Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 368: Witnessing the typically unflappable Roland in such a flustered state, Pattie couldn't suppress a delighted laugh. She discovered, to her surprise, that he possessed something adorable. Never before last night would the word "adorable" have entered Pattie's mind when thinking of Roland. Inside the bathroom, Roland sagged against the door, his mind a whirlpool of confusion. How could this have happened?! His reputation for calculated composure now lay in tatters. What madness had possessed him to act so foolishly?

As self-recrimination consumed him, a gentle knock interrupted his spiral of shame. Pattie's voice filtered through the wooden barrier, "Roland, your phone is ringing." Reluctantly, Roland cracked the door open just enough to reveal half his face, his body concealed protectively behind the wooden shield as he extended a single hesitant hand. With a bemused expression, Pattie placed the device in his waiting palm. He snatched it hastily and sealed his sanctuary with a decisive snap, the lock clicking into place once more. Outside, Pattie rolled her eyes skyward in unmistakable frustration.

Was he seriously treating her like some predatory thief? Had he conveniently forgotten how, yesterday, he'd boldly guided her hand to his abdomen, inviting her to appreciate his physique? Behind the door, Roland glanced down as the screen illuminated with an incoming call. Elvira's name flashed across the display. He drew a deep breath to steady himself before answering with feigned composure, "Hello?" "Roland!" Elvira's voice burst through the speaker with startling enthusiasm. "How did it go? Did you manage to meet Maia's husband yesterday?

Have you hatched a plan to win Maia back from him?" R glν.o Since Roland's arrival in Wront, Elvira had existed in a perpetual state of anxiety. While Roland excelled in most areas of life, he remained hopelessly inept when it came to matters of the heart. Words evaporated on Roland's tongue as he groped for an appropriate response. The chaotic events of the previous night defied any simple explanation he might offer Elvira. As he floundered in uncomfortable silence, another soft knock echoed against the door, followed by Pattie's melodious voice filtering through the door.

"I need to head to the office, so I'm leaving now." The line went deadly silent for a heartbeat, then erupted with Elvira's piercing shriek. "Was that a woman's voice I just heard? Were you with Maia last night? Did you two actually sleep together? Oh my god, Roland, you absolute legend! I knew you had it in you!" Roland stood rooted by the sink, staring at the faint silhouette lingering just beyond the bathroom door. A heavy silence stretched between them, awkward and uncertain. On the other end of the line, Elvira practically buzzed with excitement.

In her mind, silence was as good as a confession. Finally, she thought, triumph curling in her chest, she had succeeded in making Maia her sister-in-law. "You are incredible, Roland! Only you could pull this off. You are the person I admire most! There is nothing in this world you cannot handle!" Elvira gushed, her voice bright with misplaced enthusiasm. Roland pressed two fingers against his temple, a headache pounding at the edges of his patience. "Let us not talk about this right now. I am hanging up." "Wait, Roland! Tell me the details-" He hung up without mercy. . . .