The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!

Chapter 302: A Lifetime Trapped in Maya Monroe’s Grasp

"Tristan?" Maya slowly uttered his name, falling into a brief silence.

She really couldn’t fathom how this matter could be related to Tristan, as she could barely connect Kiki and Tristan together.

The image of Tristan emerged in Maya’s mind - striking features, graceful demeanor, meticulous in his actions, and elusive. He definitely wasn’t one to overflow with kindness, so why would he pave the way for Kiki - collaboration or something else...

Maya carefully tried to recall the plot, but her memory didn’t contain any news of Kiki and Tristan forming an alliance. Tristan rarely appeared in the story; his market tussle with Ian was merely glanced over by the author.

It seems my presence has triggered a butterfly effect in this frenzied world.

"I was equally shocked when I first heard the news. I really couldn’t understand what connection would link Kiki and Tristan; after all, they’re miles apart, like suddenly being lumped together."

Maya pressed her lips tightly, her voice exceptionally soft: "It’s quite tricky to handle this matter; Tristan is not easy to deal with. Ryan, continue to keep an eye on the situation on Kiki’s side."

Ryan’s voice carried a hint of concern: "It’s a bit tricky; previous information has been erased by Tristan. It seems he has a particular concern for Kiki, probably not just a matter of interests."

Maya softly hummed in acknowledgment, then reminded, "Tristan is extremely deep-minded, Ryan, be careful not to let him notice."

"I’ve been an agent for so many years, gathering information is nothing new, you can rest assured."

After hanging up the call, Maya’s gaze lingered on the cup in front of her for a long time. After staring at it for an unknown duration, she picked up the cup, tilted her head slightly, her voice devoid of emotion:

"It’s cold, I’ll get a new one."

*

The next time they received news concerning "Tristan" was at a banquet, hosted personally by Tristan, without any specified purpose, adding to the mysterious aura.

Although Tristan had lived abroad for years, rumors about him within Kyston were abundant. He was quite a famous figure.

Plenty of people were willing to show him respect, almost every notable figure in the circle received this invitation. Some hesitated, knowing the recent discord between Tristan and the Rowe Family, granting Tristan respect meant disfavoring the Rowe Family. Tristan’s business abroad was large, but nowhere near the Rowe Family’s profound foundations.

Unexpectedly, the Rowe Family actually decided to attend the banquet, a complicated relationship many couldn’t comprehend. With that, all hesitation vanished, and everyone was eager to join in the excitement.

Initially, Ian intended to attend the banquet on his own, but he hadn’t expected Maya to propose accompanying him.

Her hand clutched the hem of his garment; tracing up that slender arm revealed Maya’s bright and beautiful face. Her eyes seemed shrouded in mist, inexplicably adding a touch of charming innocence.

"Honey, I want to go with you."

Ian’s Adam’s apple bobbed several times, letting her grip his clothing: "I remember you don’t like these banquets; there’s no need to force yourself. I can handle this scene myself."

He asked again: "Why do you want to go?"

Linking this to the possibility that Maya might be concerned about him, Ian’s heartbeat accelerated slightly. But he immediately dismissed such a guess.

Maya did not like him; this Ian knew well.

The illusion between them had almost been torn apart, and Maya no longer acted. Ian genuinely hoped there might be a day when everything Maya said in pretense was true...

If it were all true...

Just thinking about it was enough to send shivers down his spine.

"I’ve been really bored lately, want to join the fun. Take me with you."

She had a feeling that this banquet wouldn’t be simple. Regardless, Maya wanted to understand the relationship between Tristan and Kiki. It’s usually difficult to see Tristan; this was a great opportunity.

Ian hesitated somewhat; he didn’t really want Maya to attend this banquet. From a selfish point of view, he didn’t want Maya to have any contact with Tristan, as the relationship between Tristan and himself was very tense. Whether this banquet was a trap or not was uncertain, and he didn’t want to risk taking Maya along.

In fact, Tristan’s previous interest in Maya was already enough to make Ian furious; he did not like Tristan using Maya’s influence in any way.

"Can’t you really take me there? I promise to stay obediently by your side without causing you any trouble!"

Her eyes seemed to sparkle with bright light, so obedient it left Ian unable to refuse.

He seemed never able to refuse her, no matter what request she made in any situation.

"If you’re unwilling, forget it..."

Just before Maya withdrew her hand, Ian seized it with a reverse grip, his fingers applying a slight force, feeling the soft warmth in his palm: "Go upstairs and get ready; I’ll wait here for you."

In the end, he relented.

Maya’s eyes immediately lit up with a radiant smile as she stepped forward to give Ian a gentle hug: "Honey, I knew you were the best to me!"

Before he could answer, Maya was already enthusiastically heading upstairs.

Ian watched Maya’s joyful silhouette, unintentionally letting out a soft laugh.

It’s often said that one thing overcomes another; afraid he couldn’t escape Maya’s grasp his whole life.

*

This time, Vincent drove the car. Maya was slightly disoriented, unsure of the last time she saw him. Recently, all the fun and games were just between her and Ian, and seeing a third person again, Maya felt somewhat unacquainted.

Ian beside her seemed to explain: "I originally intended to go alone, so I asked Vincent to drive."

Maya nodded.

"Vincent, long time no see."

Vincent looked Maya over: "Indeed, it’s been a while. You look rosy-cheeked; you must have been doing well lately."

"Sure, I’ve been going out for delicious food every day."

Though casual in her words, to Vincent, they were meaningful, reminding him of the painful truth of being abandoned. Despite his constant complaints of wearing multiple hats, when one of his roles was removed, he still felt a bit of minor loss.

Still, it wasn’t complete abandonment; when Ian went to the company, it was still Vincent who chauffeured, and his salary hadn’t decreased.

This way of thinking... actually wasn’t bad.

Typical of his own folly—missing fewer servings of dog food, yet still lingering with reluctance?

Vincent finished his internal rant, then went over to open the car door: "Come, come, get in."

Ian watched Maya get into the car, only then did he step in slowly.