?Chapter 777:

    By the time the clock struck nine, Alice had returned them to their hotel with her usual elegance and efficiency.

    Maia’s and Chris’ rooms were next to each other. As they reached the hallway, Chris hesitated before reaching for his door — and finally broke his silence.

    “Do I really look like a bodyguard?”

    Maia, hand on the door handle, turned her head. Her eyes held a teasing spark as she studied him for a beat.

    “You do,” she said softly. “You radiate security. It’s a gift.”

    The irritation that had briefly clouded Chris’ features evaporated like mist in sunlight. His shoulders eased, and the corners of his mouth lifted into something unguarded and proud — just for a moment.

    Maia smiled. “Get some rest. Tomorrow morning, we’re due at the affiliated hospital of the Sceibar Royal Academy for your checkup. Professor Bryant already made the arrangements.”

    Chris gave a crisp nod. “Got it.”

    Meanwhile, across the city at a five-star hotel in the heart of Burlwood Grove, a different kind of quiet unfolded. On the top floor, inside the presidential suite, soft lighting painted the room in warm tones, and the air carried the delicate fizz of chilled champagne. The atmosphere was tailored elegance — tasteful, deliberate.

    A gentle, poised knock sounded at the door.

    An elegant woman set her slender champagne flute back on the marble-topped table, then rose with unhurried grace to answer.

    Mariana stood outside, shoulders slightly drawn in, fingers twitching at her sides.

    When the door opened, she looked up — and froze.

    The woman before her looked like a figure from a high-fashion spread: dressed in a champagne-hued velvet ensemble that hugged her figure with impable tailoring. Her makeup was wless. Her eyes, cool and assessing, revealed nothing.

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    She exuded nobility cloaked in frost.

    This woman was Mariana’s sister, Kiley Cooper — Kolton’s eldest daughter, the reigning CEO of Radiant Jewels.

    “Hello, Kiley.” Mariana’s tone was warm, her smile gentle and inviting.

    Kiley returned the gesture. “It really has been some time, Mariana.”

    Once they were both seated and had exchanged a few polite remarks, the conversation quickly shifted to the reason behind their meeting.

    “I thought your schedule was packedtely. What made youe to Sceibar all of a sudden?” Mariana asked, leaning forward slightly.

    She had arrived in town ahead of schedule for the uing art exhibition, only learning earlier that day that her older sister, Kiley, happened to be in the same city. That revtion had prompted her to rush over without hesitation.

    Kiley took a slow sip of her wine, swirling the ss with practiced grace. “Didn’t Dad fill you in? Radiant Jewels is one of the main sponsors for this prestigious art event.”

    Mariana blinked in surprise. “Wait, you’re here for the exhibition too?”

    Kiley nodded without hesitation. “That’s right. This event is a major step for our Cooper family’s expansion into the art industry. You’re expected to showcase your strongest pieces to help Cooper Group build a name in this space. And beyond that, it’s a great setting to discover fresh talent who could help us innovate in Radiant Jewels’ future collections.”

    A sharp glint entered Kiley’s eyes. To her, gathering skilled artists wasn’t just about elevating their jewelry brand. It was also a calcted step toward expanding the family’s presence in the art industry and strengthening the Cooper Group’s standing once Mariana moved up the ranks.

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