?Chapter 310:


    Out of the corner of her eye, Maia thought she saw something genuine flicker across his face. His lips curled into a brief, amused smile as they moved.


    They had barely taken a few steps when they ran straight into Pattie, who stood frozen, her mouth hanging open in shock, and Rnd, who, as usual, wore the same unreadable expression.


    “Rx. Just having a little fun,” Maia said, shing a yful grin.


    “Wait… you… you…” Pattie stammered, tripping over her words before finally bursting out, “Aren’t you married?”


    “Uh…” Maia nced at Chris beside her.


    She caught him arching an eyebrow, his expression dancing with amusement as he observed her difort.


    A lump formed in Maia’s throat. She hadn’t intended to hide anything from Pattie, but seated nearby was Rnd, Elvira’s older brother. Just recently, she and Chris had put on quite the performance in front of Elvira.


    If Elvira discovered Chris’ phndering ways, and if Rnd had witnessed Chris entangled with another woman, Elvira would undoubtedly storm into Wront before nightfall. The mere possibility sent a chill through Maia’s core.


    Clearing her throat, she addressed the two people facing her. “Who says marriage precludes enjoying a little adventure on the side?”


    “What?” Pattie’s lips parted in surprise, but after a moment of stunned silence, she suddenly pped Maia’s shoulder and shed a thumbs-up. “Now that’s the boldness we women need. Bravo!”


    Leaning into Maia’s personal space, she whispered, “I always pegged you for a hopeless romantic, but these four years away have truly hardened your spirit. This is living!”


    Maia gave an awkward smile but didn’t respond.


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    Rnd, perched nearby, fixed his gaze on Maia’s fingers intertwined with Chris’. His expression visibly darkened.


    Emotions flickered across his features as he studied her intently. His deeply furrowed brows twitched subtly, and after struggling to contain himself, Rnd finally murmured, “Really? I never imagined you were actually this kind of person.”


    Only then did Pattie register Rnd’s continued presence. She hastily attempted damage control. “Ahem. Well, I didn’t mean to imply I’m one of those brazen women. Actually, I’m extraordinarily faithful in rtionships…”


    Before she could finish, Rnd lunged forward and seized Maia’s wrist.


    Rnd remained oblivious to Pattie’s desperate rambling, leaving Pattie faltering mid-sentence, her throat tightening.


    “Come with me,” Rndmanded, tugging at Maia’s wrist as he pivoted toward the exit.


    In that instant, another powerful hand grabbed Maia’s opposite wrist, yanking her backward with startling force. Rnd froze mid-stride, whirling around to find the devastatingly charming yet reckless figure behind Maia, fixing him with an icy, prating stare.


    The two men held onto Maia’s wrists in a silent standoff, neither showing any sign of giving in.


    However, Maia twisted free from Rnd’s grasp. Turning to the bewildered Pattie, she whispered, “Pattie, please entertain Mr. Cullen on my behalf.”


    With those words hanging in the air, she pulled Chris alongside her and swiftly disappeared from the ballroom.


    “Maia!” Rnd’s expression darkened instantly. He lunged forward to pursue her, but Pattie skillfully intercepted his path.


    “Mr. Cullen, Maia has maintained such rigidposure for so long. Couldn’t you allow her just one evening of freedom?” she interjected smoothly, threading her arm through his. “Come now, let’s continue enjoying ourselves. I promise to make sure you have a memorable evening.”


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