bChapter /bb257 /b

    Maxine nodded reassuringly. “Don’t worry,

    I’ll take good care of myself.”

    Maxine thought, ‘Vivian and I should be fine. Besides, if things get physical, Vivian took some kickboxing lessons back in the day!

    As soon as Sebastian left and things were quiet downstairs, Vivian hurried over to Maxine with a gossipy grin. “So? Was that guy here for you? Does he have a crush on you? I can’t believe you’ve only juste back and already have someone chasing after you. Still got that irresistible charm, huh?

    Maxine sighed helplessly. “It’s not like that, he’s just a friend. Some things happened recently, and he was worried about my safety, so he came bby /bto

    check on me.”

    Vivian dropped her gossipy look and pulled Maxine down onto the couch. “So, what exactly happened?” she asked.

    Maxine recounted what had happened earlier. Vivian frowned and cursed, “That’s despicable! So, have you dealt with him yet?b” /b

    She shrugged. “No, the Jenson family is too deeply entrenched here. Bringing them down won’t be easy.”

    The Jenson family’s gshippany was Easnd Entertainment, whose artists dominate nearly half of the entertainment industry. Their roster includes both legendary veterans and today’s top–tier influencers.

    If they wanted to take down the Jenson family for good, they needed to win the public opinion war first.

    Vivian clicked her tongue in annoyance. “What a pain.”

    Her techpany was practically thew in her town, so she’d never had to worry about such things. Besides, she was the head of legal thereb. /b

    Vivian let out a resigned sigh. “Honestly, I don’t know much about Hathndw, so I can’t help you there. But…” He patted his chest and promised, “As long as I’m around, you won’t be in any danger.”

    She chuckled softly. Vivian was certainly qualified to say that.

    Vivian stayed with Maxine for a few days and would take her out from time to time. With her boundless energy, she could wheel Maxine around all day without ever getting tired.

    Maxine checked her phone and saw a message from Cleo. [I’m heading back soon. Want anything? I can bring you some local treatsb./b]

    Maxine wrote: [Just pick up whatever looks good. Safe travels! Call me when you get here, Vivian and I wille pick you up.]

    Cleo sent back aughing emoji and quipped: [With only one good leg, you still want to drive?]

    Maxine rolled her eyes and texted: [Actually, couldn’t I just call a ride service?]

    Cleo quickly replied: [No need, I’ll just call ba /bcab myself. But if you don’t mind, could you whip up some dinner for me? I probably won’t have bmuch /btime to eat when I get back.]

    Maxine exited the chat window and spotted the message Sebastian had sent her a few days earlier. Before she knew it, her fingers bhad /balready tapped to open it again.

    Ever since that night, Sebastian hadn’te to see her again. Instead, Brian would message her asionally, asking when she’d be free bfor /bba /bvisit.

    Brian hadn’t been texting as muchtely. With finals just ba /bfew days away, he’d probably be buried in his studies.

    Vivian walked out of the room holding some snacks, patted Maxine on the shoulder, and asked, “What are you looking bat/bb?/b”

    Maxine snapped out of it, guiltily locking her phone screen. She cleared her throat and said, “Oh, nothing. Just checking for bwork /bbemails/bb./bb” /b

    Vivian said, “You should check. I just saw online that the guy from the Jenson family held another press conference.b” /b