?Chapter 324:


    Just as her hand touched the door handle, a noise interrupted her—a sound like something had collided with an object!


    Her heart skipped a beat. Grabbing the feather duster that hung behind the door, she clutched it tightly as if it were a sword, instinctively assuming a defensive position.


    Could it be a burr?


    Carefully, she cracked the door open quietly, peering into the dark living room. Her eyes locked on a shadowy figure slumped beside the sofa.


    Still gripping the feather duster with both hands, Maia swiftly moved behind the figure, pressing the handle to the back of his head. Her voice was sharp, yet steady. “Who are you?”


    The figure froze, then slowly turned toward her. In the pale moonlight, his face came into focus.


    Her breath hitched in her chest. It was Chris!


    For a moment, she simply stood there, taken aback, before setting the feather duster on the coffee table. She knelt beside him, grabbing his arm and helping him onto the sofa.


    She then walked over to the wall and switched on the light.


    The soft glow immediately filled the room, and Maia turned back to face Chris.


    His face was pale, his head tilted to one side, supported by his hand, brows knitted as if he were battling some unseen pain.


    Maia hesitated, then took a seat next to him, her voice soft but full of concern. “Mr. Cooper, what are you doing here in the middle of the night?”


    Chris rubbed his head, sitting up straighter, offering her a small, apologetic smile. “Did I scare you?”


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    Maia pressed her lips together, her expression serious. “That’s not the point. What’s going on with you? Are you feeling alright?”


    At her words, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Chris’ mouth, but it seemed fragile, as if it could break at any moment.


    “You’re worried about me?” His voice was gentler now as he took her hand, his touch surprisingly soft. “It’s nothing serious, just a sudden headache. I’m used to it.”


    “Used to it?” Maia frowned, puzzled. She had never known Chris to suffer from headaches before.


    In her mind, he was always the picture ofposure — confident and healthy.


    How could this be?


    Maia slowly withdrew her hand, then gently turned his body, making sure that hey on the couch in afortable position and checked his condition.


    Her gaze narrowed slightly as she looked at him. “A chronic condition?”


    Chris froze for a moment, then pulled his hand back, shing azy smile. “Do you happen to be a medical expert too?”


    Maia’s tone was matter-of-fact. “When you’ve spent enough time in prison with nothing but your own thoughts, you learn a thing or two.”


    Chris raised an eyebrow.


    So, a bit of solitary study had given her the ability to diagnose his condition?


    “Right,” Chris said, his voice casual. “It’s an old issue, nothing serious. Don’t worry about it.” He lowered his gaze, casually twisting his wrist as if to dismiss the topic.


    Maia’s frown deepened. “If you get these headaches often, you should really see a doctor.”


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