Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 29: Brian leaned in quickly, lowering his voice. "Sir, that bracelet costs more than four hundred thousand. Are you sure you want to go through with it?"

A sidelong glance from Vince cut the air between them. "Are you suggesting I can't afford it?"

"Of course not, sir."

There wasn't a doubt in anyone's mind - Vince could afford anything he wanted. In the past, Vince had never once picked out jewelry for Rosanna himself. It was always Brian's task, with strict orders to never choose anything over a hundred thousand.

Even now, Brian's unease lingered. Watching Vince casually select something so expensive without a second thought made him nervous. What if Vince regretted it later and pinned the blame on him for not speaking up?

Soon, the sales associate returned, presenting Vince with an elegantly wrapped bag. Her eyes shimmered with admiration. "Sir, your girlfriend is incredibly lucky to have someone as thoughtful as you."

A polite nod and a gentleman's smile from Vince were all it took to make the young woman blush.

Looking at him - so handsome, wealthy, and composed - she couldn't help but wonder what kind of woman had captured his heart.

Once back inside the car, Vince lifted the lid of the box. He stared at the silver bracelet, his mind drifting somewhere far away.

From the driver's seat, Brian stole a glance at him through the mirror, a playful edge to his voice. "Mr. Ward, going all out like this - are you planning to propose to Miss Morgan?"

Without a flicker of amusement, Vince shut the box with a soft click. "That's not something you need to know," he replied coolly.

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Meanwhile, inside another gleaming Rolls-Royce, Maia was in a good mood. She sneaked a look at Chris, the neon lights outside painting sharp lines across his striking features.

The sleeves of his crisp shirt were casually rolled up, one hand steady on the wheel with an effortless grace. Long, graceful fingers moved with a kind of natural elegance.

There was no denying it - he was dangerously good-looking.

Catching her stare, Chris lifted an eyebrow with a slow, teasing smile. "See something interesting, Miss Watson?"

Maia snapped her gaze forward, flustered. "No. Nothing at all."

As he maneuvered through traffic, Chris' tone turned playful. "If you keep looking at me like that, I might get the wrong idea. Might even think you're falling for me."

Maia let out a soft laugh. "You must be joking, Mr. Cooper. People don't just fall in love like flipping a switch."

"Really?" Chris glanced at her. "You don't think love at first sight is real?"

For a moment, Maia said nothing. In her mind, the memory of Vince surfaced - him standing under the bright sun in a crisp white shirt, his features so handsome that they once stole her breath away. Now, when she looked back, the memory felt hollow, tinged only with sorrow and bitter amusement.

"I've never put much faith in ideas like that," she said eventually, her voice turning distant.

Chris lifted an eyebrow and studied her carefully. His low laugh rumbled through the car. "Well, I do."

The night air crept in through the slightly open window, stirring a restless flutter inside her.

Before the conversation could turn heavier, Maia quickly changed the subject. "You must be starving by now, Mr. Cooper. How about dinner? It's on me."

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