?Chapter 988:


    Everyone held their breath, wondering whether Maia’s rumors would be crushed outright or proven beyond doubt.


    Journalists already had their cameras pointed and their recorders ready at the microphone on the podium.


    The low chatter in the hall slowly died down, though many people still stole nces at each other and spoke in hushed tones.


    “Do you reckon Maia will turn up today?”


    “Why would she bother? Just to be shamed in front of everyone?”


    “If it were me, I’d pack my bags and disappear overseas to avoid the mess.”


    Amidst the ongoing gossip, Pattie stormed into the hall, her presence sharp andmanding. She dropped herself into a seat without care and swept the crowd with a frosty stare that sent shivers down their spines.


    “Cooper Group, if you dare spout nonsense today, you’ll have me to answer to.”


    Hardly had Pattie spoken when her phone buzzed in her hand. She nced down and saw Maia’s name shing on the screen. Pattie’s heart skipped a beat as she quickly pressed the answer button, lowering her voice. “Maia, you finally decided to answer the phone, huh?”


    But instead of Maia’s familiar voice, a short pause lingered before a deep male voice came through. “It’s me, Chris.”


    A flood of questions and spections surged through Pattie’s mind as she heard his voice. She couldn’t help but imagine countless scenarios. She cleared her throat softly to steady her nerves. “Where’s Maia? Could you hand her the phone?”


    “My apologies.” On his end, Chris’s eyes lingered on Maia, soundly asleep in the hospital bed. His brow furrowed, and his voice came out low. “She’s resting. She can’t take the call right now.”


    “She can’t take the call?” Pattie froze for a moment, then her voice rose despite herself. “But… look at the time! No matter howte you were up, you can’t…” Pattie took a deep breath before continuing, “Chris, can’t you at least wake Maia up? This is no small issue! I’m sitting here at Cooper Group’s press conference… You know those online rumors are already hurting MCN’s business—”


    Before she could finish, Chris cut her off. “I told you, it’s really not possible right now. Maia…”


    His words trailed off. He hesitated for a moment, but with Pattie waiting on the other end, he finally came clean. “She’s in the hospital, recovering from an injury. Something happenedst night…”


    “What!?” Pattie froze, her face stiffening as her pulse raced. Her voice shook as she pressed, “Tell me — what exactly happened?”


    Chris gave a tense summary ofst night’s underground match. His words were controlled, but the heat simmered beneath. “This might have something to do with the Cooper Group,” he said, his voice low but firm.


    At the press conference, Pattie clutched her phone tightly, her knuckles turning white as her chest heaved with fury. Her face was as dark as a stormy night, her eyes locked on the Cooper Group executives. Their practiced grins looked strangely unsettling to her.


    She let out a sharp whisper, “Filthy liars.” Her jaw clenched, the urge to confront them publicly growing stronger, pressing against her self-control. But she knew she couldn’t act without proof.


    .


    .<fn3666> Th?s chapter is updated by Find1Novel</fn3666>


    .