?Chapter 508:


    “Why do you care? Can’t I go out for lunch and a little shopping?” Marisa shot back, already halfway to the door.


    The door mmed behind her before Maxwell could say another word. He stood there in stunned silence for a few heartbeats. “That’s how you talk to your brother?” he muttered. “I’m family, you know!”


    Then a thought struck him — could she be going out with someone? But the idea was so absurd that Maxwell chuckled and shook his head. Knowing Marisa and her rough-around-the-edges attitude, what guy in his right mind could possibly handle her?


    At the restaurant, Ethan arrived ahead of schedule, the ticking clock barely keeping up with his steps, and began leafing through the menu with idle fingers.


    Just then, out of the corner of his eye, a graceful silhouette drifted into view, like a ripple across still water,pelling him to lift his gaze. Seated across from him was a young woman, her makeup tastefully bright, and her demeanor as soft as morning light. A warm smile yed on her lips.


    Ethan froze, as if caught in a moment suspended between time and thought. Today, Marisa lookedpletely different from her usual self at school.


    Her hair, which normally clung to the back of her head in a tidy tie, now flowed freely over her shoulders like a waterfall at dusk. Gone was the familiar denim jacket, reced by a breezy, beige dress that gave her an air of effortless charm and gentle sweetness.


    Ethan almost questioned whether it was really her. He stared for several long moments, his face flushing with sudden warmth.


    “Hey, why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?” Marisa asked, tilting her head slightly, a yful lilt in her voice.


    Ethan blinked and snapped back to the present. Yes — it was Marisa, without a shadow of doubt.


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    “N-No, it’s nothing…” he fumbled, tripping over his words and avoiding her gaze.


    Marisa raised a brow, sensing something amiss. She had taken extra care with her appearance today, hoping for at least a smallpliment. But from Ethan? Not a word. Honestly, he was as dense as fog on a winter morning.


    As they ate, Ethan remained mostly quiet, letting Marisa carry the conversation like a one-woman show.


    “You know what? Mnie’s face that day was priceless! I nearly burst outughing.”


    Ethan, lost in thought, suddenly cut into her story with a softer tone. “Actually, there’s something I was hoping to get your advice on today. I want to give a gift to someone really important to me… but I’m at aplete loss.”


    Marisa paused mid-breath, momentarily startled. Someone important? Her mind immediately darted to the buzz floating around Twitter — the Morgan family was…


    Making headlines for throwing avish birthday party for Rosanna and Maia, Marisa couldn’t help but ask, “You’re talking about a birthday gift for your sister, right?”


    Ethan’s eyes widened, and his face turned the color of ripe tomatoes. He nodded quickly. “How did you guess?”


    Marisa chuckled, a knowing gleam in her eyes. “Have you not seen Twitter? The Morgan family’s birthday bash is all over the ce.” She pretended to ponder seriously for a few seconds before saying slowly, “You know, gifts aren’t about the price, but the sentiment behind them. That’s what you need to figure out first.”


    Ethan leaned in slightly, the weight of her words sinking in. He was beginning to feel thating to Marisa was the smartest move he’d made all week.


    “I get that, but…” He scratched the back of his head, frustration seeping into his voice. His bond with Maia ran deep — pure and unshakable. She was his anchor in the world, yet he had no clue what gift could encapste all that she meant to him.


    “Why don’t you tell me more about your sister?” Marisa offered with a bright grin, clearly hooked by the unfolding mystery. She’d always been curious about the whispers surrounding Maia — and now was her golden opportunity.


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