?Chapter 1238:


    What they hadn’t anticipated was the traffic. The roads leading to the g werepletely clogged.


    Even with Wront’s strict traffic control, tonight’s event had drawn more guests than any previous year.


    Mnie leaned forward, ring through the windshield at the sea of taillights ahead. “Seriously? It’s this early and we’re already stuck? We’re not even moving.”


    “Miss Cooper,” the driver said cautiously, “I could try a shortcut I know, but the road is narrow and uneven. I’m only concerned it might be ufortable for you.”


    At that, Mnie’s eyes lit up. “Then what are you waiting for? Take it. Don’t worry about me—I’m not made of ss.”


    Though she had once been the picture of pampered elegance, her time with Ethan and Marisa had hardened her edges, refining her from a delicate heiress into someone who could take a few knocks without flinching.


    She clenched her fists, determination sharpening her gaze. “If we’rete, we’ll lose our chance to sit next to Maia.”


    “Got it. Don’t worry, Miss Cooper. Not many people know this shortcut. We’ll definitely beat the crowd,” the driver assured her as he stepped on the gas.


    He veered off the main road, slipped into a side street, and then made a sharp turn into a narrow alley that led onto the quieter Riverside Road.


    Mnie nced to her right and saw Ethan sitting beside her, his head lowered, eyes fixed on his phone. His brows were knitted together, clearly lost in thought.


    “Ethan, rx. We’ll get there on time,” she said gently. “You two are family. It’s better to talk face-to-face. Maybe things aren’t as bad as you think.”


    Earlier, Ethan had confided in her that Maia hadn’t replied to any of his messages for days. That had never happened before.


    It all seemed to trace back to a careless remark he had made about Chris, calling him a pretty boy. Since then, Maia had gone silent, and Ethan was beginning to feel as though she was punishing him for it.


    Marisa nced at Ethan, who remained quiet. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a lollipop, peeled off the wrapper, and leaned over to tap him lightly on the shoulder.


    Ethan looked up in confusion, just in time for Marisa to pop the lollipop into his mouth. “Here. Have something sweet. You look like you need it,” she said, one eyebrow raised in mock seriousness.


    Then Marisa turned her attention to the driver. “Wait a second. You’re not actually taking us down Riverside Road, are you?”


    “That’s right. You know the route too?” the driver replied, his eyes never leaving the road.


    Marisa clicked her tongue. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.” She shot a quick nce at Ethan, concern flickering across her face, though she didn’t voice what was really troubling her.


    After a brief pause, she continued, “Sure, that road runs along the river and skips all the traffic lights. But with everything going on today, other drivers might think the same way. If it gets clogged, we’ll be stuck with no way out.”


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