?Chapter 478:


    Marisa wanted the ground to swallow her whole. It felt like she’d just been publicly executed by embarrassment. People nearby stared at Maxwell, caught between secondhand embarrassment and genuine pity for Marisa.


    The students of the elite preparatory program were left speechless, jaws practically on the floor.


    “Who is this guy? He’s acting so over-the-top — it’s making me feel awkward for Marisa!”


    “No clue. I’ve never heard Marisa talk about him before. But didn’t he say something about her allowance? Maybe he’s her dad?”


    “He doesn’t look old enough for that. Honestly, he’s kind of good-looking. Maybe he’s her older brother?”


    Meanwhile, Maxwell remainedpletely unaware of the ufortable nces being thrown his way. He was all in — cheering for his sister with full force, heart and soul!


    Maxwell’s loud antics made the host wince, who could only manage an uneasy smile as he said, “We kindly remind friends and family to keep the noise down during matches.”


    But Maxwell didn’t seem to care one bit. He was dead set on making sure that his sister stood out today. He’d pulled some serious strings to get his shy sports car right inside the event area.


    In the crowd, Chris frowned at first, but then a reluctant chuckle slipped past his lips. Beside him, Maia had a thoughtful expression, watching Maxwell from behind with narrowed eyes. She felt like she had seen him somewhere before.


    Mnie couldn’t help but burst intoughter as she watched the scene unfold.


    “Was that really necessary?” Mnie mocked Marisa outright. “Making such a big deal over a tiny contest? This is over the top. Imagine how humiliating it would be if the person on the banner ended up losing. Don’t you agree, Marisa?”


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    Marisa looked over at her brother, who kept jumping and shouting for her, then sighed deeply and rolled her eyes. Well, she decided to let it go. As long as Maxwell could have fun, she didn’t want to care too much.


    In the next instant, Marisa pulled the lollipop out of her mouth, wrapped it up in paper, and pushed it to the side. Her face suddenly grew very serious.


    Her whole vibe changed in a sh. Her eyes turned icy as she said, “Only weaklings keepining. The strong just let their skills speak.”


    With that, Marisa slipped on her headphones, gave Mnie a daring look, and lifted an eyebrow.


    Mnie snorted. “Keep on pretending. I’ll make sure you taste real defeat soon!”


    Marisa tapped her headphones and mouthed, “What? Sorry, can’t hear a thing!”


    That really got under Mnie’s skin. She clenched her fists hard, making sure not to nce in Marisa’s direction. She slipped on her own headphones, forcing her mind to focus.


    The announcer’s voice thundered across the arena. “The semifinals are officially underway!”


    The students from the elite preparatory program sprang up, shouting until their voices were raw, cheering for their champion.


    Maxwell gave it his all, yelling at full volume, his energy sparking a huge roar from the crowd.


    On the giant screen above the stage, Marisa quickly pulled far ahead. Her deep game knowledge and tricky moves pressed Mnie like never before.


    In person, Marisa was already known for being blunt and fierce. Inside the game, her clever strategies and nonstop pressure nearly drove Mnie over the edge.


    “Marisa, you’re the worst!” Mnie cried out, breathless, as sweat ran down her face.


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