?Chapter 1226:


    “No, you go ahead.”


    Once again, they talked over each other, creating another awkward pause as both waited for the other to start.


    The second hand of the clock continued ticking in the heavy silence.


    Maia hadn’t expected her and Chris to be so perfectly in sync.


    The thought made her smile despite herself. “Ahem. Ahem… I guess I’ll start.”


    This time, Chris remained quiet, giving a small nod to show his agreement.


    “About the charity g tomorrow, I get the feeling that Kiley is pulling out all the stops, turning it into such a huge production. It can’t be only about charity and theunch of Radiant Jewels. When something feels off, there’s usually more going on beneath the surface. She has to have some other n up her sleeve,” Maia said as she looked at Chris.


    She knew perfectly well that Kiley had her sights set on her and MCN, but telling Chris wouldn’t do any good. In fact, it might only drag him deeper into the mess.


    So she changed her approach. Reaching out, she took Chris’s hand and continued, her voice filled with sincerity. “But whatever happens, tomorrow you’re going to see Laurence. I know that’s something you’ve wanted for a long time.”


    Chris felt the warmth of Maia’s gentle hand spread through his blood and straight to his heart. Even now, she was still thinking about this and remembered how much he longed to see Laurence.


    But her next words knocked the wind out of him.


    “Chris, I hope you can find a chance tomorrow to help your grandfather get away.”


    Maia’s expression showed she was serious. “I’ll find a way to create an opening for you. No matter what happens tomorrow, don’t hesitate. Just focus on getting Laurence out. Even though I’ve only seen your grandfather from afar, at that Cooper Group banquet before…”


    Maia recalled the scene, remembering how slowly Laurence had moved and the vacant, distant look in his eyes. She tightened her grip on Chris’s hand and continued, “I watched him for quite a while. His condition looks worse than just being depressed after a setback.”


    Chris was caught off guard by her words, his brows knitting together as a suspicion he had been harboring was suddenly confirmed by someone else.


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    Maia held onto his hand, worried that what she was about to say might upset him and trigger a headache. But if she stayed silent, they might lose their chance to help Laurence.


    After all, Laurence was usually confined to the Cooper family’s old residence, isted from everyone. The charity g was a rare opportunity.


    If Chris could get Laurence out, they could have Lenny run a blood test and check for any signs of poisoning.


    Maia set her jaw and spoke slowly. “Chris, I think… your grandfather has been poisoned.”


    She pressed her lips together and added, “And if we don’t act soon, it might be toote.”


    The moment those words reached Chris, it felt as if a de were hanging above him, ready to strike at any second.


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