Chapter 1260:


    Those words drew an unbidden smile from Chris.


    He wasn’t sure why Ethan had suddenly spoken so highly of him, but the warmth that followed was undeniable. It felt good—better than he cared to admit.


    After all, who wouldn’t enjoy hearing such praise? Chris wasn’t immune to ttery, and holding back his grin felt as impossible as keeping his finger off a loaded trigger.


    As for Hurst, the moment he caught Ethan’s nce and heard the phrase “a man worth a lifetime,” his whole face lit up in delight.


    Even though the name “Justiceze” reached Hurst’s ears, he brushed it off without much thought, assuming it was a game reference or maybe a nickname.


    His mind was elsewhere, busy nning how to strike up another round of conversation with Maia and, if luck allowed, offer to escort her home after the g.


    Because of that, he hadn’t really followed what Maia and Ethan had been discussing earlier. But when Ethan suddenly looked his way, Hurst snapped out of his wandering thoughts just in time to catch the final words.


    Across from them, Maia’s expression shifted ever so slightly. Her brows drew together as if Ethan’sment didn’t quite sit right with her.


    The way he spoke made it sound as though he was trying to introduce Justiceze to her.


    That wouldn’t do at all.


    Chris was right there, and jealousy wasn’t something he handled well. One wrong impression could stir up unnecessary trouble, and Maia wasn’t in the mood for that tonight.


    “What do you mean by Hurst is worthy of a lifetimemitment?” Maia asked. Her eyes grew cold and distant as she spoke the words softly.


    She’d suspected something all along—Ethan hadn’t truly learned his lesson. Instead, he’d simply switched tactics in his fight against Chris.


    Now he wanted to use a different strategy. If he couldn’t attack Chris directly in front of her, he’d introduce another man into the picture. Maybe that would push her away from Chris instead.


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    Maia recognized this move. She’d taught Ethan this very technique years ago when hepeted in gaming. He’d learned it quickly: when one path fails, find another angle. Attack from a different direction.


    Now Ethan was turning that same strategy on her. It surprised her.


    “Please think seriously about him,” Ethan suggested. He clenched his fists hard and forced courage into his voice. “He’s been secretly in love with you all this time.”


    The words caught Maia off guard.


    Chris, hearing that, coughed suddenly. The sound came from deep inside his chest—his body reacting before his mind could stop it. His heart was racing.


    Behind Maia, Hurst smiled broadly. He even gave Ethan a mental thumbs-up for his boldness.


    Pattie had been watching the whole thing. She pressed her lips tight, questions burning in her mind. She didn’t dare open her mouth, though. Once she started talking, she knew she wouldn’t stop until she understood every detail.


    Brielle stood slightly behind Maia too. She looked just as curious, her eyes fixed on Maia’s face, waiting.


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