Chapter 462. Queen Coronation Ceremony

Apphia’s POV

“Something has changed between you after a special night?” I guess aloud, a knowing smirk tugging at my lips as I watch him closely.

Maximus pauses mid-motion, his chopsticks hovering in the air for just a fraction of a second before he smoothly brings a dumpling to his mouth. He chews slowly, deliberately, like he’s buying time. There’s a subtle shift in him—barely noticeable to anyone else, but I’ve known him long enough to catch it. His shoulders relax a bit too much. His eyes dart away for half a heartbeat.

“Eat, please,” he urges, gesturing vaguely toward my plate. “Before it gets cold.”

His voice is light, casual, but that secret, almost boyish smile refuses to leave his face. It’s not the confident smirk he wears in meetings or negotiations. This one is softer. Private. The kind that betray