Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 232: "Things are getting bad! If you are not mentally ready for this mess, stay off the internet. I'm already working to get someone to shut it down!"

In a calm voice, Maia said, "I've already seen it. It is disgusting."

A moment of silence followed, then Pattie realized that she had been too slow. She rushed to say, "Don't let it get to you. I bet either Vince or that scheming Rosanna is behind this! Vince is trash! I warned you about him four years ago!"

"Why are you more upset about this than I am? Get me the details on that photographer. I need to know who he is," Maia said evenly. "I'm not upset. It's just the nature of fame to attract scandals."

"Understood, you're in charge! I'll update you shortly."

Immediately after Pattie ended the call, Brielle's message popped up. Maia texted back, "I'm okay, will reach out later." Soon after, Elvira's persistent calls began.

With a resigned sigh, Maia picked up the phone.

"Maia, Vince can't hold a candle to my brother in looks. What could possibly attract you to him? It seems like he's pestering you. Am I right?"

"Exactly! You nailed it," Maia said.

"As I was saying, my brother was shocked when he saw the headlines. Also, you'll be hearing from someone at Zenith Legal soon. Don't hesitate to use their services!" Elvira's enthusiasm didn't wane, her voice showing her disregard for the gossip and her lack of worry for Maia. "But how will you explain this situation to your new husband? The photos are quite suggestive… Why not just reveal your marriage? And introduce me to this mysterious husband of yours!"

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

From beyond the doorway, Chris called out, "Maia, can you hear me?"

Discover what's next on gⱯlnσν????ℓs․????o????

"Wait just a second," Maia replied to the door.

Dropping her voice to a whisper, she muttered something to Elvira and hurriedly ended the call.

A thought crossed Maia's mind: maybe Chris had shown up at this odd hour because he had caught wind of her situation with Vince. She rose from her seat and made her way toward the entrance. Her fingers hovered uncertainly above the doorknob for a moment before she finally swung the door open.

Chris stood there, looking sharp as a tack - his suit crisp, shoes gleaming, carrying himself with the poise of someone used to being in charge. He appeared almost too good-looking to be real, like a charismatic leading man from a romance novel.

For a heartbeat, Maia stood rooted to the spot, half-thinking he must be someone else.

"Good morning, Mr. Cooper. Is there something I can do for you?" she asked.

Chris' face gave nothing away.

He gave a small nod and motioned with his hand toward the kitchen table.

"Yes. I whipped up some breakfast. Care to join me?" he offered.

Maia gave Chris a wary look. It wasn't like him to bother making breakfast. Most days, he just grabbed something prepackaged. Maybe her earlier praise about his cooking had gone to his head. Maybe that had pushed him to try making something from scratch.

"Alright, let's see what you've cooked up, Chef Cooper!" she said with a grin.

Before long, the two of them were sitting across from each other at the table.

Maia bent over her plate and took her first bite.

.

.

.