?Chapter 493:


    A frown of displeasure etched across Ethan’s features as he measured Chris with a calcting look.


    Meanwhile, Mnie’s entourage stood frozen in stunned silence, the atmosphere thickening with each passing second. Recognizing that their lingering presence would only amplify the awkwardness, they finally retreated, bowing respectfully to Maia and Ethan before slipping away.


    Witnessing this exodus, Marisa’s followers exchanged uncertain nces before turning to her. “Marisa, should we…”


    Marisa cast a meaningful look toward Maxwell beside her and replied with casual authority, “You all should head out too. My brother’s here to take me home.”


    Understanding dawned on their faces — the man who had been enthusiastically cheering for Marisa earlier was indeed her brother! Once the crowd dispersed, Marisa found herself suddenly pulled aside by Maxwell.


    “Tell me the truth,” he demanded, brow furrowed with suspicion. “What exactly transpired back there?! Why is Mnie suddenly showing such respect to Ethan and Maia? Could there actually be something between Maia and Hurst?”


    Marisa arched a single eyebrow, regarding him with cool detachment. “Does it truly concern you?”


    Anxiety flickered across Maxwell’s features as he leaned closer. “How could it not concern me? If Maia is genuinely involved with Hurst… this is far from trivial!”


    A mischievous glint sparked in Marisa’s narrowing eyes. “Is that so?” she murmured, nodding slowly as her gaze swept over Maxwell with newfound understanding, as though pieces of a puzzle were finally clicking into ce.


    Under her prating scrutiny, Maxwell shifted ufortably, a strange unease crawling beneath his skin.


    “What are you doing? Why are you looking at me like that?” Maxwell’s brow furrowed with unease.


    M??? ??????s ?? ????????s.???


    Wordlessly, Marisa seized Maxwell’s arm and pulled him toward Maia, her grip firm and determined.


    Meanwhile, udius emerged from backstage, nked by gamingpany executives. As they escorted him through the crowd, his gaze caught a familiar silhouette that made him falter.


    He froze mid-step, squinting through the venue’s dim lighting. There was no mistaking it — Maia stood on the stage, the spotlight highlighting her presence. And beside her was Chris — a sight that caused udius’ expression to darken involuntarily.


    With a curt instruction to the executives to continue without him, udius pivoted toward Maia, his assistant and bodyguard trailing in his wake.


    “Ms. Watson, fancy running into you here!”


    At the sound, Maia turned to find udius standing behind her, one hand casually tucked into his tailored trousers, his lips curved into a calcted smile.


    Nearby, Ethan’s eyes widened with surprise. His sister somehow knew the CEO who had just presented him with the award?


    “Mr. Cooper, nice to meet you,” Maia replied, her tone maintaining perfect professionalism.


    udius shifted his prating gaze to Ethan. “And you and Ethan are…?”


    “He’s my younger brother,” Maia answered truthfully.


    An eyebrow arched gracefully across udius’ forehead, genuine surprise flickering across his features. The family resemnce in talent had clearly caught him off guard.


    “I see,” he murmured, his smile returning with renewed interest.


    Only then did udius pretend to notice Chris standing protectively behind Maia. With theatrical surprise, he eximed, “Chris, I can’t believe you’re here too!”


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