Cyrus's face contorted, his bravado replaced by a flicker of fear.

The onlookers murmured nervously, cowed by the threat.

Maggie frowned, confused by Karl's sudden claim of being her boyfriend.

Their eyes met, and Karl offered a reassuring smile, subtly shaking his head to silence her.

Maggie clenched her fists. While she wanted to clear things up, she knew exposing their lie could backfire. These people wouldn't hesitate to hurt them both. With a sigh, she gave up.