Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 1070 Chapter 1071: Back then, regardless of the crisis, Maia always carried herself with a calmness that unsettled her rivals, often catching them off guard in the end. She could laugh even in the middle of chaos, brushing away storms with ease. This time, however, the faint weariness in her eyes and the sincerity behind them made Pattie's chest tighten. Pattie's throat felt dry as she forced out the words, anxiety lacing her tone. "Maia, don't keep me guessing. Are you hiding something serious from me?" No answer came. Maia only pressed her lips together and held her silence.

Her thoughts wandered to Chris and the surgery that so few dared to attempt. Fingers curled against her palms as the weight of it pressed on her. At last, her voice broke the silence. "I can't share everything, but I have to disappear from the spotlight for a while. I need you to stand in for me, to make it seem as if I've been by your side the whole time." She hesitated, then her words dropped heavier. "That means Chris, too." Pattie lifted her brows, mischief flickering across her face.

"Maia, the way you're saying that makes it sound like you're sneaking around with some secret lover and asking me to be your alibi." Maia shook her head, her reply firm. "That's not it at all, but I can't go into details right now." A laugh slipped out of Pattie since her words had been meant only to ease the heavy mood. "Don't worry, I won't ask you if you don't think it's time to reveal that. We're best friends, aren't we? That's what a friend is for. That's what I'm here for. Just rest assured. I'll do as you say." She thumped her chest with certainty.

"You can trust me to cover you." Still, as the thought lingered, Pattie grew serious again. "Maia, just take care of yourself. If there's anything I can do to help, you only need to ask." It was in that instant that Maia recognized something. There truly was a task that only Pattie could manage. "I need a favor, Pattie," Maia said, her gaze fixed on her friend. "How serious are things with you and Roland?" Find your imagination at galn ovels ; con Pattie was taken aback, then coughed a few times to mask her embarrassment. "What do you mean by asking that?

We're just friends, of course." Her eyes avoided Maia's, betraying her discomfort. Maia, noticing Pattie's unease, smiled gently. "You've changed, Pattie." Pattie turned away, muttering, "People do change." Her words lacked conviction, even to herself. Maia shifted the conversation. "We've known each other for ten years, haven't we?" The tension in the room eased. Pattie exhaled in relief. "Yes, we have. Why bring that up now? Weren't we discussing a favor?" Maia's smile softened further.

"You've fallen for him, haven't you?" Pattie faltered, then retorted, "What are you getting at, Maia?" Their eyes locked, each searching the other's intentions. After a brief silence, Pattie laughed, her guard dropping. "Fine, you've got me. You know me too well, Maia. It's like you see right through me." . . .