?Chapter 877:


    He nced toward the corridor. “This ce won’t be safe for long. Let’s focus on getting you out first.” Then he gestured for me to follow.


    Makenna’s POV:


    With Alden’s help, I managed to leave the heavily guarded office building without any trouble.


    However, I couldn’t shake the regret of not securing the crucial pass. I feared I wouldn’t find another opportunity like that.


    Noticing my downcast mood, Alden gently tapped my head, wearing a bright smile. “What are you thinking? Are you upset about not taking what you were so focused on?”


    His words irked me, and I shot him a sharp look. “You’re being rude.” But Alden seemed unfazed by my annoyance and continued, “I really helped you out. The least you could do is treat me to a meal, right? It’s a small request.”


    “Don’t even think about it…” I started to snap back, warning him not to overstep, but suddenly, I stopped mid-sentence.


    The three princes, along with Maia and Jett, were approaching us, talking andughing together.


    My worst fears had materialized!


    My heart raced. I wanted to find a ce to hide, but it was toote—they had already spotted me.


    Alden followed my gaze and saw them too. He waved excitedly and called out, “What brings you here, Your Highnesses?” Oh, Alden!


    I was angry and anxious, shooting him a re of sheer frustration.


    But Alden appeared to relish in my difort, not easing up one bit. He shed a cheeky grin. “Looks like you’re ready to treat me to that meal. Don’t worry, I’m avable tonight.”


    Seething, I gathered all my strength and stomped on Alden’s foot.


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    Taken by surprise, he winced in pain. Although he wanted to yell, he held it back due to the nearbypany.


    In those fleeting moments, the princes and the others had already reached us.


    Maia kept her kind and gracious smile as she softly said, “Alden, Makenna, what brings you here?”


    Her eyes briefly darted curiously between Alden and me, but she quickly covered it up with a friendly proposal. “Why don’t we all have lunch together? I’ve told the butler to prepare something special.”


    My gaze moved past the three princes and Maia to Jett.


    He was looking at me. His eyes were hard to read—filled with concern and other emotions I couldn’t quite decipher.


    The princes were also looking my way, and I wasn’t sure if they sensed anything unusual.


    Attempting to maintain myposure, I was about to graciously decline Maia’s offer. “No need, Mrs. Pierce—”


    But before I could finish my sentence, Alden abruptly took hold of my arm and spoke for both of us. “Sure, we were just about to have lunch too. Let’s join you.”


    I was both shocked and angry, turning to give Alden a stern re.


    He feigned innocence, sporting a victorious smirk.


    Refusing again might attract unwanted attention from the princes,plicating the situation further.


    Weighing the pros and cons, I hesitantly agreed.


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