?Chapter 977:


    Just moments ago, Raegan had felt a gaze—sharp and unrelenting—watching her every move.


    “Come on. I’ll unlock the hidden exit,” the shaven-headed man said, snapping Raegan out of her thoughts.


    She gave a small nod in response, forcing her focus forward again. Far ahead, a section of the wall began to shift. The nearly invisible outline of a door slowly appeared, creaking open with a soft, mechanical hum.


    This hidden exit was no ident. The shaven-headed man had arranged it ahead of time—a direct route for escape in case of danger or exposure, leading straight to the underground parking lot.


    “A backup route, huh? I have to admit, you’re thorough,” Raegan said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.


    With a casual shrug, the shaven-headed man replied, “Basic protocol. We’re part of ‘The Mask,’ remember? Getting caught isn’t part of the job description.”


    Without wasting another second, both figures slipped through the hidden passage, swallowed by the shadows beyond.


    At the center of the arena, Maia’s strength gave out. Her legs buckled, and she copsed into Chris’s waiting arms.


    Her breaths came in shallow bursts. A dull pain crept through her limbs—her body screaming from being pushed too far.


    That fight had drained everything she had. Tyrant wasn’t just any opponent—he had been her most difficult challenge yet. And to win, she had gone all in.


    Chris reacted immediately.


    Catching her without hesitation, concern flooded Chris’ features as he leaned in, calling her name with urgency. “Maia!”


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    In response, Maia’s eyelids fluttered, barely open, offering Chris a quiet signal that she had heard. No words came from her lips. She didn’t have the energy to speak — only a faint parting of her mouth.


    “Save your breath. We’ll talk once you’re safe.” Without waiting, Chris scooped her into his arms and turned toward the exit.


    Just minutes ago, this same woman had stood powerful and defiant. Now, in his hold, she felt weightless — and that realization sank deep into Chris’ chest. He caught sight of Maxwell dashing down the corridor atst and said, “Mr. Payne, please, take care of everything here.”


    Though caught off guard for a second, Maxwell quickly gathered himself and nodded. “Got it. Leave everything here to me.”


    Chris didn’t respond right away. His eyes swept across the scene — an arena now swallowed by chaos — and each step he took became more determined than thest.<fn1a9c> The rightful source is f?ndnovel</fn1a9c>


    “Maia…” A faint voice broke through the noise.


    Ethan stumbled forward, barely keeping his bnce. Tears had already begun to fall, leaving streaks down his cheeks. His eyes locked onto Maia, motionless in Chris’ arms, her face pale and her eyes shut. Panic surged through him. “Maia? What’s happening? Say something!”


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