?Chapter 776:

    Maia warmly returned the hug.

    “I’ve taken care of everything,” Alice announced with a radiant smile. “The hotel is ready, and I booked a dinner reservation too. You have to try the beef ribs — they’re practically famous here.” Her gaze shifted curiously to the man standing just behind Maia.

    “And… who’s the gentleman apanying you?”

    Maia turned slightly. Chris stood tall at her back, sunsses still in ce, his expression calm and unreadable. His posture radiated quiet authority.

    Before Maia could answer, Alice’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Is he your bodyguard?”

    For a second, Maia blinked in surprise — then burst intoughter.

    Behind her, Chris furrowed his brow ever so slightly.

    Tilting her head back to nce at him, Maia smirked mischievously.

    “You nailed it, Alice. He’s my bodyguard.”

    Besides indulging in a bit of fun at Chris’ expense, it was also the most convenient exnation — for now.

    “I knew it!” Alice said triumphantly, nodding as if she had solved a riddle. “He’s got that look — like the kind of guy who could dismantle a threat with one hand and not spill his coffee.”

    Chris nearly choked on air. He shot Maia a silent look, as if asking, Seriously? I look like a bodyguard to you?

    She, of course, acted oblivious and walked ahead without a backward nce.

    Alice looped an arm through Maia’s and marched on. “Don’t worry, Ms. Watson,” she said cheerfully. “Here in Sceibar, I have a little sway. Anyone who tries to mess with you will have to go through me first.”

    Chris trailed behind them with a resigned sigh, hefting both suitcases without a word.

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    By the time they finally settled in, dusk had deepened into evening. Their hotel, a discreet jewel tucked into the hillside, exuded quiet opulence — sleek, understated, and built for those who prized privacy.

    Alice had chosen a room with a direct view of the Jaliyah — a shimmering ribbon of water winding through the majestic slopes of the Apex Mountains. At that hour, the peaks stood like painted sentinels under the indigo sky, their silhouettes etched in fading gold. It was all too perfect, like a living masterpiece.

    Later that evening, Alice took them to a renowned restaurant, a prestigious spot whispered about in elite circles for its transcendent cuisine and sommelier-led pairings.

    Throughout the meal, Alice’s attention wasser-focused on Maia. She cut her steak with the tenderness of a doting guardian, poured her wine with a steady hand, and addressed her with endearments at nearly every turn.

    Maia had gently tried to dissuade her from the constant “Ms. Watson” formality, but Alice had a stubborn streak. After a few failed attempts, Maia let it slide with a sigh and a half-smile.

    Chris, by contrast, remained a silent sentinel. He sat slightly off to the side, upright and still, exuding the quiet alertness of someone permanently “on watch.” His calm gaze swept across the room every so often, but when itnded on Maia, it softened — just a little.

    asionally, he helped her with utensils or refilled her ss, but never once joined the conversation.

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