?Chapter 1234:


    Rnd gave a small nod, his gaze steady. He brushed a hand over the badge pinned neatly to his chest, a quiet reminder of his profession, and said, “Kiley is clearly stirring up attention to lure you and Maia into that event. It smells like a setup, and I’d rather be there to keep an eye on things.”


    “You’re absolutely right. It’s a trap, no doubt about it. Still, Maia is determined to attend, so I’m going with her.” Pattie met his sharp gaze and added, “I’m half tempted to hire you and sue every single person spreading those ridiculous rumors.”


    Then her expression brightened as she tugged on his arm. “But before that, we need food. Come on, lunch is on me. We can’t face a scandal on empty stomachs.”


    Without missing a beat, she continued, “Once we’re done eating, we’ll head straight to the g with Maia. I’ve already called in a few friends from the press to capture her arrival. That way, everyone online will see she has nothing to hide.”


    Her words made Rnd pause for a moment. Though her tone carried a yful edge, the faint tension in her grip betrayed what she didn’t say. Beneath thatposed exterior, she was furious. There was no mistaking it. She wasn’t pretending this time.


    Across town, the lunch bell rang through MCN. Employees poured out of their cubicles, some slowing when they noticed the pair standing by the elevator.


    Several exchanged wary nces before stepping aside and gathering in a small circle to whisper.


    “Wait. Did I just see Ms. Miller with someone?”


    “They actually look good together. I’ve never seen her link arms with anyone before.”


    “Who is that man? He looks familiar. I swear I’ve seen him on television.”


    “Looks like every famous face in Wront showed up today. It almost feels like the city is hosting a red-carpet event. Did you see the news? Even Ss Court, the award-winning actor, is in town.”


    “Wait a second, that guy sounds familiar. Isn’t he Rnd Cullen from Zenith Legal?”


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    At a luxurious restaurant inside a five-star hotel, Ss ced his utensils neatly beside his empty te and lifted a napkin to wipe away the faint trace of sauce from his lips.


    The watch on his wrist shed 12:40.


    “Perfect timing,” he murmured to himself. “I should get going.”


    Sliding on his sunsses, he concealed the eyes that entertainment magazines imed could captivate anyone. He rose from his seat, the hem of his tailored coat swaying smoothly as he moved.


    “Maia… it’s finally happening,” Ss whispered, a faint smile forming. “Your music captivates me, but fate decided we’d stand on opposite sides.”


    Truthfully, Maia had fascinated him for a long time. She was an artist he deeply respected, yet could never fully understand.


    A woman who had made headlines the moment she stepped out of prison, a name Raegan had quietly marked for removal, Maia was anything but ordinary.


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