?Chapter 892:


    Pattie coughed, suddenly aware of Maxwell’s presence.


    Her eyes darted to him, but his expression remained unreadable as he sipped his wine, his posture rxed yet alert. Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, she realized she had nearly let slip the open secret of Maia and Chris’s bond. Chris said nothing, his focus on Maia as he deftly ced a slice of tender beef onto her te.


    The gesture was simple, almost instinctive, but it carried a weight that didn’t escape Maxwell’s notice. He watched, his wine ss paused halfway to his lips.


    Usually, Chris tempered his devotion in public, but here, in front of Pattie, the mask was off. A suspicion stirred in Maxwell’s mind. Did Pattie know about Maia and Chris’s rtionship? He wondered inwardly. Maxwell paused, considering the possibility, and decided to confirm with Christer.


    Laughter bubbled up, mingling with the clink of sses and the savory aroma wafting from the table.


    Pattie speared a piece of curry-dusted chicken, her eyes lighting up. “I didn’t expect the chef here to nail it like this. It tastes exactly like that spot in Harmony za.”


    Maia nodded, savoring a bite of spiced rice. “Spicy food always hits the spot.” Her voice was light, but her thoughts drifted to Sceibar, where she had endured weeks of nd, repetitive meals. The memory made her appreciate the burst of vor on her tongue even more.


    Maxwell smirked, leaning back in his chair. Of course it was the same, he thought. It was the same chef. He didn’t voice it, though, letting the moment linger.


    Pattie’s fist clenched around her napkin, her voice sharp with lingering frustration. “We almost didn’t get this meal, thanks to that maniac Vince.” She shuddered, recalling the chaos earlier that day.


    Maia sipped her soup, her expression softening. “At least he didn’t ruin our night.”


    “Good thing we ran into you, Maxwell,” Pattie added, tossing him a grateful nce.


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    Maxwell opened his mouth to reply, but his phone buzzed sharply on the table. He nced at the screen, and his face paled.


    “Oh no,” he muttered, standing abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. “No, no, no…”


    Pattie leaned forward, curiosity piqued. “Who’s that?”


    “My sister, Marisa,” Maxwell said, his voice tight with a mix of dread and resignation.


    He answered the call, bracing himself.


    “Maxwell, have you lost your mind?” Marisa’s voice crackled through the line, sharp and unrelenting. “You promised me dinner, and you just ditched me? What, you think it’s fun, huh? What am I exactly to you?”<fna556> Fresh chapters posted on F?nd-Novel</fna556>


    “I told you, it was ast-minute thing,” Maxwell said, rubbing his temple. “I’m almost done here. I’lle get you.”


    “Last-minute, my foot!” Marisa snapped, though a yful edge crept into her tone. “You’d better pick me up now, or I’m telling Mom and Dad you’re bullying me. And don’t think I’ll settle for less than ten grand to keep quiet!”


    Maxwell ended the call, his shoulders slumping. “Sorry for the scene, everyone,” he said, forcing a sheepish grin. “My sister’s about to erupt.”


    Pattie’s jaw dropped. “You have a sister? Since when?”


    “Did I not mention her?” Maxwell said, already halfway to the door, buttoning his jacket. “Anyway, I’ve got to go before she burns the city down.”


    The door mmed shut with a resounding bang.


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