?Chapter 496:


    “Ms. Watson,” he persisted, unwilling to concede, “please reconsider. The esports industry holds limitless potential, and Ethan’s gift is truly exceptional. I’d hate to see such rare talent go untapped.”


    His voice grew more persuasive as he continued, “I can personally guarantee that Ark Technology will propel him to the very summit of esports excellence. And, of course, we’re prepared to offer a substantialpensation package. If there’s anything you find inadequate, please name your terms.”


    Maia smiled but remained silent.


    The thought formed in her mind—that genuine talent would inevitably shine through, regardless of circumstance.


    But before she could voice it, Chris stepped into the conversation. “udius, why are you so keen on forcing others?”


    Chris broke the moment, his voice carrying azy edge that barely concealed his annoyance. “What works in your world doesn’t automatically work for everyone else.” His gaze settled on udius with casual precision. “Kind of like attraction, isn’t it?” he added, each word unhurried yet deliberate. “You might be interested in someone who simply doesn’t feel the same way about you.”


    Though delivered almost conversationally, the observationnded with perfect aim, finding its mark in udius’ heart.


    Chris arched an eyebrow at udius, his voice low and measured. “udius, not everything in this world bends to the will of money.”


    The practiced smile slipped from udius’ face, giving way to eyes that hardened like winter ice as he fixed Chris with a prating stare. Chris’ words struck udius like a p—sharp, unexpected, and painfully public.


    As heir to the Cooper Group empire, when had anyone dared to challenge him so boldly to his face? And from Chris, no less — a bastard child he considered beneath contempt!


    Yet, with Maia watching, udius forced himself to maintain the veneer of sophistication his position demanded.


    udius took a deep breath, suppressing the anger boiling in his chest, and turned to Maia with a forced smile. “I understandpletely. Your decision — yours and Ethan’s — deserves my full respect. But Ms. Watson, might you consider joining us for the celebration dinnerter? I’ve arranged something truly exceptional.”


    Maia’s smile was polite frost — courteous yet imprable as she declined once more. “I appreciate the invitation, but Ethan and I must decline. He has schoolwork requiring his attention.”


    udius was left speechless. That Maia would refuse him twice in session had never crossed his mind, leaving his pride somewhat bruised.


    Mustering what dignity remained, he forced his features into a wooden smile and turned desperately toward Marisa, grasping for any semnce of control. But before a single syble could escape his lips, Maxwell swooped in with effortless charm, casually draping an arm across Marisa’s shoulders as he addressed udius with devastating cheerfulness.


    “Don’t waste your breath. Marisa has no interest in your contract either.”


    Ignoring the thundercloud darkening udius’ features, Maxwell twisted the knife with casual precision. “And as for that dinner invitation — we’ll have to give it a miss as well. Marisa needs to study too!”


    Marisa froze, Maxwell’s deration hitting her like a ssh of cold water. She whipped her head toward him, eyes wide with disbelief, and hissed under her breath, “Study? Are you kidding me?”


    Maxwell leaned in close, employing his time-tested strategy for managing Marisa — gentle ckmail delivered with a smile. “If you value your monthly allowance, y along and say nothing.”


    With a dramatic roll of her eyes, Marisa surrendered to the inevitable. To hell with it all — neither contracts nor stuffy corporate dinners held any real allure for her anyway.


    In her world, gaming existed purely for the thrill and escape it provided, nothing more.


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