?Chapter 44:

A singer, he could see. But someone with a prison record? That rattled himpletely.

“I — uh — what?” Jack stammered, speechless.

She didn’t bother waiting for a reply. Linking arms with Pattie, she turned and made for the exit.

That shook him into action. He snapped out of it and darted forward, cutting them off again. “Listen, your past doesn’t matter. You’re free now. We care about talent, not history. I swear — your record won’t be an issue.”

Nobody walked into a ce like this looking to dig up someone’s past. They came to rx. And if he let her walk out now, that regret would gnaw at him for nights toe.

The way he kepting caught Maia off guard. She blinked, surprised that he’d gone this far to follow her. But it confirmed something she already suspected.

“I’m not rejecting you to be difficult,” she said inly. “I have other things to take care of. But I can promise you this — I won’t sing regrly at any other venue. Now, may I leave?”

That stopped Jack cold. She saw straight through him, knew exactly what was eating at him. He had no arguments left.

Before he could respond, Pattie stepped in like it was her cue. “Come on, Jack. You’ve got a lineup full of singers. Let my best friend go. We’re done here. Goodnight.”

So she was Pattie’s best friend…

He’d seen Pattie plenty of times at the bar, usually surrounded by business contacts. Never once had she called anyone her best friend.

There was no pushing this any further. Jack exhaled and stepped aside. “Of course. I won’t stop you. Take care on the road.”

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Out in front of Starlight, Maia slid into the passenger seat of Pattie’s Porsche.

“Are you staying anywhere tonight? Come to my ce. Don’t even think about going back to the Morgans. You owe them nothing,” said Pattie. After what they’d done to her, she couldn’t stand the Morgans.

But she was unaware that Maia had already cut every tie with that family.

Remembering the quiet apartment she had finished setting up just hours ago, Maia gave a small smile. “Drive me to my new home.”

Pattie pulled up to the gate of the modest residentialplex where Maia was currently staying with Chris. Compared to the grand estates in the heart of the city, this ce was smaller, tucked away on the outskirts, with nothing particrly striking about the greenery or surroundings.

“You’re really living here now?” Pattie asked, unable to hide her surprise. She still remembered Maia’s old life — grand vis, luxury dripping from every corner.

“Why settle for something so… in?” Pattie couldn’t help but ask. Someone like Maia could easily afford a penthouse downtown, something with a skyline view and marble floors.

Pushing the door open, Maia gave a small, even smile. “It’s quiet here. I like the quiet atmosphere.” She paused before stepping out, ncing back at Pattie. “Text me when yound in Varninski tomorrow. Let me know you’re safe.”

Just as Maia was about to walk away, Pattie noticed the faint flush on her cheeks. Worried, she reached out and caught Maia by the arm. “You’ve been drinking. Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I’m fine. Just feeling a slight buzz. It’s nothing that’ll knock me out,” Maia said with a smile as she shut the car door behind her. Afterward, she turned and said goodbye to Pattie.

Pattie stayed parked there for a while, watching Maia disappear inside, a strange unease gnawing at her.

Inside the building, the whiskey’s burn started catching up with Maia, making her head swim and her steps uneven. She fumbled with the key, pushed open the door, and stumbled inside.

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