?Chapter 1149:


    He clung to the hope that when Maia finally appeared, she might hand him the opening he had been searching for — the chance to wash away the stain of Zoey’s false conviction and honor Neville’s dying wish.


    In the side room, a flush of crimson swept across Pattie’s face, her eyes alight with excitement. “Maia, I have two pieces of good news for you. Which would you rather hear first?” she asked, a mischievous smile curling her lips.


    Maia arched an eyebrow and couldn’t help but chuckle. “Pattie, do you even realize what you’re saying? What does it matter which piece of newses first if they’re both good?” she said, her toneced with yful disbelief.


    “Huh?” Pattie replied, confusion flickering across her face. A sheepish smile soon spread as her blunder dawned on her. “I’ll just share both in my own order. The first is that Ipleted the task,” she said, her voice bright with pride.


    A warm smile bloomed on Maia’s face as she reached out, her fingers gently caressing Pattie’s cheek. “Of course you did,” she said, her voice soft with affection.


    Pattie’s expression betrayed her second news, a subtle glow in her eyes.


    “You’ve shown your affection for him, haven’t you?” Maia asked, her tone teasing yet warm.


    “Is it that obvious?” Pattie said, abashed, her cheeks reddening further.


    After a moment of awkward silence, she continued, “I had no choice. I needed to keep him close, and since he didn’t make the first move, I had to. I put myself out there to keep Rnd from trouble. He’s lucky to have me watching over him.”


    Maia nodded, her smile deepening. “You bothplement each other beautifully,” she said, her voice genuine, brimming with goodwill. “So, when do I meet your soon-to-be fiancé?”


    “Soon-to-be fiancé?” Pattie stuttered, caught off guard, her eyes widening in shock. “Isn’t it too early for that?” she asked, her voice a mix of rm and disbelief.


    Exclusive updates gαlησν??s.c?m


    Pattie’s expression shifted, a sudden seriousness settling over her as a memory surfaced. “Maia, will you now tell me what happened? Is Rnd in trouble? Is someone targeting him? I don’t want to hear it on the news before he proposes,” she said, her voice tinged with worry.


    Maia’s face grew thoughtful, her eyes turning distant. “It’s aplicated situation,” she said, her tone measured.


    Pattie was her closest confidante, the only one privy to her ns to dismantle the Cooper Group, a key ally in their execution.


    With a resolved look, Maia met Pattie’s gaze. “Come with me,” she said, turning and striding out of the room, her steps purposeful.


    Pattie hurried after her, her heart quickening.


    In the living room, Rnd stood as they entered, his neat clothes fitting impably, his usual cid expression steady on his face.


    “We need to talk, Mr. Cullen,” Maia said, ncing at Pattie. “I hope her presence here won’t be an issue?”


    Rnd’s gaze lingered briefly on Pattie, a flicker of warmth in his eyes, before he shook his head.


    .


    .


    .