?Chapter 1031:


    “Think nothing of it. It’s an honor,” Hurst replied with a warm smile. “Ms. Watson, you’ve aided me greatly, and besides, my daughter Mnie and Ethan share a ssroom. We’re already connected, so his concerns are mine as well.”


    Hearing this, Ethan felt a faint, unexpected warmth stir within him.


    Still, Hurst was mindful of his aim to win Maia’s goodwill. He knew that focusing on Ethan at Maia’s expense could risk alienating one for the other.


    “Here’s what I’ll do,” he said, shifting the conversation. “I’ll escort you back to your room first, Ms. Watson, and then return to speak with Ethan.” After a short pause, he added to Ethan, “I’ll send you my contactter. If somethinges up, you can reach me directly.”


    “Alright.” Ethan’s reply was soft but steady, carrying a spark of eagerness.


    Hurst’s remark felt almost like an answer to their earlier confidential exchange. Perhaps his silence to the prior message was because he had arrived at the hospital shortly after. And with a direct number,munication would be far simpler.<fn2a13> Read full story at </fn2a13>


    Elsewhere, at the back of the hospital, in the shadowed space near the emergency stairwell, Chris stood gripping his phone, a frown etched across his features.


    “You’re saying… all of this was Kiley’s doing?” he asked with icy skepticism, lingering doubts still gnawing at him.


    “Yes. That’s why I staged the entire affair, and at the end I arranged for someone to cry out that the police were on their way. I remembered your caution, sir; it was merely a token rm meant for Maia. I had to ensure Kiley suspected nothing.”


    Raegan’s voice flowed through the receiver, even and self-assured. She knew this matter couldn’t be hidden from the all-seeing leader of The Mask, so she had prepared her exnations in advance.


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    Each point fit neatly into the next, with logic strong enough that the leader might at most deem her impulsive rather than deserving of punishment.


    Chris forced his temper down.


    But before he could chastise her, Raegan’s apologetic voice came through. “My apologies, sir. I never imagined it would unfold like this. If you wish to discipline me, I’ll ept it.”


    “Or are you saying you no longer trust me?” Raegan asked, her voice tinged with a sadness she tried to mask. “Sir, I’ve stood by you for years… when have I ever failed you?” Her tone was gentle but carried weight, brimming with sincere honesty.


    “That’s enough!” Chris finally let his anger loose, his deep voice booming withmanding authority. “Do you even understand how bad the fallout could have been this time?”


    Still, Raegan’s ount suggested the worst had been avoided. At least she hadn’t turned against him. A slip-up here could easily have pushed Raegan to betray him.


    Chris took a breath, his anger softening a touch as he went on, “Make sure nothing like this happens again. Don’t let me down. If Cooper Group ever plots anything against Maia, you tell me first. No solo decisions!”


    “Yes, sir,” she replied.


    Raegan let a faint smile tug at her lips, and a quiet breath of relief slipped out. Through the years, she hade to know the leader better than anyone else. He never scolded without cause; every reprimand reflected his solid judgment and clear thinking. To her, his charm held an almost perfect, irresistible pull. That was why earning his trust mattered so much.


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