Chapter 08 Stand a Chance


    Having been keeping a watchful eye from Cedric’s car, Baz got out and hurried over, “Sir!”


    Cedric sttered and carelessly wiped the blood off the corner of his mouth.


    Not expecting him to show up there, Nigel was furious.


    “If you dare to harass her again, I’m going to fuck you up, asshole!” Nigel took M’s hand and brought her into the hallway.


    Maia nced at Cedric from the corner of her eye and saw a bitter look on his face.


    As she passed him by, he murmured, “Just stay upstairs, okay?”


    After all, it wasn’t safe for her to go anywhere all by herself.


    Maia pursed her lips and followed Nigel into the hallway. When the hallway door closed, M let out a relieved sigh.


    “You did great, sir. You mustn''t fight back even when you know you can beat him. She would only pity the one that got punched.”


    Cedric shifted his gaze to Baz and snorted. “Gaining sympathy that way won’t work.”


    “It worked this time. The look in her eyes was different just now, you know,” Baz said. seriously.


    Hearing what he said, several middle-aged women who just happened to be taking out their garbage chimed in.


    “The young man is right. I’m a woman too. It’s important to get a girl to pity you.”


    “| couldn’t agree more. I’m sure she appreciated how you ended up getting punched while trying to protect her.”


    “Gaining sympathy works. It sure worked on us when we were young”


    Cedric chuckled. “Do you guys really think | stand a chance?”


    Baz was stupefied. Was Cedric seriously listening to advice from a bunch of middle-ageddies?


    The women nodded smilingly.


    “You''re so good-looking, Of course, you stand a chance.”


    Cedric chuckled and asked, “What about the other guy?”


    “He looks like a gentleman, but he’s a brute! If he couldy his hands on you, what’s to


    say


    he


    “That’s right! If it weren’t for you, he might have hurt her by ident just now. He should learn from you.


    “Yeah, | would choose you over him anytime.”


    Cedric smiled and turned to Baz. “Give thesedies a gift card each.”


    Knowing that Cedric was in a good mood, Baz nodded. “How much should | put on the cards?”


    “Make it 10 grand a piece.”All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Baz


    gulped. Cedric was giving away gift cards worth 10,000 dors each just like that?


    “As you wish, sir.” Baz quickly took out the gift cards and gave them to thedies.


    Feeling as though they had struck the lottery, the womenughed happily.


    “Oh, my God! I’m sure the youngdy would fall for a generous man like you!”


    “Keep it up, young man. She’s even prettier than most movie stars. You two are going to make a great couple!”


    “| bet you''ll find a way to win her heart. Trust us, okay?”


    What they said put Cedric in a wonderful mood.


    Bazter took the seat behind the wheel and smiled at his boss in the back seat. “Sir, thedies approved the strategy |


    suggested. Don’t | deserve a gift card as well?”


    “Nice try.”


    Baz pouted and started the Maybach. Soon, he drove out of the apartmentplex onto the


    street.


    Cedric took out a phone and texted Maia, “Don’t wander around all by yourself. It isn’t safe.”


    Back in the apartment, Maia’s phone vibrated.


    She checked her phone and pursed her lips as she saw the message.


    “You''re back so soon? What did you buy?” Tess saw Maia was empty-handed. “what''s with that look on your faces? What


    happened? Did Theo try to assault you?” Tess anxiously rushed


    over to Maia.


    Grabbing Maia’s arms, she examined Maia from head to toe.


    “Are you all right? It’s lucky that Nigel went downstairs to look for you!”


    “Don''t worry, Aunt Tess. Theo didn’t show up.” Maia shook her head.


    “Then what happened?”


    “Nothing. Let’s just eat, okay?” Maia nudged Tess toward the dining area and guided her into


    her seat.


    Growing even more confused, Tess looked toward Nigel. “Nigel, what happened?”


    “Nothing happened, Aunt Tess,” Nigel said calmly as he returned to his seat. “Anyway, | love your cooking. We should finish the


    meal before it gets cold.”


    “Nigel is right!” Errol gestured with a smile. “Aunt Tess, you’ve watched too many soap


    Operas.”


    Even though Errol sensed that something did happen, he knew it wasn’t the time to pursue the matter.


    After what happened, Tess moved on from Nigel’s love life and asked about Maia’s work instead.


    “Maia, | saw on Twitter that you''re producing a talent show called The Quest. At the end of the show, you''re going to choose 10


    girls from the participants to form a girl group that will be managed by Starlight, right?”