maia was already on her way to the dance floor with Pattie. After a brief hesitation, Rnd rose and followed them.


    Chris, watching the unfolding scene, tightened his expression into a slight frown.


    Your imagination thrives at  punt


    Without a word, he stood abruptly, announcing that he was heading to the dance floor alone.


    The woman next to him chuckled yfully, her voiceced with teasing. “Oh? Is there someone down there who caught your eye?”


    Chris responded with a mischievous smirk. “Take a guess.”


    With a determined grin, he made his way directly toward the dance floor. The woman, realizing that her earlier concerns were unnecessary, allowed herself a sly smile. This was the Chris she recognized—a man who posed no real threat and could easily be dismissed as harmless. With that realization, she seized the opportunity to contact her informant and share her observations.


    Across the dance floor, neon lights—a hallmark of the vibrant nightlife—shed in a kaleidoscope of colors, casting an electric glow over the crowd. Beneath the pulsating lights, countless young bodies moved in sync, lost in the rhythm of the thumping music.


    While Rnd lingered at the edge of the crowd, clearly ufortable and out of ce, Pattie thrived in the environment. She confidently took Rnd’s hand and pulled him into the mass of dancers.


    Amidst the shifting bodies, Rnd kept his gaze fixed on Maia. But every time he tried to focus on her, Pattie would inadvertently move into his line of sight, blocking his view.


    Meanwhile, Maia seemed to channel her frustration through her dance. Her movements were bold and free, unrestrained by anything or anyone. As she let go of the tension inside her, she found herself unknowingly drifting to the far end of the dance floor.


    In a surprising move, a strong hand suddenly gripped her arm. Maia spun around, her heart racing, and found Chris standing there, his features shadowed and intense under the flickering neon lights.


    “What brings you here?” he asked, his tone sharp, tinged with a hint of reproach.


    Maia yanked her arm free and snapped, “And why wouldn’t I be here?”


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