?Chapter 1257:


    A gentle hum spread through the banquet hall as the orchestra began its warm-up. The sound rolled gently through the air, slowly swallowing the low whispers circling Maia and herpanions.


    Ethan moved along the first row with careful, almost rigid steps. Under the curious gazes that followed him, he settled into the seat beside Maia—the very one Chris had recently left. The cushion still carried his warmth.


    A nce shot toward Chris, and something sharp flickered in Ethan’s eyes. His features tightened, revealing both contempt and irritation. It was clear enough to him that Maia’s coldness toward him had everything to do with Chris.


    However, the bitterness passed quickly, too fleeting to be noticed. Within moments, Ethan’s head dipped low, and his shoulders curved inward.


    “Maia…” His voice was fragile, nearly lost beneath the rising chatter. “Are you angry with me? You haven’t answered any of my messagestely.”


    Maia’s gaze lingered on his face, on the traces of boyish uncertainty there. A quiet sigh slipped from her lips.


    “Yes.” Her voice came out calm and light as she reached over to ruffle her younger brother’s messy hair. “I was really upset back then.”


    After pulling her hand away, Maia met Ethan’s eyes with quiet sincerity. “I just don’t want you growing up without a sense of judgment,” she said with care.


    There was no trace of anger in her tone. She sounded more like a mother offering gentle correction. “So let this be a reminder. Think about what happened and learn from it.”


    That had always been her belief. Maia understood that constant indulgence would never help a child grow strong or steady. Since their parents had passed away years ago, she had epted that it was her role to raise Ethan with guidance and discipline, to teach him how to make sound choices and to stand firm on his own.


    Ethan’s fingers tightened little by little until his hands formed trembling fists.


    “I’m sorry,” he muttered, lifting his head as his voice quivered. “I said terrible things that day in the hospital.”


    Maia’s expression softened as she watched him. She gave a slow, reassuring nod. She had never meant to shut Ethan out forever. Now that he owned up to his mistake, she felt ready to forgive and move forward.


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    “Okay.” Her lips curved into a gentle smile as she spoke. “From now on, when ites to things or people, take a moment before deciding what to believe. You can’t im something as true without learning the facts first. And when ites to others, don’t assume the worst just because someone else has spoken poorly of them.”


    Although Maia’s tone was calm, her words carried a quiet weight that lingered in the air.


    Beside her, Chris remained silent, watching the exchange without interruption.


    She nced at him briefly before turning back to Ethan and saying, “There are countless cruel things written about me online. But do you really think I’m anything like that?”


    “Of course not!” Ethan blurted out before she could say more. His voice cracked with urgency. “Those people are lying! They don’t even know you. To me, Maia, you’re the kindest person there is!”


    Emotion surged through him. His shoulders trembled, and his breathing turned uneven, while tears shimmered in his eyes. Anyone could see how deeply Ethan despised those who tried to stain his sister’s name.


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