?Chapter 927:


    “You’re self-reliant, insightful, and carry yourself with genuine humility,” udius said, his tone low and unwavering. “Out of everyone in my world, you stand apart.” His eyes didn’t waver as he continued, his voice steady and measured: “Since I might be away for a long while, I need to leave nothing unsaid. Maia, I have feelings for you.”


    Atst, the truth was spoken. udius’s words weren’t forceful, but they rang with absolute certainty.


    For a heartbeat, the moment hung suspended, heavy and unbroken.


    A flutter ofshes was Maia’s only response at first. After a thoughtful pause, she answered, “Mr. Cooper, I believe you already know I have a husband.” Her tone softened. “Still, I appreciate your honesty.”


    The answer struck udius, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. Even so, at least he had put his feelings into the open. Yet something held him back from epting it. He fell quiet, then gathered himself and asked gently, “May I ask—is your marriage real? There’s a rumor going around that it was only a cover to get away from Vince… that you’re not truly married.”


    Maia let her gaze fall, a quietugh slipping from her lips. Never in her wildest thoughts did she imagine that a simple journey to Sceibar would spark such wild spection about her life.


    “It’s true,” she replied, her voice steady and clear. “I really am married—there’s no reason for me to lie to you.”


    For an instant, hope flickered in udius’s eyes, but her answer dashed whatever he had been expecting. Before he could find new words, Maia continued, “He may not be wealthy or have some impressive career, and yes, he’s struggling with health problems. Still, he’s real—funny, thoughtful, gentle, and good-hearted. And I have to mention, he’s a fantastic cook. With him, I finally feel safe, cherished, and content in a way no one else ever gave me.”


    As she spoke, a gentle smile softened her face, painting a picture of quiet happiness. Meanwhile, udius felt disappointment settle over him, heavy and inescapable.


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    “Our bond is solid,” Maia said, her words measured and unwavering. “Gossip holds no weight with me. What matters is I trust him, more than anyone, with everything I have.”


    Staring across the table, udius tightened his grip on his cup, knuckles pale, his gaze stormy with emotions he struggled to contain. A trace of desperation edged his voice as he asked, “But you’re extraordinary. How could an average man possibly be enough for you?”


    Maia looked up, her voice gentle yet unwavering. “Mr. Cooper, I value trust above all else—not money, not social standing. He’s one of the rare men I can depend on. If you came to dere your feelings, I’m sorry, but my answer is no.”


    Hearing this, udius felt his entire sense of reality begin to crack. The thought that Maia would choose someone ordinary was something he simply could not process.<fn6d79> This content belongs to Find?Novel</fn6d79>


    His mind suddenly drifted to herst birthday celebration, remembering how another man had managed to eclipse him with both sincerity and wealth. “I have to ask… Is your husband Mr. M?”


    A shadow of puzzlement crossed Maia’s face as she regarded udius. “No, he isn’t. My husband leads a simple life. As for Mr. M, it might sound odd, but I don’t even know who that is.”


    A heavy silence settled over the table. udius sat there, unable to judge whether Maia was hiding something or being absolutely honest. Handpicked to inherit the Cooper Group, he found it almost impossible to ept losing to someone without prestige. In his heart, he had always pictured himself as the only one worthy of her.


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