Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 310: Out of the corner of her eye, Maia thought she saw something genuine flicker across his face. His lips curled into a brief, amused smile as they moved. They had barely taken a few steps when they ran straight into Pattie, who stood frozen, her mouth hanging open in shock, and Roland, who, as usual, wore the same unreadable expression. "Relax. Just having a little fun," Maia said, flashing a playful grin. "Wait... you... you..." Pattie stammered, tripping over her words before finally bursting out, "Aren't you married?" "Uh..." Maia glanced at Chris beside her.

She caught him arching an eyebrow, his expression dancing with amusement as he observed her discomfort. A lump formed in Maia's throat. She hadn't intended to hide anything from Pattie, but seated nearby was Roland, Elvira's older brother. Just recently, she and Chris had put on quite the performance in front of Elvira. If Elvira discovered Chris' philandering ways, and if Roland had witnessed Chris entangled with another woman, Elvira would undoubtedly storm into Wront before nightfall. The mere possibility sent a chill through Maia's core.

Clearing her throat, she addressed the two people facing her. "Who says marriage precludes enjoying a little adventure on the side?" "What?" Pattie's lips parted in surprise, but after a moment of stunned silence, she suddenly clapped Maia's shoulder and flashed a thumbs-up. "Now that's the boldness we women need. Bravo!" Leaning into Maia's personal space, she whispered, "I always pegged you for a hopeless romantic, but these four years away have truly hardened your spirit. This is living!" Maia gave an awkward smile but didn't respond.

gⲁν.k - Roland, perched nearby, fixed his gaze on Maia's fingers intertwined with Chris'. His expression visibly darkened. Emotions flickered across his features as he studied her intently. His deeply furrowed brows twitched subtly, and after struggling to contain himself, Roland finally murmured, "Really? I never imagined you were actually this kind of person." Only then did Pattie register Roland's continued presence. She hastily attempted damage control. "Ahem. Well, I didn't mean to imply I'm one of those brazen women.

Actually, I'm extraordinarily faithful in relationships..." Before she could finish, Roland lunged forward and seized Maia's wrist. Roland remained oblivious to Pattie's desperate rambling, leaving Pattie faltering mid-sentence, her throat tightening. "Come with me," Roland commanded, tugging at Maia's wrist as he pivoted toward the exit. In that instant, another powerful hand grabbed Maia's opposite wrist, yanking her backward with startling force.

Roland froze mid-stride, whirling around to find the devastatingly charming yet reckless figure behind Maia, fixing him with an icy, penetrating stare. The two men held onto Maia's wrists in a silent standoff, neither showing any sign of giving in. However, Maia twisted free from Roland's grasp. Turning to the bewildered Pattie, she whispered, "Pattie, please entertain Mr. Cullen on my behalf." With those words hanging in the air, she pulled Chris alongside her and swiftly disappeared from the ballroom. "Maia!" Roland's expression darkened instantly.

He lunged forward to pursue her, but Pattie skillfully intercepted his path. "Mr. Cullen, Maia has maintained such rigid composure for so long. Couldn't you allow her just one evening of freedom?" she interjected smoothly, threading her arm through his. "Come now, let's continue enjoying ourselves. I promise to make sure you have a memorable evening." . . .