?Chapter 854:


    I was about to vehemently deny it when, to my surprise, Jett smoothly cut inpletely unfazed. With a warm, natural smile, he answered, “Yes, we’re married. I’m Edward Burton, and this is my lovely wife, Ailyn Burton.”


    What? We were married? And since when did we have fake names?


    I nearly choked again, tears springing to my eyes from the coughing fit. Jett patted my back soothingly, all while keeping up the act with effortless ease. “Take it easy,” he murmured, the picture of a doting husband.


    Seething with embarrassment, I shot him a re—one he conveniently pretended not to notice.


    Maia’s smile widened, her amusement evident. “Oh my, you two seem so close. Newlyweds, I take it?”


    Jett, utterly unfazed by the silent foot-stomping war being waged beneath the table, nodded earnestly. To make matters worse, he reached over and lightly squeezed my arm through my sleeve—his way of “reassuring” me, no doubt.


    Just then, a lively voice suddenly rang through the room—cheerful and full of mischief. “Sis! Why didn’t you invite me to dinner?”


    Makenna’s POV:


    The sound of that voice sent a jolt through my entire body, and for a split second, I nearly lost my grip on the spoon in my hands.


    Slowly, almost unwillingly, I turned my head—and there he was. Alden. The very same man we had unexpectedly encountered on the street not long ago, the one who had helped us slip past the patrolling soldiers.


    The moment Maia caught sight of him, the stern lines on her face softened, and a fond smile reced her initial concern. She wagged a finger at him yfully. “You cheeky brat! We have esteemed guests today, and I was worried your reckless ways mightnd us in trouble.”


    Unbothered, Alden strode to the dining table and pulled out a chair as if he owned the ce. He sat down with casual ease, his sharp gaze sweeping over us before flicking back to Maia. Arching a brow, he asked, “Who are these two?”


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    I exhaled discreetly, relieved that our disguises had done their job. Alden didn’t recognize us. Taking the lead, I introduced ourselves smoothly. “My name is Ailyn, and this is Edward. We’vee to treat the mayor’s illness.”


    Beside me, Jett remained impassive, his expression calm and unreadable. He gave Alden a subtle nod, slipping into character effortlessly.


    Alden, however, wasn’t so easily convinced. A smirk yed at his lips,ced with doubt. “You two? You honestly think you can cure the mayor? Just don’t make things worse.”


    Jett’sposure never wavered. His voice was steady, his confidence unwavering. “I would say there’s a ny percent chance I can cure him. However, his condition isplex—it will take time.”


    Alden let out a derisive snort, leaning back in his chair with arms crossed. “Ny percent? Sounds more like a couple of frauds trying their luck.”


    “Alden, mind your tongue!” Maia’s warm demeanor shifted as she shot him a warning re. Then, turning to us with an apologetic expression, she sighed, “I’m terribly sorry. This is my younger brother, Alden Cloud. He is still young, brash, and doesn’t always think before he speaks. Please don’t take offense.”


    Jett, ever the diplomat, simply smiled and waved it off. “No need to apologize, Mrs. Pierce. It’s only natural for your brother to have concerns. I understandpletely. That said, I do have some questions regarding the mayor’s condition. Would you mind answering a few for me?”


    Maia nodded earnestly. “Of course. Ask me anything. If it helps my husband, I’ll tell you whatever you need to know.”


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