Cedric gave Baz an order. “Search for the cat, Baz.”“The cat?” Baz’s face was blank for a while before he caught on to what Cedric meant.It wasn’t human, so it couldn’t talk. However, he had to track it down. It might prove useful!“Roger. I’ll send some men to look for it.”The air of hostility about Cedric was unmistakable. “I’ll kill anyone who touches her!”…It was pitch dark. A revolting smell of blood and osmanthus lingered in the air.Maia’s head felt heavy. She pulled herself up and the memory of what happened came flooding into her mind.She had been on her way back to her homestay when someone covered her mouth with a rag. Then, she passed out.Maia couldn’t make out her surroundings. She caught a whiff of the revolting scent and nearly threw up. She wasn’t sure if it was day or night. She started exploring once her eyes adjusted to the darkness. A barely visible figure caught her attention. Maia stopped in her tracks and crept closer.She wasn’t sure what it
The kiss of life?To hell with that! This jerk was just full of excuses!“Who do you think you are? Prince Charming? Did you think you could swoop in like a hero and give the kiss of life?”He smiled and whispered in her ear seductively, “There’s more where that came from.”Maia’s eyes widened as she looked at Cedric. She had never expected him to act so boldly.“You jerk! How dare you!”“You look cute when you’re mad, honey.”“Asshole!” Maia was upset.“I may be an asshole, but I’m yours and yours alone.”“Huh?”Maia couldn’t be bothered to talk to him any further. She looked away and waited for the police.“Aren’t you curious to know how I found you?” He knew she was upset and that he couldn’t keep teasing her. So, he decided to say something to pique her interest.Maia was indeed curious. However, she frowned and remained quiet when she recalled that he had taken advantage of her earlier. The police started questioning her shortly. “Can you please tell us what happened
This was a human life they were talking about here. ‘Why…? Why would he do it?’She couldn’t figure out why, either, when Rita pushed her off the stairs. How could people be this cruel? After all, Rita loved Zera like her own. Maia inhaled deeply and felt as though she was at her breaking point. It was probably because she went through too much recently. It was stifling.The summer breeze was warm, but Maia felt cold. Cedric approached and embraced her without saying anything.Maia was startled. It felt so familiar. She would’ve felt safe in his embrace back then, but she simply pushed him away.“Could they trace the guy who called the owner?” She asked.“It was a dead end.”Maia frowned. Another dead end.“He was probably the same guy who sent me the video.” Maia called the number, but it didn’t get through. The person probably used a fake number.“Probably.”Maia nodded and said, “Thank you, Cedric.”He raised his brow and asked, “Is that how you’re thanking me?” Maia t
Maia was startled by what he did. She backed off, frightened, until her back pressed against the couch. She frowned and said, “That’s too close. Do you want me to slap you again, Cedric?”He laughed. She was just adorable, even when she was trying to be mean.All of a sudden, someone ran to his room. They could hear him before he went into the room, “These are the gifts I bought for my dad, Maia!”Aiken pushed open the door and was stunned when he saw them in this state. Luckily, he was fast to react. He set the gifts on the floor and dashed at them. “Don’t worry, Maia! I’ll protect you!”Cedric frowned, infuriated over Aiken’s entrance. Maia seized the opportunity and pushed him away. She kept a distance from him after she stood up. Then, Aiken stood in front of her and protected her the way a mother bear would its cub. “Just come at me, Cedric. Why do you have to pick on Maia over and over again?”Maia was a little worried about Aiken. Cedric was professionally trained,
“You’re here at last, Cedric! Would you listen to what she’s saying?” Rita started whining.“I merely suspected that she’s behind Zera’s murder, but look at how unapologetic she is. Does she think she’s some big shot just because she’s the CEO of Starlight Entertainment?”Cedric grinned and said, “She is a big shot. What about you?”Rita was startled. “I’ve got you, Cedric. You’re my son! What need do I have for a company?” All of the staff lowered their heads and started grinning. Even the participants who were rushing to the shoot stopped in their tracks.After all, no one expected the famous man to have a mother who could not take a hint!Baz realized more people were gathered around them. So, he moved to clear them away. Rita started bawling after the crowd dispersed. She whined, “I saw Zera, Cedric. I-It was horrible. She is part of our family. Her fate is tragic, but the perpetrator is free. “I’m heartbroken! Maia came out of her kidnapping in one piece. My baby, on th
“One of my friends who works at Stonebrook told me that Maia was kidnapped and the production team kept a lid over this piece of news. What makes them think they could pull it off? “My friend also said that they found Maia in the same place Zera died. It looks like there’s more to this than meets the eye!”“So, that’s what went down. It’s normal for Ms. Rita to suspect Maia, then. I think she’s also responsible for the leaked video about Zera! “After all, she’s the CEO of Starlight Entertainment. Don’t you guys think it’d be easy for her to turn up with unfavorable news about celebrities?”“If Maia really was responsible for it, then why would Cedric not do anything? After all, he grew up with Zera. Is he going to let his younger sister’s reputation stay ruined because he’s taking Maia’s side?”As their plane took off from the airport, Cedric and Maia turned off their phones. The news of their return to Prismara spread quickly, and a large number of reporters camped out at the a
The reporters searched for Cedric when they heard her. All of them rushed at him when they saw him. Maia ran to Buck. The pain from wearing the high heels and her ankle wound were acting up again. “You threw Cedric under the bus, Ms. Maia.”Buck opened the backseat door before anyone noticed her. She slipped into the car swiftly, but she didn’t count on seeing Hope in there. “Are you alright, Maia?” Hope looked at Maia with worry in her eyes. She quickly gave her a warm drink, saying, “I bought it a moment ago. Drink it while it’s still warm!”Maia took a few sips, steadied her breathing, and asked, “What are you doing here?”“Well…”Buck spoke on her behalf, “Hope was very worried about you, Ms. Maia. She was adamant about tagging along and picking you up.”Maia was surprised. She did not think Hope would be worried about her.“Thank you.” She smiled at Hope and raised her drink, thanking her.Hope shook her head immediately. “I didn’t do much exactly. Buck bought it, act
“Of course, I’d start feeling suspicious when you’re looking at Hope like that. It’s as if you’re trying to steal her away.” Maia smiled cheekily at Buck.“N-no, that’s not true.” Buck tried to deny it but he was not very convincing. “Stop trying to deny it. Just admit that you like her. I could tell right away just from the way you look at her.” “W-was I that obvious?”“See? You’ve admitted it.”Buck was rendered speechless. He did not expect Maia to be so cunning with her words. “Ms. Maia, how could you?” “Don’t make me out to be the bad guy. You were the one who had something to hide.” She turned to stare at Hope, who was standing at the balcony. “If you like her, you should do something about it. Hope clearly doesn’t hate you and since her mother is not here anymore, she needs someone else to look after her, right?” Buck nodded and added playfully, “I guess Hope’s sister is not against this relationship.” “My acknowledgment means nothing. You need Hope to agree.” “