Chapter 15

A week later, Maverick received an invitation to a business gala. It was an important social event that he couldn't decline. This time, he decided to attend with Chloe. He personally picked out an expensive gown and matching jewelry for her, dressing her up until she looked polished and glamorous. Yet, from the moment they stepped into the banquet hall, awkwardness and discomfort followed them like a shadow. Most of the guests were old acquaintances with ties to both the Pitt and Watson families. When they saw Chloe at Maverick's side, their gazes revealed unrestrained surprise, scrutiny, and even faint disdain. No one addressed her as "Mrs. Pitt." Instead, they politely yet dismissively called her "Ms. Tucker." During conversations, the topic kept circling back to Nicole. "Maverick, we haven't seen Nicky in ages. How is she? I heard she went abroad to clear her head?" "When Nicky was around, she always handled events like this perfectly for you." "Honestly, Nicky was truly ex