?Chapter 866:


    Chris arched an eyebrow, his gaze a silent warning. He fell into step beside her, his voice low but firm.


    “Stop harassing my employer, or I won’t ask nicely next time.”


    A strange weight settled over Vince, rooting him to the spot. His fists clenched, nails biting into his palms as he watched Maia’s figure recede.


    The memory of Chris’ fist connecting with his jaw weeks ago flickered in his mind, a bruise on his pride that hadn’t faded. His lips trembled, and his voice cracked, rising in a desperate pitch.


    “Maia, wait! Fine, I’ll say it here!”


    He stumbled forward, chasing her retreating form, the crowd’s curious eyes following him. Swallowing hard, he raised his voice, words tumbling out in a rush.


    “Maia, I screwed up. I know that. Rosanna — she twisted my head, fed me lies, and I fell for it. One mistake after another.”


    Maia didn’t pause, her silhouette steady against the restaurant’s warm glow.


    Vince’s voice broke, raw with anguish, his eyes fixed on her back.


    “I’ve been outside MCN every day for two weeks, Maia. Rain, heat, it didn’t matter. I waited. I can’t stop thinking about you. Every night, when I close my eyes, it’s you — everyugh, every moment we had.”


    He dragged a hand through his hair, his voice thick with regret.


    “I was blind to how good you were. I was a damn fool. I see that now, and I’m sorry — so sorry. Give me a chance to make it right. I’ll give you anything, everything, if you’ll just forgive me. You loved me once, Maia. You can’t tell me it’s all gone. Please, I can’t imagine my life without you.”


    The more he spoke, the more desperate he became. His voice, heavy with remorse, echoed like a confession, quickly drawing the attention of the crowd around them.


    Faces pressed closer, some recognizing the Ward family heir from tabloids and newsreels.


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    “Isn’t that Vince Ward?” a woman whispered, pointing. “Begging like that in public?”


    “So romantic,” another sighed. “But she’s not even looking at him.”


    “Some things you can’t take back,” an older man muttered, shaking his head.


    Ripples of dissent spread through the onlookers, their voices sharp and unforgiving.


    “What’s he expect?” a young woman scoffed. “He treated her like dirt, and now he’s ying the lovesick puppy?”


    “Spilled milk,” another voice added. “He should’ve known better. It’s toote to make amends now.”


    “Is the Ward family’s son really unable to reach Maia — the very woman he once brushed aside without a second thought?”


    The whispers stung, each one like a needle pricking Vince’s pride. His face paled, then flushed, a storm of emotions twisting inside his chest. With a ragged breath, he surged forward, desperation driving his steps toward Maia once more.


    Vince shoved through the crowd, his broad shoulders cutting a path like a de through silk. “Move aside!” His voice boomed, raw with desperation, as he lunged toward Chris. But Chris was quicker, his hand snapping out to catch Vince’s wrist. With a sharp twist, he forced him back, muscles taut beneath his tailored jacket.


    “Get lost,” Chris hissed, his words a low growl meant for Vince alone.


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