?Chapter 488:


    Maxwell’s posture stiffened, momentarily paralyzed. Suddenly, he pped his hands together, feigning sudden recognition. Forcing an ufortableugh, he stammered, “Yes, yes, we’ve crossed paths before. That’s entirely correct.”


    The corner of Chris’ mouth curled into the ghost of a smile. “What an unexpected pleasure to encounter you here today, Mr. Payne. Quite the coincidence.”


    Maxwell released a nervous chuckle, tension evident in his voice. “Yeah, it’s… certainly unforeseen. Ha-ha.”


    Though their exchange appeared innocuous on the surface, Maia couldn’t dispel the whisper of suspicion lingering in her mind. Nevertheless, she chose to set aside her doubts.


    With a gentle nod, she gravitated toward Ethan. Warmth flooded her expression as she extended her hand to tousle his hair affectionately. “Ethan, congrattions on capturing the championship. Your performance today was brilliant. As your sister, I couldn’t be prouder!”


    Seeing their interaction, Maxwell blinked in surprise. Sister? Revtion dawned across his features as pieces aligned in his mind. So, the woman apanying Chris was Maia? So that was why Chris rushed home as soon as he returned — to be with his wife? And now the two of them were leisurely watching Ethan’s tournament together,pletely forgetting that he, Maxwell, was working tirelessly back in Wront? It was remarkable how Chris prioritized romance over friendship!


    A flush of color crept across Ethan’s cheeks at Maia’smendation. He attributed much of his achievement to her dedicatedte-night training sessions. Her approval enveloped his heart with pride, yet peripherally, his attention drifted to the figure stationed behind Maia — Chris. Brow furrowing slightly, Ethan hushed his voice to an inquisitive murmur. “Maia, who is he?”


    Maia’s response lingered on her lips, tangled in hesitation.


    The crowded venue made revealing her true connection to Chris impossible, particrly with Mnie among the onlookers. The Cooper family ties demanded discretion.


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    Awkwardness shadowed her features as she answered, “Well… just a friend.”


    A friend? Skepticism clouded Ethan’s thoughts. Though positioned at a distance moments ago, his observations had been crystal clear — this striking man had stood intimately close to Maia, their proximity defying the boundaries of casual friendship. Moreover, the visual harmony between them suggested something far more significant, almost as if they were…


    “Your boyfriend?” The question tumbled from Ethan’s lips before he could contain it.


    Maia’s pulse faltered, prompting an instinctive denial. “No!”


    Meanwhile, amusement danced in Chris’ eyes as his lips curved into a knowing smile directed at Ethan. His brother-inw’s perception impressed him. He was astute.


    Meeting Ethan’s gaze directly, Chris offered softly, “Congrattions, champion.”


    Ethan wavered briefly before responding, “Thank you.”


    An inexplicable certainty gripped Ethan — the connection between Maia and Chris transcended mere friendship, of which he felt convinced.


    The gentle pressure of slender fingers against his shoulder interrupted his thoughts. Turning, he discovered Marisa’s inquisitive gaze darting between him and Maia.


    With narrowed eyes, she ventured, “Is this your sister?”


    Ethan confirmed with a simple nod.


    By now, the stage had emptied ofpetitors and staff, leaving only their small group lingering in the awards area.


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