?Chapter 1534:


    One brow lifted. What reason would Hurst have to dig into her past? She had never asked him, nor given him any cause to involve himself. Mnie before, Hurst now—who was Cade actually answering to? The pieces didn’t fit together cleanly, and Maia had learned long ago that coincidences were usually traps dressed as luck.


    Confirming it, at least, would be simple enough.


    She tapped the screen and ced a call to Hurst. After a brief pause, the line picked up.


    “Ms. Watson—are you hurt? Did anything happen to you?”


    Hurst’s voice carried a strained urgency, the excitement beneath it frayed by exhaustion. Maia understood all too well that Cooper Group was under siege, and as a Cooper, Hurst was enduring immense pressure.


    “I’m safe for now. How are you managing on your end?” Her reply was soft,ced with genuine concern.


    Beside Hurst, Mnie had caught Maia’s voice and moved closer, her excitement surpassing even her father’s. “Dad, hang in there—you can do it,” she murmured. To her, Maia calling meant that her father still mattered. Even with Cooper Group’s reputation in ruins, Mnie refused to let go of the hope of bringing them together.


    Hurst gave a restrained nod, drawing quiet strength from his daughter as he pressed his emotions down. “I’ve taken refuge at the vineyard for now—it’s rtively secure. But Cooper Group has truly fallen this time, and I don’t expect the days ahead to be easy.”


    Maia hesitated briefly before offering reassurance. “I believe in who you are. I don’t think you’re capable of what they’re using you of.”


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    At her words, warmth spread through Hurst, the relief of being trusted easing something in his chest. While the world turned its back on the Cooper family, Maia alone had chosen to believe in him.


    Then Maia shifted direction without warning.


    “You’re acquainted with Cade Riley, aren’t you? Did you have him dig into my biological parents?”


    No preamble—only a blunt strike to the heart of the matter.


    Hurst went rigid, a bead of cold sweat sliding down his temple. The warmth he had felt a moment ago evaporated instantly. How could Cade, a so-called private investigator, be this careless?


    Hurst chose denial without hesitation. Admitting the truth would shatter the trust he wanted Maia to keep.


    “Ahem… Do you mean the investigator my daughter hired?” He swiped at his brow, forcing a casual tone. “I’m not particrly familiar with him. Is something troubling you?”


    The moment Maia heard his reply, frost crept into her gaze. That awkward pause, the forced cough, the rushed denial—every detail screamed guilt.


    “Take care of yourself, Mr. Cooper. I have other things to deal with.” She ended the call without waiting for a response, then tossed her phone aside and sank back into the cushions.


    If Hurst had lied, then Cade’s ount was likely genuine. Had Cade truly uncovered her grandfather’s whereabouts?


    The moment the call ended, Hurst felt a sharp unease crawl up his spine. He immediately rang Cade, his anger spilling out in a rush. “What were you thinking? Didn’t I make it clear this had to stay hidden? Why would you reveal that I was involved?”


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