?Chapter 806:

    As they paused outside their rooms, Chris finally broke the silence, his words unhurried.

    “You spent the whole ride sneaking nces at me, sweetheart.”

    Caught off guard, Maia paused mid-step. Feigning surprise, she tilted her head. “Hmm?”

    Chris angled his face toward her, a yful glint in his eye. “You were staring for ages… Did I grow a second nose or something?”

    For a moment, Maia couldn’t find her voice. Regaining herposure, she replied, “That’s not true at all. You must have imagined it.”

    A lifted eyebrow and a teasing tone answered her. “Oh? Did I now?”

    No answer came from Maia — she could only stare. A beat passed before she finally said, “You just seem a little different today.” The excuse came out smoothly, though her eyes darted everywhere but to him.

    “And what’s changed?” Chris asked, curiosity lingering.

    Shifting her gaze to the ceiling, Maia stumbled for words, then blurted, “Actually — I just remembered. Professor Bryant messaged earlier to invite me out for dinner.”

    Turning her eyes up to Chris, she managed a casual tone. “Do you want toe along?”

    A light shake of the head was his response. “I’ll pass. I’m still shaking off the jetg and not feeling my best. You go ahead and enjoy dinner. I’ll probably just grab something simple nearby.”

    Maia nodded. “Alright, see youter.”

    A silent understanding passed between them as they exchanged a final nce. Momentster, they each slipped into their separate rooms, thoughts lingering in the air behind them.

    A few momentster, Maia slipped into a sleek outfit, swept her hair into an effortless style, and draped a flowing coat across her shoulders. Without attracting attention, she quietly left the hotel and made her way toward the affiliated hospital of Sceibar Royal Academy.

    ??????????? ????ρ???????? ?????????ν????????????

    Her purpose was clear: to confirm Chris’ medical consultation before they enjoyed their anticipated meal together.

    Meanwhile, Chris stood before the ornate mirror. Resting elegantly on the table beside him was a silver mask of exceptional craftsmanship. Its wless surface was adorned with intricate gold filigree that shimmered in the light, radiating an almost regal sophistication.

    He rinsed his face with cool water and carefully dried the moisture from his brow. As he studied his reflection, a flicker of uncertainty crossed his features. His appearance remained utterly unchanged from any other day.

    “Perhaps…” he mused, an amused smile tugging at his lips. “My dear wife has be captivated by this very face? Could that exin those stolen nces she thinks I don’t notice?” A deepugh rumbled from his chest.

    With deliberate precision, his eyes zing with anticipation, Chris lifted the mask toward his face. The instant the chilled metal touched his skin, his entire presence shifted within the mirror’s reflection.

    His gaze sharpened into something cold and predatory. The gentle, aristocratic bearing he usually carried vanished, reced by a formidable aura that radiated silent warning to anyone who might dare approach.

    Every line of his masked features exuded mystery and danger, like a predator moving unseen through the shadows.

    .

    .

    .