?Chapter 1249:


    Color rushed to Rnd’s cheeks at her words, and his gaze dropped at once, carefully avoiding Maia’s eyes.


    Meanwhile, Maia watched the exchange in silence. A flicker of quiet amusement passed through her eyes, and a faint smile touched her lips as she observed the scene unfold.


    Pattie’s gaze hardened, steel shing in her eyes as her tone sharpened, cutting cleanly through the surrounding noise. “And you—what exactly do you think you’re doing? Have you ever heard of respecting boundaries, or women in general? Are you blind, or just pretending to be? There are plenty of open seats, yet you insist on crowding beside Maia. What is it—are you close, or are you simply looking for trouble?”


    Her words sliced through the whispers around them, firm and unyielding. The confidence in her voicemanded attention, drawing nearby reporters and guests toward the confrontation.


    Heads turned. Conversations died away. A heavy silence settled over the crowd like a drawn curtain.


    For the first time, Ss’s practiced grin faltered. His throat worked as he swallowed, his expression stiffening under the weight of countless watchful eyes.


    The air grew thick with unease, the tension between them impossible to ignore.


    Clearing his throat, Ss forced a light cough and squared his shoulders, a strained smile tugging at his lips. “There must be some misunderstanding, ma’am. I’m Ss Court. I assure you, I meant no offense. Surely you’ve heard of me.”


    “Who cares who you are?” Pattie replied coldly, her disdain undisguised. Her gaze skimmed over him once before turning away. “I’m not your fan, and I don’t particrly know you. Unless my friend asks for yourpany, I suggest you give her some space.”


    The rejection could not have been clearer.


    Ss opened his mouth to respond but hesitated, the words catching in his throat. Atst, he lifted his hands slightly, a forced smile returning. “There’s no hidden meaning here. I’m simply a fan of theposer K, that’s all. Please don’t misunderstand.”


    His voice carried farther than he intended, reaching the ears of a nearby reporter.


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    Sensing potential buzz, the reporter’s instincts red. Any story linking Maia to an international star was guaranteed to explode online. Fingers flew across the screen as he hurriedly drafted a headline meant to set the inte aze.


    Within minutes, the post went live—and chaos followed. Views surged by the thousands, then by the millions.


    “Breaking News: International superstar Ss Court expresses admiration for Maia, revealing he is a devoted fan ofposer K.”


    “Oh wow! Ss is a fan of Maia?”


    “My two favorites in one headline. I can’t believe this is real—my idol adores the woman I admire!”


    Whispers rippled through the hall, excitement spreading like wildfire.


    Atst, Ss managed to slip away from the prying eyes around him, his relief carefully masked behind aposed smile.


    He turned his attention toward the second row. From there, he reasoned, he could observe Maia without attracting unnecessary attention, close enough to fulfill his assignment while remaining inconspicuous.


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