Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 183: She had barely known him. What basis did she have for her judgments? Were they just rooted in speculation?

"Like you, I trust my own perceptions," Chris said seriously, maintaining eye contact. "I married you because I trust in who you are. I don't believe you were responsible for stealing the Radiant Jewels collection all those years ago. I believe someone else was at fault and made you the scapegoat."

He had never viewed Maia as a criminal. He was already looking into the matter, intent on proving her innocence.

Maia was taken aback. She looked at Chris, at a loss for words, overwhelmed by his revelation.

Maia was stunned. The people she once trusted most had turned their backs on her, leaving her to wonder why Chris would place such unwavering faith in her, a woman he had only recently met.

Maybe Zoey had spilled everything about her past to him? That had to be it.

Maia exhaled sharply, forcing herself to regain composure. She glanced at Chris, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you for believing in me. I'll admit, I had some… preconceived ideas about you. You were right. It's not fair to judge someone without truly getting to know them. So… from now on, let's forget about all the rumors. Can we start over and really get to know each other?"

Chris gave a warm smile, standing tall with an air of effortless charm that seemed to fill the space around him.

With casual grace, he extended his hand. "Of course. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Watson."

Maia glanced at Chris's long, elegant hand, paused for a brief moment, then took it with a firm shake. "Pleasure to meet you, too, Mr. Cooper." They shared a smile, and for Maia, it felt as though tonight was truly their first meeting.

Just as the air between them relaxed, an unexpected thought struck Maia. "By the way, Mr. Cooper, what happened to that bouquet of flowers?"

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Chris raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Flowers? What flowers?"

"The bouquet of roses you brought back…" Realizing how intrusive she sounded, she explained quickly, "Don't read too much into it. I was just curious."

Chris appeared to remember, his voice casual. "Oh, I tossed them."

Maia was taken aback.

"Those roses were gorgeous. What a waste to throw them away."

Chris shrugged, an almost playful glint in his eyes. "If I wasn't giving them to anyone, what was the point of holding onto them?"

Maia hesitated. "Were they meant for… someone special?" She wanted to ask if the flowers were for her, but the question felt embarrassingly self-centered. What if Chris had someone else in mind, someone he couldn't give them to?

Her question hung in the air, unfinished.

Before Maia could retract it, Chris locked eyes with her, his voice low but resolute. "They were for you."

Maia's heart skipped a beat. With the air cleared between them, she figured there was no harm in asking. "Why did you want to give me flowers?" she asked. Then, with a playful glint in her eye, Maia teased, "Or do you give flowers to every woman you find attractive?"

Chris chuckled, a low, magnetic sound that made the room seem warmer. "I've only ever given flowers to one woman - my wife."

Maia froze, stunned.

Chris continued calmly, "And I gave them to apologize for what happened last night. I hope you don't think I'm the kind of guy who's just playing around."

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