?Chapter 506:


    He wasing! She told herself that it meant something — it had to mean something. She was certain now: udius still had feelings for her.


    Her n was working like clockwork. That little tip-off about Maia and Chris checking into a hotel had been a game changer. Now that udius believed Maia was being unfaithful, he would not spare her a second thought.


    Rosanna’s smile turned smug. This birthday banquet would be her grandeback. With Maia by her side, she would not only redeem her reputation but make sure Maia’s crumbledpletely.


    At longst, the gloom that had shadowed her for weeks began to lift.


    Back at Elysium Apartments, Maia let out a sudden sneeze. She blinked and rubbed her nose, wondering if she had caught a chill from her early-morning kitchen marathon. She had been slicing fruit and prepping soup for hours in that barely warm apron.


    Shaking off the thought, she reached for a jacket, nced at the clock, and pulled out her phone. She dialed Ethan’s number.


    They had agreed yesterday to head to the bank today—better to deposit that million-dor check than let it sit around gathering dust. And besides, it was high time Ethan had a bank ount of his own.


    Maia recalled Kathie’s expression the other day—an emotional cocktail of pride, excitement, and sheer relief. Ethan was growing up. He was not the little boy who needed protecting anymore.


    So, when Kathie had suggested that Maia keep the prize money, Maia had shaken her head without hesitation. This was Ethan’s win. His reward. He should decide what to do with it.


    The call connected, and before Maia could speak, Ethan’s voice came through, brisk and confident. “Maia, I’m already at the bank. This is notplicated—I can handle it on my own. Kathie is with me. You have enough on your te already. You don’t need toe.”


    Maia blinked, caught off guard for a second—then a small smile curved her lips. Her brother really was growing up. “Alright,” she said. “Let me know once you’re finished.”


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    As the call ended with a soft click, Ethan released a long breath. His eyes dropped to the check in his hand—one million dors. The glossy paper felt impossibly light, yet it weighed down his entire arm. His fingers trembled slightly, as though his body could hardly believe what his eyes were seeing.


    A million dors.


    He could barely wrap his head around it. Back in the slums, even ten thousand in cash had been a fantasy. The most his family had ever scraped together was maybe two grand, and even that had been rare.


    Originally, Ethan had thought to exchange the check, keep ten thousand aside to buy some gifts, and hand the rest over to Maia. When Kathie suggested that Maia keep the million yesterday, Ethan remained silent, considering that he would prepare a surprise for Maia. He wanted to do something meaningful for her, something that she would never expect. That was why he had insisted that Maia stay behind.


    Last night, after Maia left, Ethan had sat with Kathie andid out his n. Kathie, who had immediately caught on, had grinned, tousled his hair with sisterly affection, and promised to go with him to the bank in the morning.


    And she had kept her word. Now, with the transaction done and the sun casting a sharp gleam off the pavement, Ethan stepped out of the bank beside her.


    Out of nowhere, Kathie nudged him with her elbow and shed a teasing smile. “So,” she asked, “have you figured out what kind of gift you’re getting Maia?”


    “I haven’t made up my mind yet,” Ethan said, his voice steady with sincerity. “But I’m nning to give her the gift — and the bank card — on her birthday. I mean, I’m just a student. I don’t need that kind of money. Besides, Maia pulled every string she could and poured a fortune just to help me get into school. Even the house we live in? She bought it with her own savings.”


    Kathie, watching Ethan speak with a calm maturity that hadn’t been there before, felt a wave of approval. Though a million hadnded in hisp, it hadn’t gone to his head. Instead, he seemed to have grown up overnight. She nodded with quiet satisfaction. “Then think it through — and give her a proper surprise!”


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