?Chapter 1142:


    Her lips pressed together in uncertainty, unsure if she should continue — until Zoey’s voice cut through the silence.


    “Keep going,” Zoey said atst. Her face betrayed nothing, yet her tone had softened. “Finish what you started.”


    Acknowledging the cue with a small nod, Maia continued, “You were the one who rescued me. You raised me, guided me, and after I regained my freedom, you arranged my marriage to Chris. Through me, you hoped he would reim his inheritance and secure Cooper Group as his own.”


    All at once, Zoey jumped to her feet, the movement sharp and jarring. The cup beside her hand toppled with a dull crash onto the floor.


    A beatter, she began pping slowly, each strike deliberate, as though savoring the weight of the moment.


    “Brilliant! Not only is the logic impable, but the plot is also very intricate, making it sound incredibly interesting,” Zoey said with unrestrained admiration. “Maia, has it ever crossed your mind to be a writer? I’m certain you’d end up on the bestseller lists.”


    A faint crease formed between Maia’s brows. Was her conclusion mistaken after all?


    Her gaze lingered on Zoey, searching for the smallest slip in that calm, pleasant expression, hoping to uncover whaty beneath it.


    “Isn’t that right? Zoey, the only reason I came was to keep you from harming Rnd. If what you really want ispany, I can always return another day just to talk with you.”


    Memories of Zoey’s past teasing flickered through Maia’s mind, and irritation tightened in her chest as her fists curled at her sides. The frustration cut deeper now, because every spare moment was devoted to her surgical training. Maia simply couldn’t afford to waste her time.


    Certain that Rnd was safe, Maia decided it was best to leave. She turned toward the door, her steps unhurried on purpose. Out of nowhere, cool but delicate hands slipped around her and stopped her from moving forward.


    Stay connected at g?lnσν????s?c?m


    At the instant those palms touched her, warmth seeped in, and Maia couldn’t hide the faint smile tugging at her lips. Zoey had fallen for her ploy.


    “Fine, Maia. I’ll stop with the jokes. No need to sulk.”


    Zoey’s lips pushed into a pout, though her eyes betrayed a yful warmth. “Since your release, you haven’t once bothered to visit me.”


    Gone was hermanding presence. In its ce lingered the gentleness of a mother fussing over her child.


    Even her voice mellowed, carrying none of its usual edge.


    “As for you and Chris… how far along are the two of you? Every time I ask, you refuse to say a word. Tell me, what daughter can truly hold a grudge against her own mother?” Zoey moved closer, slipped around to stand before Maia, and brushed back a strand of hair that had fallen across her cheek.


    At that moment, she caught sight of the quiet pride etched on Maia’s face. “So it was just a show?” Zoey faltered, surprise shing in her expression.


    “Yes, and my little story wasn’t off the mark after all, was it?” Maia let out a low, amusedugh.


    .


    .


    .