?Chapter 997:<fndbc7> For original chapters go to ?ovelFind</fndbc7>


    “You gave me the fright of my life, Maia,” Pattie muttered, never pausing her task. “When did you learn those martial arts? Every muscle in your body was torn. You really put yourself through the wringer. People who know the truth realize you handled a tough fighter, but anyone else would think you just stood there and took a beating…”


    Leaning into her pillows, Maia could only offer a sheepish smile. “Sorry for making you worry.”


    A sharp nce from Pattie apanied her next words. “At least you admit it,” she said, handing Maia a neat slice of apple. “Eat this.”


    After a gentle bite, Maia replied quietly, “You’re exaggerating. I wasn’t prepared for all that. I guess I just haven’t moved around muchtely, and the excitement got to me.”


    “Not prepared? You call that just a little excitement?” Pattie’s eyes widened with disbelief. “Honestly, Maia, are you sure you weren’t getting into scraps every day behind bars? Nothing else exins how tough you’ve gotten.”


    A memory of the doctor’s visit shed through Pattie’s mind, making her grin. “Want to hear something funny? The doctor said you’re basically a medical marvel. No broken bones after all that chaos. He joked about writing a journal article on you!”


    A wryugh escaped Maia. “Maybe I just have good luck on my side,” she said, grateful for Pattie’s real concern.


    Earlier, Pattie had burst through the door, her eyes rimmed in red. Emotion tightened her voice as she finally spoke, frustration and fear mingling together. “Why can’t you look out for yourself? Sure, you won the fight, but you scared me half to death.”


    galnov??s keeps you updated


    A promise left Maia’s lips as she squeezed Pattie’s hand. “Nothing like that will happen again. But it does mean I’ll need to take a break from MCN for a bit.”


    Pattie raised her eyebrows. “Work? Forget that and concentrate on healing!” Another slice of applended in Maia’s hand. “Things have calmed down online. All you need to do is rest — I can keep everything under control. What really threw me was udius at that press conference. Instead of dragging your name through the mud, he actually defended you. He’s nothing like the rest of the Cooper family.” She paused, watching Maia closely. “Even Cooper…”


    The Cooper Group’s people looked blindsided on the livestream. “Who knows what udius is going through now?”


    Not a word left Maia’s lips, though her gaze turned sharp.


    A momentter, Pattie brought up another concern. “And listen, Vince’s trial is next week. I’m counting on Rnd to put him away for good this time. He’d better not get another chance to hurt you.”


    Once her words were out, Pattie leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. “So, what’s really going on between you and Chris?”


    The question caught Maiapletely off guard. “What are you getting at?”


    “Gee! ying dumb, huh?” Pattie squinted with a teasing smile. “I heard from a nurse he stayed by your side all night without closing his eyes. If you hadn’t insisted on him cooking for you, he probably wouldn’t have left.”


    That yful banter lingered in the air just as the door swung open.


    Carrying arge bouquet, Hurst strode in first, and Mnie trailed behind, arms full with a basket of fruit.


    The door creaked open, letting in a sliver of light from the hallway. Hurst stepped inside at an unhurried pace, while Mnie kept close behind, silent andposed.


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