?Chapter 1003:


    As Chris mulled over this thought, a strange sense of foreboding crept in — as though fate itself had chosen to mock him. The group he had once built from the ground up was now turning its attention toward his wife. He had made it clear to Raegan that Maia was off-limits, yet in direct defiance of his warning, Raegan not only ignored him but also teamed up with another member of The Mask to confront Maia.<fn373a> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find[?]ovel</fn373a>


    Such behavior was out of character, unlike anything that had happened before. Perhaps Raegan had inadvertently revealed something about her identity and was now trying to win back Kiley’s trust by targeting Maia.


    But Raegan had made no prior report to him. If she had, he would have shut the n down immediately.


    Then, there was the darker possibility — that Raegan had already abandoned The Mask entirely and was now standing with Kiley.


    No answer seemed certain for now. Chris knew he would have to confront Raegan soon andy down a clear warning. If she had truly turned against them, he was ready to cut her out of the organization without a second thought.


    Suddenly, a stabbing pain ripped through Chris’ head, forcing a sharp hiss from between his teeth. The sensation felt as if something deep within his head had begun to shift, bringing with it an agony that was almost unbearable.


    “Did the bullet fragment shift because of that brutal sh with Tyrant earlier?” Chris’ fists tightened until his knuckles turned white, and cold sweat seeped between his fingers.


    Maia’s earlier warning echoed in his mind. She had cautioned him against heavy exertion and allowing his emotions to run wild.


    But resisting was impossible. Whoever was after his wife had already drawn blood.


    Chris refused to stand idly by while Maia suffered at someone else’s hands. “Damn it…” he whispered, bracing himself against his arm for support as beads of sweat slid down his forehead.


    His surroundings swayed wildly, the scene before him tilting and twisting like a funhouse caught mid-quake. Determined not to ck out, Chris bit down hard and willed himself to remain upright.


    “Maia… is still waiting for me to make her dinner.” The thought looped endlessly in his mind, each repetition giving him the strength to endure.


    By then, Hurst and Mnie had already stepped out of the hospital. Although Maia had agreed to be transferred, the process couldn’t be finalized until Chris came back to sign the documents.


    Golden sunlight poured over the car’s hood as Hurst and Mnie slid inside. The moment Mnie sank into her seat, a warm smile tugged at her lips. “Dad, Maia is truly amazing. Her eyes… they remind me so much of Mom’s. Every day, I feel myself liking her even more.”


    Her mind wandered back to every shared nce and every word exchanged in the hospital room.


    Hurst returned his daughter’s smile and answered gently, “Yes, she really is remarkable. But when things seem too perfect, I feel it’s better not to rush. I still think our connection with her needs more time to grow. If we move too soon, I’m not sure I’ll have the confidence to confess sessfully.” With a fond touch, he ruffled her hair. “You were pretty sharp today. If I get tied up with workter, I want you to visit Maia more often. The two of you should strengthen your bond.”


    “Absolutely. You don’t even have to tell me — I’d do it anyway,” Mnie replied, lifting her chin with the pride of someone entrusted with an important mission.


    After a brief pause, she raised her eyebrows and asked, “Dad, did that private investigator, Cade, end up getting caught?”


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